Volunteering to support youth and adults with developmental disabilities for a week long overnight camp. Includes training, transportation and meals.

(Sunrise Developmental Support Services)

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Position ID: V-OSH1579
Last Modified: 10 Feb 2026
Last Full Update: 10 Feb 2026

Opportunity Details: Volunteering to support youth and adults with developmental disabilities for a week long overnight camp. Includes training, transportation and meals.

Contact Amber McKinley, Executive Director, Sunrise Developmental Support Service; Phone: 9054389910; Email: programs@sunrisedss.ca
Duties
  • Early experience: to best understand clients and program dynamics, new volunteers interested in camp are to attend ongoing recreation events during the spring/summer time before camp.
  • Complete training, including an online workshop and 2-day training (all allocated towards volunteer hours)
  • Reside in a cabin amongst members (clients), volunteers, and staff
  • Providing emotional support, "volunteering to be a friend."
  • (Not Mandatory) hygiene support, including but not limited to: dressing, teeth brushing, showering, toileting
  • Escorting members to nurses for medications in a timely manner
  • Work alongside volunteers under the supervision of camp staff
  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Support participation in camp programming such as swimming, sports, crafts, games, campfires, and special events
  • Encourage social interaction, confidence, and independence in a fun, respectful way
  • Assist with mealtimes, including prompting, light physical assistance, and supervision
  • Help maintain camper safety and supervision at all times, following camp policies and training
  • Support transitions between activities and help campers stay engaged and regulated
  • Communicate effectively with camp staff, nurses, and leadership about camper needs or concerns
  • Respond calmly to behavioural or emotional needs, using strategies provided during training
Benefits 160 hours of community service 
References upon request 
Memorable and rewarding experience 
Enjoying a week in a beautiful camp-like setting
Clients Youth and adults with a wide range of developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and Williams syndrome, along with physical disabilities that may involve mobility, balance, or stability supports. Ages 15 and up, primarily individuals between 20s to late 40s
Ages 16 year(s) - 50 year(s)
Suitable For Adults (18+) ; Youth (12-18) ; Highschool students ; Post-secondary students ; Men ; Women
Areas of Interest Behavioural and Developmental Support Services ; Community / Neighbourhood Volunteering ; Games ; Life Skills Support ; Physical Fitness & Exercise ; Recreation & Sports ; Social Interaction ; Special Needs / Differently Abled ; Speech & Hearing Support ; Support for Visual Impairments ; Support Group Facilitation ; Youth & Activity Camp Support
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Compassion, patience, positivity, kindness ; Confidentiality ; Creativity ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Leadership ; Listening Skills ; Mentoring & Training ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Team Work
Commitment Length One Time / Special Event - 1 week long camp - also includes 2 days of training ; MANDATORY - In order to be eligible to attend camp as a volunteer, we ask that volunteers interested in camp, who have never volunteered with Sunrise before, attend some of our Recreation Events that are held multiple times each month during evenings and weekends. This will help with early on-set training on clientele, support logistics and program dynamics.
Interaction Level One-on-one - Ontario ; Small Group - Ontario ; Large Group - Ontario
Minimum Hours 160 (Total)
Dates and Times Tuesday: Evening (Art Workshops 5:30-9:15pm) 
Wednesday: Evening (Cooking Classes 5-9:15pm) 
Thursday: Evening (Dances 5-9:15pm) 
Friday: Evening (Dinner & Movie 3:30-9:15pm) 
Saturday: Morning, Afternoon (Camp training - dates TBD) 
Sunday: Morning, Afternoon (Camp training - dates TBD) 
 
Please note that we also host events on weekends. We host weekend-long cabin retreats in May, June and July. We also have bi-monthly Pub Nights from 4-9:15pm, Sunrise Saturdays from 9:45am-4:15pm and monthly Bowling from 6:30-9pm
Seasons Spring ; Summer
Accessibility Fully Accessible ; Designated parking at entrance - Designated VISITOR parking spots at front and side of building
Location Main Building: 1621 McEwen Drive, Whitby ON L1N 9A5 - Camp Location : 200 Kodiak Rd, McKellar
Number of Positions Ajax ; Bowmanville ; Brooklin ; Clarington ; Courtice ; Durham Region ; Oshawa ; Pickering ; Port Perry ; Scugog ; Uxbridge (Township of) ; Whitby 
 
25 individual(s) needed in total.
Training Orientation - Attending 1 of our Recreation events as part of your orientation ; Training is required - Online workshop plus 2-day training (dates TBD) ; Scheduled training
Transportation Near public transit ; Transportation provided - Transportation to camp provided via coach bus, need to be brought to main building in Whitby
Application Deadline 15 May 2026
Cost $0
Police Check Required
Additional Requirements Cleared Vulnerable Sector from within the past year is required. If you do not have one, a Charity letter can be provided upon request to reduce costs. VSC must be cleared before training.
Liability Insurance Available

Agency Details: Sunrise Developmental Support Services

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Office Phone 905-438-9910
E-Mail programs@sunrisedss.ca
Website https://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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