Camp Quality New Jersey, a volunteer-driven, community-funded nonprofit organization providing free sleep-away camping experiences for children with cancer, is seeking volunteers for its summer 2016 session from Aug. 13-18.
Volunteers are needed to serve as companions, support staff and medical personnel at the camp in Sussex County, according to a press release.
At camp, each child is matched with a companion, said Kaitlin DeGennaro, camp director.
“Companions are an important part of the camp’s success, ensuring that children receive individualized attention and are well cared for while they are away from family members. All companions go through extensive training and must meet stringent criteria before being matched with a camper,” DeGennaro added.
Special care is given to matching to ensure the companion is emotionally capable of attending to the needs of the camper and that the camper benefits from the experience and relationship that will carry throughout the year, beyond the summer camping experience, according to the press release. Additionally, the medical staff attends to the needs of each camper so he or she may continue their treatment outside of a hospital setting.
Interested volunteers must complete an online application. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and one year out of high school at camp time. In addition, volunteers must provide three references, pass a police records check and complete a personal interview in Freehold Township.
Interviews will be held at CentraState Medical Center on June 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and June 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Once selected, volunteers must participate in a full day of training in Freehold Township on June 26 or July 16.
According to Al Passy, executive director of Camp Quality New Jersey, a limited number of spaces are available for children wishing to attend the camp. Campers must be between the ages of 5 and 17 by the start of the session. Campers can be at any stage of their illness, regardless of physical limitations, and must be able to spend a week away from home or the hospital. A full range of activities is offered from morning to night, all in keeping with the organization’s credo of “Letting kids with cancer be kids again,” according to the press release.
Camp Quality New Jersey’s programs are focused to care for the emotional needs of children with cancer and their families.
“As these children face challenging days and celebrate the good ones, our support network of peers provides strength and hope,” Passy said.
In addition to the summer camp session, support programs are offered throughout the year, such as reunions and family outings. For more information about Camp Quality New Jersey, including an application to volunteer or attend camp, visit www.campqualityusa.org/nj or call 908-566-6548.