CAMP QUALITY NJ SEEKS COMPANIONS, STAFF AND CAMPERS FOR SUMMER 2016

Camp Quality New Jersey, a volunteer-driven, community-funded non-profit organization providing free sleep-away camping experiences for children with cancer, is seeking volunteers for its summer 2016 session from August 13 – August 18, 2016.

Volunteers are needed to serve as companions, support staff and medical personnel at the camp which takes place at a fully-equipped sleep away camp off I-80 in Sussex County.

At camp, each child is matched with a companion explained 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 that 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. Additionally, medical staff attends to the needs of each camper so that they 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 Record Check" and complete a personal interview in Freehold, N.J. Interviews will be held at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, N.J. on Monday, June 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, June 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Once selected, volunteers must participate in a full day of training in Freehold on either June 26th or July 16th.

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 five and 17 by the start of the session. They 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.”

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,” said Passy. 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, please visit www.campqualityusa.org/nj or call (908) 566-6548.