CNI Center for Hearing
CNI Cochlear Kids Camp
Volunteers
 Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the CNI Cochlear Kids Camp. Volunteers play an integral role in our camp and we actively seek those who are 18 years of age or older, have a cochlear implant, have sign language skills, and have their own automobile to get to and from their work assignments on the YMCA campus. Some of our volunteers are camp "graduates" who have returned to help mentor kids. This goes to the heart of the camp’s motto: “Sharing Success." We welcome your enthusiasm and willingness to give back!
In order to serve as a volunteer at the CNI Cochlear Kids Camp, we ask that you please complete and submit the required forms listed below. Also, we ask that volunteers be onsite throughout the entire camp weekend unless otherwise discussed with CNI.
Due to budgetary constraints, we cannot cover travel expenses nor can we accommodate family members of camp volunteers. Once we receive application materials from volunteers, we compare their skills with camp needs and then we have the challenge of determining which of the many generous and kind-hearted individuals we can invite to join us. We make every effort to get back in touch with all interested applicants as soon as possible so that they can make travel and time-off arrangements.
A Day in the Life of a Camp Volunteer
Because we are a small, non-profit organization, we run "lean" - meaning we have only enough volunteers at each camp to meet our needs, with virtually no excess. This means that all camp volunteers stay quite busy and that we must count on each person to fulfill his/her commitments. We ask volunteers to help with whatever is needed at camp; this may include being with the children/families and also helping to staff our registration, information and check-out tables. We do not ask volunteers to help prepare meals, wash dishes or change sheets, etc - the on-site YMCA performs all housekeeping duties.
A typical volunteer might have a schedule something like this:
Day 1
Afternoon
Help with registration/check-in
Evening
Attend the welcome events and activities with families and then join the families in the gathering rooms for conversation
Day 2
Morning
Group Photo
Accompany a group of 4-5 families, along with a YMCA counselor and provide sign language as needed on a group activity
Afternoon
Staff the information desk and prepare for evening activities
Day 3
Morning
Accompany a group of children, along with a YMCA counselor and provide sign language as needed
Afternoon
Staff the information desk and prepare for evening activities
Day 4
Morning
Help with check-out
Finish by 10-11 am
As you can see, volunteers are vital to the success of the camp and remain very busy. The families who attend camp are truly amazing and the children are the very best part. Many volunteers come back year after year just to be a part of this experience and to watch these very special youngsters grow and develop with greater confidence and blossoming personalities.
Beware the Thin Air!
We have learned over the years to warn volunteers about the climate and altitude at camp, which can have a huge impact. Our camp is located at about 8,000 feet above sea level, where it's very dry and the air is "thin" (less oxygen). In such conditions, it is critical to stay well-hydrated. The elevation is noteworthy because several times we have had very well-intentioned volunteers come to camp, only to get headaches and immediate fatigue from altitude sickness. The result is that they spend the entire time in their rooms, unable to volunteer. As you can expect, this is a "lose-lose" situation – a volunteer wants to help but can't, and we have a gap in our schedule that we can't fill since there are no extra volunteers. As you think about camp, consider whether the altitude and activities may be a problem for you.
Volunteer Registration
Now that you've read more about volunteering at our CNI Cochlear Kids Camp, please consider whether you are interested in joining us. If so, please complete the following three required forms:
Please send your forms to:
CNI Cochlear Kids Camp
701 East Hampden Avenue
Suite 415
Englewood, CO 80113
Thank you for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, please contact Judith Stucky, Camp Director, by e-mail.
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