Camp Smile-A-Mile was founded in 1985. 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.

Camp Smile-A-Mile is a 501(c) 3 non profit organization that relies solely on donations and fundraisers to pay for the year round programs.

At Camp SAM, our volunteer counselors learn the meaning of patience and understanding as they experience the role of a mentor. We set extremely high goals for the camp, and it is important you understand our objectives. If this is the type of influence you wish to have on the lives of young cancer patients, you must make these goals

Being a volunteer can also be time consuming. Therefore, A volunteer must commit to:

  • Submit a completed application with references
  • Submit information for a background check
  • Attend an in-person interview or participate in a phone interview (new volunteers only)
  • Attend a one-day pre-camp volunteer training on April 14th
  • Report to camp the day prior to camper arrival-see application for arrival date
  • Attend a full week of summer

your goals and meet the expectations listed below. We believe a week of summer camp is the best possible way to fully orient and train a new individual to understand the needs of our campers and their families and to understand the mission of Camp Smile-A-Mile.

During orientation, job responsibilities, volunteer expectations, medical procedures, emergency procedures, camp schedules, programs, camp traditions, policies and rules will be explained. After a volunteer has
completed a week long camp session, they can participate in weekend camps and one day activities.

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS

RESPONSIBILITY Camp is not a vacation for volunteers. While there are delightful moments and personal benefits; it must be distinctly understood that a volunteer position at Camp SAM means hard work, long hours and definite responsibilities. A typical day at camp begins with wake-up at 7 am and a full day of outdoor activities. You must be prepared to come to camp to be a role model and friend to these kids. It can be a long 15-hour day and you must be able to withstand summer heat and participate in strenuous outdoor activities. Camp is a fun time for these children to be away from the hospital and learn new things as well as play and make new friends. The serious responsibility assumed by the Executive Director, for the welfare of children who are entrusted to her care, justifies the expectation of a deep devotion to duty from her volunteers. The camp is for the campers, they are Camp SAM’s first concern.

LOYALTY Loyalty to the Directors and ideals of Camp SAM is an absolute necessity. Criticism of the camp equipment, management, program, food or policies in the presence of campers is inappropriate. Counselors are expected to take their troubles/grievances to the Directors. Helpful suggestions are always welcome.

CHARACTER There is no place at Camp SAM for questionable ideals, vulgar or profane
language, smutty jokes, personal sex-life stories, pessimism, or poor sportsmanship. Each
volunteer counselor is expected to conduct his/herself with the highest possible moral stature
.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND HYGIENE Every volunteer is expected to look and dress appropriately for a children’s camp. The Directors reserve the right to pass judgment on issues of personal appearance.

TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL These Substances are NEVER allowed on the camp property.

ILLEGAL DRUGS AND DRUG ABUSE are not tolerated. A volunteer represents himself/herself as a person who is not using and will not use illegal drugs.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Within nine months prior to your arrival at camp, it is suggested you have a physical Examination to ensure that you are free from communicable diseases and able to perform your responsibilities as a volunteer. Prior to arriving at camp, you will be asked to update your medical form.
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