For anyone looking to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand this summer, Camp Looking Glass needs more volunteers as they gear up for their 15th annual summer camp session in June.
Assistant Camp Director Natasha Abner said there are openings for full-time and part-time volunteers to serve in a variety of capacities, such as leading an activity, such as a soccer, arts and crafts or preparing a meal, or being a one-on-one full-time counselor with the campers.
CLG campers include children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, hearing impairments and other physical or cognitive disabilities.
Counselors provide help to campers by not only taking care of their daily needs, but also providing them with the support and assistance they need to participate fully in all the activities of camp to have a rich and fulfilling experience.
“That means anything from helping a camper get on a horse to just sitting back, eating a s'more, and having a conversation with your new camp friend,” Abner said, noting all CLG volunteers will receive the support they need in order to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.
“Volunteering is an amazing, life-changing experience, and our volunteers have just as much fun as our campers,” Abner said.
Getting involved with Camp Looking Glass is also a great way to fulfill any volunteer or service obligations associated with work or school, such as National Honors Society volunteer hours, Abner said.
Volunteering, she said, also provides great experience for anyone looking to pursue a career in human services or education.
“We regularly help our volunteers by signing off on volunteer hours reports or by providing references or letters of recommendation. A number of our volunteers have received scholarships based on their involvement with Camp Looking Glass,” Abner said.
Camp days are jam-packed with a variety of fun activities, including accessible and inclusive yoga every morning; three delicious meals a day, plus snacks; a variety of daytime activities, from sports to dance to horseback-riding; lots of swimming at the camp’s very own lake; nature activities; dancing at a costume ball; and putting on a play or talent show for the community.
This year’s summer camp runs from June 16-22, with counselor training on June 15 and camp clean-up day on June 23.
This summer session is especially special for campers because it will be CLG’s first summer at their permanent facility in Greenville.
“All of our campers and volunteers are excited to move into our new dream home,” Abner said.
To apply, email apply@camplookingglass.org or call 662-931-5328. For more information about GLC, visit camplookingglass.org.
CLG history
Since 2004, Camp Looking Glass has provided accessible summer camp and year-round activities to the campers and their families at no cost.
When the nonprofit started, the immediate goal was to provide a traditional camp experience for young adults and children with disabilities in the Mississippi Delta.
After more than a decade of using Leroy Percy State Park’s facilities, Camp Looking Glass volunteers and board members decided it was time to invest in a site to call their own. And, they did just that on Wilcox Road.
After several years of dedication and hard work put in by many volunteers, the camp is now equipped with cabins, an activity center, a lake, storage barn and more.
