Dear Friend:
We're delighted that you are interested in volunteering your time to bring smiles to the children of Camp Smile-A-Mile. The single most important element to the success of our program for children with cancer is our volunteer counselors. The enthusiasm, creativity, energy and generosity provided by our volunteers have given our campers wonderful times and cherished memories.
Camp Smile-A-Mile was founded in 1985 with one basic goal in mind: to create an unforgettable recreational experience for young cancer patients from across Alabama, at no cost to their families. These special children would be able to participate in a normal camping environment while remaining under medical supervision. Before Camp SAM, many children were not able to go to a sleep-over camp because they were undergoing chemotherapy. Now every child up to age eighteen who is a current or former cancer patient can go to camp through our program. Qualified medical personnel from the Hematology-Oncology department at The Children's Hospital stay at the camp during each camping session. They administer chemotherapy as well as take care of all the first aid needs of the campers.
Our mission today is to provide year round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer.
In Camp Smile-A-Mile's twenty-five years of operation, our original goal and many others have been realized. Our programs have expanded to include year-round activities for juvenile cancer patients, their parents and their siblings. More than 400 children a year participate in Camp SAM.
With the help of many caring volunteers, board members and medical personnel, we have brightened the smiles of many children with cancer. We want all of our campers to go home with SMILES A MILE wide. |
Before filling out your application, please take time NOW, to read the job descriptions, FAQ’s and expectations. If you decide to sign up for a week long camp, please keep in mind it is a commitment from the beginning of camp to the end. Please do not apply if you can not be there for the entire duration of camp!
REQUIRED Camp Orientation & Training
If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will be expected to attend this orientation. It is an integral part of your commitment to Camp Smile-A-Mile and to understanding your job when you come to camp. On Friday, April 9th, volunteers will have the opportunity to arrive at the campsite beginning at 5 pm to check-in and get settled into their cabins. At 6 pm there will be a tour of the campsite for new volunteers followed by an informal gathering, reunion and pizza party at 7 pm. If you can’t make it before 7 pm you are still welcome to come anytime to the campsite that evening. We will begin our training session at 9 am on Saturday, April 10th. If you can not arrive til Saturday, please be at camp between 8-8:30 am to check-in. |
Please indicate which week long camp you would like to volunteer for and which position. All applicants must be 19 or older to apply for the week long Youth Camp in June and applicants applying for the week long Teen Camp in July must be 21 or older.
*New volunteers are allowed to volunteer for weekend camps once they have completed a one week session.
Personal References
Please print off 3 copies of the volunteer counselor reference form that is at the end of this application and have the 3 references you list on your application to fill them out. Please do not list or ask family members to fill out references. References should be from people who have worked with you in a paid or volunteer position, or have knowledge of your experience working with children.
Please mail your completed Background Check and Voluteer Medical Formsback to us ASAP or by March 15th. Our mailing address is P O Box 550155, Birmingham, AL 35255. See the check list to make sure you have included everything!
Thank you for your interest in Camp Smile-A-Mile and the children with cancer that we serve. If you have any questions, please call us at (205) 323-8427 or toll free 888-500-7920. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Queen
Program Director
jennifer.queen@campsam.org |