Summer Camp Volunteers Sought

I enjoy telling people, that I've found a bit of heaven one week a year. It's a summer week filled with work, fun activities, compassion and a sense of humo

33 years ago, a group of people decided to take over a summer camp program for disabled adults that a large national organization abandoned, forming their own "mom and pop" 501-c Charity. Typically, you will see media stories about special summer camps. Almost all of them center on children. Few summer camps are held for special adults.

Association of Horizon is unique in putting together an experience unmatched by anything I've seen anywhere else.

Each adult campter is paired up with an able-bodied volunteer companion. Activities are your normal summer camp activities - arts & crafts, swimming, boating, sports, animals to pet and to ride, camp fires and the making of new friends. This Camp experience is free to camper and volunteer.

Horizon's Mission statement is to organize individuals with and without disabilities to challenge themselves, develop responsibility and grow through interacting and working together. The vision is to break down the barriers between able-bodied and disabled. Limitations are to be overcome, new abilities are discovered and an increased awareness of self and others.

For the Campers, it's a vacation they look forward to every year. For their families, some needed respite from the daily care of a loved one.

For our volunteers, it's an introduction to a community and individuals they don’t usually see up close and personal. For those who show up to volunteer every year - many from hundreds of miles away - it's an oasis from the day-to-day world that you can't get from sitting on the beach. Camp offers 154 hours of community service time.

Association of Horizon needs a large number of the volunteers, to avoid turning away Campers we don’t have volunteers for. We depend on individual volunteers 16 years and older, who can donate a week of their time and energy is welcome. No previous experience is necessary — just a willingness to help. Orientation sessions are provided to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

This year’s Horizon Summer Camp program is held July 14-20. Located at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson, Illinois – the site is just 12 miles outside Bloomington/Normal. The camp rests on 170 rolling acres of land on beautiful Lake Bloomington. Please visit our web site for additional information. https://associationofhorizon.o...