Camper Information:

Camp Rainbow Connection is a wonderful expression of God’s love. However, it is NOT for everyone due to its structure and location. Campers spend the week with others of various ability levels. Each camper is paired with a staff “buddy.” Staff members give of their time as volunteers.

Registration 

Click here to submit a camper application

Criteria for Admission

Camp Rainbow Connection is a wonderful expression of God’s love. However, it is NOT for everyone due to its structure and location. Campers spend the week with others of various ability levels. Each camper is paired with a staff “buddy.” Staff members give of their time as volunteers. For this reason, camp is not appropriate for individuals who do not meet the following criteria.

The potential camper must:

• Have a mild to moderate level of intellectual disability although other disabilities may exist.
• Be at least 16 years of age or older.
• Perform activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing, and toileting that require little assistance. Note: An individual will not be admitted to camp if he/she cannot control bowel or urine elimination.
• Participate in all camp activities as appropriate.
• Demonstrate no physical and/or emotional threat to self or others and require little care in terms of his/her behavior.
• Document from a physician that no recent hospitalizations have occurred.

Camper Registration Requirements

All applications are due by February 1. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Please note, we reserve additional space for new campers. The cost of the camp is $650. Limited financial assistance is available upon request. An additional nonrefundable APPLICATION FEE of $50 is required before an application will be considered.

Testimonials

I love being at camp rainbow with a bunch of friends, volunteers and buddy. It is so wonderful. They always ask me how I’m feeling and I love this place.

Chuckie, camper

I think the things they do at Camp Rainbow that I really enjoy are the music class and putting on the talent show and having a dance

Tom, camper

I like rainbow because you get to do music and art and science and bible.

Elizabeth, camper

Volunteer Information:

Click here to complete a staff application!

Link: https://crc.breezechms.com/form/Rstaffapp2024

What does a volunteer staff do?

Camp Rainbow Connection is a continuation of Christ’s ministry where campers and staff of all races and religions experience Christian love. Volunteers with Camp Rainbow Connection will: (1) demonstrate Christian love with compassion and acceptance toward campers, family members/care givers, and fellow volunteer staff; (2) provide opportunities for campers to experience fun, fellowship, and Christian teachings; and (3) work together as a team with persons with and without disabilities.

As a Camper Buddy and Activity Mentor, a volunteer will:

1. Maintain the dignity of the campers with whom he/she is matched as a staff buddy (including the individual’s in-room privacy and property), the other campers participating in sessions, and fellow staff volunteers. Hold information confidential.
2. Abide by the child/youth/vulnerable adult protection policies of the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church.
3. Focus upon the needs of the campers as the highest priority during camp sessions.
4. Be aware of where the camper under your supervision as a Buddy is and what they are doing at all times.  You are expected to inform the camper of your whereabouts as well. As a Camper Buddy, you will be sharing a sleeping room with the camper(s) and possibly additional volunteers, assuring that medication/health needs are met, and assisting with activities of daily living as appropriate.
5. Provide opportunities for participation by campers in all activities. As an Activity Mentor, you will be assisting with tasks in morning classes, afternoon activities, and evening sessions. You are expected to promote independence of the camper in all that is done, allowing the person to try tasks on his/her own, make mistakes, take longer than others, and persevere. You will always be called upon to assist with proper supervision of campers.  During class activities, you will work in your class or activity and your camper will be supervised by those leading the activities in which he/she is involved. 
6. Be a full participant in all activities.  Attendance is required at all sessions and events.
7. Maintain Christian integrity and behavior at all times.
8. Share any concerns or questions you have with the Camp Coordinator and On-Site Directors.
9. Assist with solicitation of supply donations and financial contributions to help keep the cost of camp for the campers at as low a level as possible.

Qualifications and Time Required: 

A staff volunteer must:

1. Be willing to serve God and minister to others.
2. Be 16 years of age by March 15 of the camp year.
3. Complete required trainings before serving at camp.
4. Be committed to attending his/her chosen camp unless there is an emergency.
5. Arrival at site on Saturday prior to start of camp to prepare for the arrival of campers.
6. Commit to the full week of camp (Saturday – Friday).
   1. Inquire about part time volunteer opportunities! (link to [email protected])

Testimonials

I signed up to volunteer at camp with a friend and once I went, it was like it was chosen for me. You get to be yourself here. You don’t have to be what the world says you have to be and there’s so much love here!

Ken, staff volunteer

I’ve seen new campers come that were scared and fearful and I’ve seen them be nurtured by their buddies and the rest of the staff and I’ve seen them come out of their shell. When you can see them laugh and smile and giggle out loud, it’s a blessing to see them enjoy it so much.

Christi, on-site director

The campers are wonderful, the staff are wonderful and it’s always a happy place until Friday and then it’s tears because we all have to leave. It’s the friendship and the love for those campers that you don’t see out in the public.

Mary, camp nurse