Weekend Buddy: Supporting a Jill's House Camper with Disabilities

About

Weekend Adventures are exciting weekends away at camp in Lake Geneva, WI for kids (ages 6 to 17) with intellectual disabilities. As a volunteer, you will be a kid’s assigned "buddy" for a whole weekend of fun and engaging activities! There are always staff around who are trained to handle any medical or behavioral changes, so you and your team can simply focus on having fun with your campers as they enjoy activities such as archery, hiking, rope swings, s’mores, campfires, bounce castles... and so much more!

And while you and your buddy are having an awesome weekend, their families are given critical time to rest and recharge. This is truly a gift you are giving to the parents and will empower them in their lives and relationships.

We welcome groups or individuals, ages 16 and older and provide all the training you’ll need! Our staff are with you every step of the way, so no special needs experience is required. All you need is a heart to serve these wonderful kids!

To volunteer as a group or individual at our Lake Geneva, WI location, please email kelly.elwell@jillshouse.org.

Skills

• Child Care
• Child Development
• Outdoor Recreation
• People Skills
• Special Needs
• Youth Services

Requirements

• Orientation or Training
• Background Check
• Time Commitment:We ask that volunteers commit their weekends from 5:00 pm on Friday to after lunch on Sunday.
• Other Requirements:Because we want the right volunteers to safely interact with our campers, we do require an application process and a background check.
• Minimum Age:16

About the Organization

Jill’s House Weekend Adventures (JHWA) has come to the Chicago/Southeastern WI area to bring Jill’s House Windy City. JHWA is a three-day camp experience for children with intellectual disabilities, where they get to enjoy an incredible weekend just for them, while their families receive some much-needed respite.

At Weekend Adventures, special children (ages 6-17) create memories and friendships through activities like hayrides, hikes, crafts, games, talent shows, ropes courses, swimming and more. At the same time, they are surrounded by caring and committed onsite medical personnel, child care specialists, staff, and one-on-one buddies that ensure every detail is managed and every unique need is met so parents can enjoy a worry-free break. Meals, accommodations, activities, and full-time care are all included, making this all-inclusive weekend a stress-relieving time for everyone.