Camp Volunteer Support

(Sunrise Developmental Support Services)

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Position ID: V-OSH0746
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2024
Last Full Update: 18 Mar 2024

Opportunity Details: Camp Volunteer Support

Contact Carly Lambe, Recreation Manager, Sunrise Developmental Support Services; Phone: (905) 438 9910 * (289) 927 5977; Email: recmanager@sunrisedss.ca
Duties

You will be responsible for ensuring the well-being of our members while supporting an incredible experience with them at camp. Volunteers in cabins are balanced between newer and more experienced volunteers, all of whom attend a 2-day mandatory training. You will ensure the daily support for our members including but not limited to:

  • ensuring they are brought to the nurses cabin to receive their meds
  • bringing members to various activities throughout camp
  • act in a friend-like support for members where rapport building means creating friendships, while role-modeling healthy social/life skills
  • ensure our members are cared for in their daily routines and hygiene depending on the level of  support. 
  • attend daily activities and programs with members, encourage participation and provide an unforgettable experience for and with them!

Luggage Drop Off & Departure

The day before departure, all members and volunteers will bring their luggage to the Sunrise main building to pack up. Please note that we recommend soft luggage such as hockey bags to avoid potential damages. All materials brought to camp from food items, luggage, first aid and activity supplies are placed in a Penske truck. If you take any medications whether prescribed, non-prescription (i.e. supplements), or as-needed (PRN), you will need to provide the medication along with documentation at luggage drop off. From there, you will review your medications and documentation with one of the camp nurses - volunteers under the age of 18 yo will need a parent or guardian to accompany and sign off on documentation. Medication documentation will be sent to you via email by our Recreation Manager Carly. 

We will meet at Sunrise and take a bus up to Camp. Please find dates for orientation and camp below! You will be requested to bring a "brown bag lunch" meaning nothing that requires heating up or refrigeration. Food is catered throughout the week including the drive back from camp. Volunteers are welcome to bring snacks of their own but are asked to enjoy them away from members during off hours. 

Training & Mixer

Volunteers will receive a 2-day training that will help prepare them for the adventurous week at camp. Please note, all new volunteers will also be asked to attend some of our monthly events including a mandatory Cabin Retreat (we have ones in May and June, please see mandatory dates below for details).  This will help newer volunteers grasp the routines of getting up with members and get to know some of the wonderful people who will be attending camp. We will also be hosting a Wabi Mixer (dates below) where members and volunteers can mingle with who is in their cabin before camp!

Mandatory Dates 

  1. Wabikon Training Day 1 - Sunday July 28th from 10am-3pm
  2. Wabikon Training Day 2 - Saturday August 10th from 10am-3pm
  3. Wabikon Mixer - Thursday August 15th from 6-9pm
  4. Wabikon Luggage & Medication Drop Off - Saturday August 18th from 1-4pm
  5. Camp Departure - Monday August 19th at 7:30am (leave at 8am) at our main building.
  6. Camp Return - Sunday August 25th between 4-5pm 

Please select these on the booking site in addition to Camp if attending Volunteer Mixer August 17th 6pm - 9pm Volunteer Orientation & Training Weekend Chose ONE selection on the booking site in addition to Camp July 29th + 30th OR August 12th + 13th Luggage & Medication Drop Off August 19th 12pm - 3pm Camp Departure Monday August 7:30am - Bus leaves at 8am Camp Return Sunday August 27th - Bus returns at approximately 5pm

Benefits Unforgettable experience working with various individuals with developmental disabilities, a wonderful opportunity for a resume in varying fields. Volunteers also receive up to 160 alone for the week in addition to hours spent training and coming to other events leading up to camp. Moreover, referencing opportunities are provided.  
The camp is all-inclusive, payment free with transportation and food provided throughout the week.
Clients At Sunrise, we proudly cater to a diverse clientele, each possessing a unique blend of functionality, communication style, cognitive abilities, and physical mobility. Our programs embrace this rich tapestry of individuality, recognizing the special characteristics inherent in every participant. 
 
With a commitment to breaking down barriers of ableism, we champion autonomy and self-determination for each individual we serve. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary tools to actively participate in our programs, fostering inclusivity at every turn. 
 
At Sunrise, we believe in seizing every opportunity for enjoyment, connection, and community. Through our wide array of programs, participants have the chance to forge meaningful friendships, explore their interests, and fully embrace the vibrant spirit of our Sunrise community. 
 
Join us at Sunrise, where diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every individual is valued for their unique contribution.
Ages 17 year(s) - 55 year(s)
Suitable for Highschool Credit Hours Yes
Suitable For Anyone ; Adults (18+) ; Seniors (55+) ; Highschool students ; Post-secondary students ; Men ; Women ; Couples ; Individuals
Areas of Interest Arts & Crafts ; Behavioural and Developmental Support Services ; Community / Neighbourhood Volunteering ; Field Trip Aide / Community Outing Support ; Friend / Penpal ; Life Skills Support ; Music & Performing Arts ; Personal Support ; Respite Services ; Special Needs / Differently Abled ; Speech & Hearing Support ; Support for Visual Impairments
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Ability to adapt to unique methods of communication for individuals who have hearing impairments, utilize communication devices etc. ; Confidentiality ; Creativity ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; First Aid - Ensuring the support needs and safety of our members remains the number one priority, and if assistance is needed to ensure the member is brought to our nurses to receive the proper care. ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Leadership ; Listening Skills ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Team Work - You will be living in a cabin with members, volunteers and staff. You will all work together to ensure member care is supported and the workload is distributed evenly. Moreover, you will arrange with your cabin team on daily schedules and activities.
Commitment Length One Time / Special Event ; Short Term ; Long Term (Minimum of 6 months) ; Training dates are in July and August prior to camp. We encourage volunteers to attend events beforehand especially our overnight Cabin Retreats to get a sense of the overnight dynamics of member care and support.
Interaction Level Small Group ; Large Group ; Cabins will consist between 5-9 members, with 3-5 volunteers/staff
Minimum Hours 177 (Total)
Dates and Times Monday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight) 
Tuesday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight) 
Wednesday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight) 
Thursday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight) 
Friday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight) 
Saturday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight) 
Sunday: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (Up by 8am (unless earlier for meds) until midnight)
Seasons Summer
Accessibility Partially Accessible - terrain at camp can be uneven, will require proper foot wear with traction. ; Wheelchair accessible automatic main entrance ; Wheelchair accessible washroom, assistance needed with door
Location Camp Wabikon, 2430 T234 Lake Temagami, Temagami, ON P0H 2H0
Number of Positions Ajax ; Brooklin ; Clarington ; Courtice ; Durham Region ; Greater Toronto Area ; Markham ; Oshawa ; Pickering ; Port Perry ; Scarborough ; Scugog ; Uxbridge (Township of) ; Whitby 
 
40 individual(s) needed in total.
Training Orientation - Google forum and potential meeting with Recreation Manager ; Training is provided - online workshop (approx. 2 hours) followed by 2-day training ; Training is required ; Scheduled training - Sunday July 28th from 10am-4pm and Saturday August 10th from 10am-4pm ; Training on-going ; The training days are as follows: 
 
Wabikon Training Day 1 - Team Building and Activity Coordination: volunteers are an integral part of camp, and will assist staff in running the amazing activities they have planned. During the first day of training, we will conduct some ice breakers, team building activities so volunteers can create the bonds that will support one another during camp. Moreover, we will assign volunteers to the activities they will be running. We will then give volunteers time to review the activity, and create a quick facilitation scrimmage of the activity. This will also allow time for volunteers to provide feedback on the activities and suggestions if needed. You will then receive a booklet with your activity so you will be ready to run it at camp! 
 
Wabikon Training Day 2 - All About Member Care: volunteers will spend the day learning about each and every member who is attending camp. From their likes, dislikes, triggers, support/hygiene needs, health overview etc., volunteers will learn about the members they will be supporting and how to give them the best care possible. This information will be available to volunteers throughout camp in a binder that will remain in your cabin for easy access. This will be an opportunity for newer volunteers to ask questions, and previous volunteers provide insight on their experiences.
Transportation Transportation provided - By school bus
Application Deadline 22 Jun 2024
Cost N/A
Police Check Required
Start Date On or after 01 Jun 2024
End Date 25 Aug 2024

Agency Details: Sunrise Developmental Support Services

Office Phone 905-438-9910
E-Mail programs@sunrisedss.ca
Website www.sunrisedss.ca
Address & Map
1621 McEwen Dr
Unit 6
Whitby, ON
Canada L1N 9A5
Mailing Address 1621 McEwen Dr 
Unit 6 
Whitby, ON 
Canada L1N 9A5

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