#healing and Acceptance
Camp Rainbow Connection
2023 Camp Rainbow Connection
Date: July 15-21, 2023
Campers join on July 16
Where: Richard Bland College
About Us
What is Camp Rainbow Connection?
Camp Rainbow Connection is a week-long respite camp for individuals with intellectual disabilities. CRC started in 1985 at Westview on the James, a camp of the Charlottesville, Rappahannock River, and Richmond Districts of the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church. That first year, there were 25 campers and a small staff of 15 volunteers. CRC grew to two weeks while at the Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. CRC is currently held at Richard Bland College in Petersburg, VA and is resourced by the Serving Ministries Office.
The staff and volunteers of Camp Rainbow are dedicated to providing a wonderful and enriching summer program for each camper, along with a week of respite for families and care givers. Campers participate in a variety of activities including Bible class, music, science, arts and crafts, games, dancing and special activities. Our mission is one of healing and acceptance towards all God’s people. Because we are a ministry of the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC), participation of people of all backgrounds, ability levels, heritages, and faiths is encouraged.
information
Be a Camper
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 more information click the ‘Register’ button
Non-refundable Application Fee: $50 per camper
2023 Registration
Richard Bland College
July 15 - 21,2023
2023 Theme
Camp Rainbow Connection has a new theme each year. For 2023, our theme Dino-Might! Our activities are anchored in the theme and we are looking forward to digging in together for an epic week!
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.
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
I like rainbow because you get to do music and art and science and bible.
Be a Volunteer
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.
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!
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.
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.
Church Partnership
How can our church help?
Join us in prayer
Please pray for Richard Bland College as they receive Camp Rainbow Connection this summer. Please pray that we have all the volunteer staff we need for our camp session. Pray that those staff members will be the hands and feet of Jesus for our campers. Also pray for all staff members of CRC as they prepare for an awesome week. You can pray for our campers and their caregivers that they will experience the love and acceptance that only God can provide. Pray that the caregivers receive a week of much needed respite. Pray that the campers experience joy and encounter Christ while they are at camp.
Sign up to volunteer
This is a big need! We are always looking to have new folks join us for our camp sessions. Consider inviting a CRC representative to speak at your church. We also need drivers and church vans to help us transport campers.
Collect and Support us!
We are a self-funded ministry of the VA Conference. Your church can help us by collecting supplies to donate to camp. Would your church like to sponsor a camp activity? Contact Stacy ([email protected]) to find out what is needed. Your financial support allows us to purchase much needed supplies, provide scholarships for campers and continue to fulfill our mission to provide a week of healing and acceptance towards all God’s people.
You can mail a check made payable to “VAUMC” with “Camp Rainbow” in the memo line to:
Camp Rainbow Connection
PO Box 5606
Glen Allen, VA 23058
Give Online
You donations makes – more to write in this section
News
Camp News
Volunteer Opportunities at Camps
All God's Children Camp and Camp Rainbow Connection are long-lasting ministries of the Virginia Conference. With the support of churches, both camps provide a life-changing experience for the campers who are served. Both camps have a unique structure to provide...
CRC Volunteer Information
Staff Information To request a staff application, e-mail us. 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...
CRC Camp Registration
Registration To request a camper application, email: [email protected] 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...
Information
Activities
Morning Classes
Music, Bible, Science, Art
Afternoon Classes
Midway, mission, escape room, deck games
Evening Activities
Communion, Talent Show, Luau, Cruise Ship Show, Dance
