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SPECIAL CAMPS COUNSELOR REGISTRATION

(For High School + College Aged Volunteers).

2023 Waivers  (complete application below and print / mail the waivers).

Special Camps is now accepting applications for it’s all volunteer, summer camp for kids + adults with intellectual disabilities. To apply you must have completed ninth grade by June, 2023 and be committed to spending 1 full week at camp.

Please complete the application below and then mail or scan and email the waivers back to Special Camps Winfield address at your earliest convenience, as many of our positions fill quickly.

We rent the White Pines Ranch in Oregon, IL. It is located about 30 minutes West of DeKalb. We encourage volunteers to carpool with others from your school, as parking is limited.

There will be three sessions:

  • Session 1. Sunday – Friday, June 4 – 9 for adult campers
  • Session 2. Sunday – Friday, June 11 – 16 for school aged campers
  • Session 3. Sunday – Friday, June 18 – 23 for adult campers

Orientation and training will be held Sunday at the ranch before campers arrive.

We’ll treat our campers to an authentic dude ranch experience. We’ll go no trail rides with over 75 horses, swim, complete crafts, sports, archery, groom and paint horses, field games, yoga and more alongside our special needs campers. The dorm rooms are both air conditioned and carpeted.

As a camp counselor, you will be a best friend, teacher and coach to usually 2 campers with intellectual disabilities. A few campers also have physicals disabilities. Our campers are pretty independent in caring for their daily needs, but some need help with verbal directions on brushing teeth, or help tying their shoes. Needed are 85 camp counselors between the 3 weeks. It’s a very rewarding experience and an opportunity to make some great new friends. Returning camp counselors call this a “life changing experience”, they can’t wait to return.

Counselors get free time to hang out with our other extraordinary teen counselors directly after lunch and after 9pm. Adult supervision is provided.

Please feel free to call, email or text Colleen McDonald with any questions @ colleen.scamps@icloud.com /  (63o)212-1565.

    Please Note, our children's week fills up very quickly. Please mark all weeks available. Kids need some assistance. Our adult campers are independent, in need of a little guidance from a good friend.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • BACKGROUND CHECK

    By completing this form, you consent to a background check to be performed. Anyone convicted of a felony or with a history of illegal drug use will be automatically disqualified from volunteering for Special Camps.
    by clicking the yes box to consent to background check, applicants 18 and older consent to having a background check performed.
  • example: Boy scouts, Girl scouts, CPR training, Lifeguard Training, First Aid training, Multi-lingual, Sign Language, babysitting experience, etc.
  • Please describe any medical, physical, or psychological conditions that might affect your ability to be a camp counselor in detail.
  • Are you taking any prescribed or over the counter medications you would bring to camp? Please list them in detail.
  • Please explain in detail why you would like to be considered for a camp counselor position helping campers with disabilities.
    Please select which week(s) you are available to attend.
    Sorry, Due to Covid there will be bus providing transportation. Carpooling is recommended as there is limited parking available.