Volunteer

Camp Rainbow volunteers should have the desire and ability to work with children in an outdoor setting and should be committed to Camp Rainbow’s mission of providing free camps to children and families dealing with a pediatric cancer or blood-related disease diagnosis.

Additionally, Camp Rainbow volunteers must:
1. Be able to meet the time commitment for the program with which they are volunteering;
2.  Meet the essential functions of the position for which they are applying as described in the application;
5. Be willing to comply with Camp Rainbow’s background check policies, complete a health history form as requested, and participate in assigned training/orientation sessions.

In response to the modification of our camp delivery models, we have updated our volunteer descriptions.  Please take a moment to review the descriptions at the beginning of the application to choose the correct role for you at Camp Rainbow 2021.

In a typical summer, volunteers at our Overnight Camp and SIBS spend about nine days – two days of staff training and seven days with the campers.

Family Camp volunteers commit to being at Camp on Friday evening and leaving Camp on Monday afternoon over Labor Day Weekend.

Camp-In volunteers commit to at least one 6 hour day in the hospital bringing camp activities to children in-patient or in-treatment.

Teen Camp volunteers commit to being at Camp on Friday evening and leaving on Sunday around lunchtime.

All volunteers will also complete the mandatory orientation sessions as appropriate to their role at Camp Rainbow.

Yes, we’d love to have you. Generally, volunteers are welcome to apply for more than one camp session.  However, in an effort to give everyone a chance to volunteer at Camp Rainbow, volunteers may not be chosen as a volunteer at each camp session to which they applied.

All volunteers receive a copy of the Camp Rainbow Volunteer Handbook.  This important document can answer many of your questions as well as provide important training information.  Each volunteer is asked to complete an online quiz demonstrating sufficient knowledge of the training content. 

Individuals who volunteer at Overnight Camp, Day Camp, and SIBS Camp will also attend onsite training prior to their session with campers.

Individuals who volunteer at Family Camp, will participate in a training prior to the arrival of campers.

The goal of all of our staff training is to make volunteers feel comfortable, informed, and ready to greet campers and families, welcome them to camp, and work with them during their time at camp. During staff training, you will meet the other volunteers that you will be working with. You will also learn skills for working with kids of different age groups. Finally, you will learn a great deal about Camp Rainbow.

Camp Rainbow Activity Lead Volunteer- Bring the magic of camp into the into our campers' homes through virtual programming.  Lead Volunteers must be 19+ years old and have good wifi, computer access (not smartphone or tablet), and at least 1 year of Camp Rainbow volunteer experience. Must commit to at least 2 days of availability.

Camp Rainbow Asst. Activity Lead Volunteer - Bring the magic of camp into our campers' homes through virtual programming.  Asst. Volunteers must be 19+ years old and have at least 1 year of Camp Rainbow volunteer experience. Must commit to at least 2 days of availability.

Camp Rainbow Program Support - Bring camp magic to our campers through high energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to engage with campers during virtual programs.  Program Support volunteers are typically younger (ages 17+)  with no in camp program volunteer experience. This volunteer is helping with virtual programming in a support role. 

Volunteer Box Packaging - Provide support to the Camp Rainbow team by counting, packaging, and sorting programming items.  This volunteer should be able to lift, carry, and stand for extended periods of time.

Volunteer Box Pick Up - Provide support to the Camp Rainbow team by volunteering on May 22, 2021, at the box pick-up event for our summer campers.  This volunteer should be able to lift, carry, and stand for extended periods of time.  May also be exposed to temperatures greater than 80 degrees.

Volunteer Evening Support - Provide support to the Camp Rainbow team by participating in the evening programming.  Additional ways to support evening programs include technical help (muting participants, spotlighting participants, creating videos, etc.)

Family Camp volunteers are assigned to groups.  Within the groups, volunteers are in charge of the campers!  Depending on the age of the kids, this includes playing games with them, taking them to different activities, etc.  Afternoons and evenings are filled with programming for the whole family.  Volunteers provide logistical support to set up, clean up, and run these activities. 

Camp Rainbow understands a pediatric oncology diagnosis affects the entire family and it is therefore important that the needs of each family member is recognized. Our camper population embraces every family member. Our campers include

Summer Overnight Camp is for children ages 6 to 13 years old who have had or are currently dealing with cancer or other blood-related disorders.

Day Camp is for children ages 4 to 6 years olds held during the same week as overnight camp from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The camp is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of younger children who are battling cancer or blood related disorders.

SIBS Overnight Camp for children ages 7 to 17 years old who have had or are currently dealing with a sibling's diagnosis of cancer or other blood-related disorders.

Teen Camp is for teens ages 14 to 18 years old who have had or are currently dealing with cancer or other blood-related disorders.

Family Camp is a place for kids with cancer and their families to have fun and enjoy a camp experience in a safe atmosphere.

Camp-In is an in-hospital camp aimed at providing a 2-day camp experience for children who are inpatient at the 3 area hospitals – St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and Mercy Medical Center.

Teens-N-Twenty (TnT) program provides Half and full day social events for teens 14-20 years old who have had or are currently dealing with a cancer or blood-related disorder years old as well as their siblings ages 14-18 years old.

All of Camp Rainbow’s campers are looking for a fantastic, friendly environment for children suffering from cancer or blood-related diseases, and their families to be able to take a breath and just have a fun and interact with others who are in the same situation.

We really encourage you to consider volunteering at a week of SIBS Camp. Siblings of children diagnosed with cancer are also dealing with the weight of their brother/sister's pain. They can often feel overwhelmed by the strong emotional and social impact.

And though it's unintentional, parents and other family members can overlook these siblings needs. Just as a child with cancer needs support, attention & care, we know their strongest supporters need the same - their brothers and sisters.

Camp Rainbow's  SIBS Camp is a one-week camp for children ages 7 to 17. Hosted at Camp Manitowa, SIBS Camp is a treasured week and have over 100 siblings attending each year!

Volunteers are responsible for being aware of the general health and safety of their campers and should refer any questions or health issues to the medical staff. During staff training, all volunteers will receive a medical orientation that addresses camp procedures, as well as any concerns volunteers, may have regarding the health of their campers.

Yes, meals and housing are provided for the duration of your volunteer commitment. There is no fee for volunteering but volunteers are encouraged to participate in our annual fundraising events.

Volunteers are responsible for their transportation to camp.

Cell phones have limited reception at camp. Camp Rainbow does have an emergency contact number and urgent messages from home will be relayed to volunteers as quickly as possible.

Contact Tricia at tricia@camprainbow.com to complete forms, obtain a letter, or with additional questions.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to tricia@camprainbow.com.  We would love to talk with you and answer any additional questions you have.