Social
Concerns
Summer Fellowship
Bay Cliff Health Camp
Volunteer Non US Citizen
Yes
Categories:
Language Preferences:
Location Details
Description
Bay Cliff Health Camp is a nonprofit therapeutic summer camp dedicated to helping children ages 3–17 with physical disabilities build independence, develop therapeutic skills, and experience the joy of camp. Through our 7-week residential summer program, children receive occupational, physical, and speech therapy while participating in swimming, kayaking, archery, arts and crafts, camping, and other adaptive recreational activities. Bay Cliff brings together campers, therapists, counselors, and volunteers to create an inclusive community where children are supported, challenged, and empowered to discover what they can do!
Student Role
Students will spend the majority of their time working directly with campers and building meaningful relationships with them. Each morning, students will attend a department meeting where relevant information, updates, and plans for the day are shared. Depending on their assignment for the day, daily responsibilities may include assisting campers with personal routines, meals, activities, and transitions; encouraging independence; adapting activities to individual needs; providing additional support / camper supervision during structured and unstructured time; and participating in the everyday experiences of camp alongside campers. Students will work closely with other staff and may assist with therapy carryover, recreational activities, or unit-based programming. The goal is for students to be actively engaged with campers throughout their time at camp.
Work Schedule
Students will follow a typical residential summer camp schedule, generally working six days per week with one full day off. Staff work directly with campers from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., have a scheduled break from 1:00–3:00 p.m. while campers rest, and return to working with campers from 3:00–9:00 p.m. While students are with campers for much of the day, not all of this time is structured or actively scheduled. There are periods of downtime, informal activities, and opportunities for students to relax and connect with campers. Once campers are in bed at 9:00 p.m., staff have free time until the 11:00 p.m. curfew. We regularly accommodate staff who take online classes, complete internships, or have other academic commitments during the summer. We are able to work with students to schedule dedicated time for these responsibilities when communicated in advance.
Orientation
Students will participate in one week of training and orientation prior to campers’ arrival, where they will learn about Bay Cliff’s programs, our campers and their individual needs, what to expect during a camp, and their roles and responsibilities. They will also have the opportunity to get to know the staff they will be working with and become familiar with the camp environment. Once camp begins, each student will have a direct supervisor based on the unit or department they are assigned to and will receive ongoing guidance and support. In addition, students will meet weekly with the Children’s Services Director for program supervision to discuss how things are going, address challenges or concerns, provide support, and discuss their research or project work.
Housing Information
Students will live on site at Bay Cliff and will share a room with other coworkers in their assigned unit or department. Bathrooms are communal, dorm-style facilities with individual bathroom stalls and showers. Students will live alongside other seasonal staff and will be part of the larger camp community throughout the summer. They will be expected to respect their roommates and coworkers, maintain a clean and respectful shared living environment, and follow Bay Cliff’s staff housing and community expectations.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Sign Language – we usually have 1-2 campers that are deaf / hearing impaired.
Drivers License
No
Student Preferences
Good communication skills, flexibility, patience, a willingness to jump in and help, a desire to work with children and people with disabilities, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Start And End Dates
June 13 – August 9, 2027