Buddy Volunteers 2025
Session 1: July 20-July 25, 2025
Session 2: July 27-August 1, 2025
Planning for Camp Hope 2025 is underway and we’re excited to welcome new and returning Buddies!
Camp Hope is a 5-day, overnight recreational summer camp program for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities and is held at Camp Red Leaf located on the grounds of Camp Nageela Midwest in Ingleside, IL.
Camp Hope is unique in that it pairs Buddies and Campers in a one-on-one partnership and together they stay on-site Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon. Buddies provide support, care, and friendship throughout the camp session. The special bond that develops among the Campers, Buddies and the Leadership Team is the heart of Camp Hope.
Camp Hope is a Christian, inter-denominational organization founded on the values of faith, integrity, compassion, and selfless service. If you want to make a tremendous impact on your life and others, please apply for a buddy position at Camp Hope!
For detailed information about the Buddy position, click here.
If you have any questions please contact Laura Fuhrman at chadmin@camphopeillinois.org.
ELIGIBILITY:
Buddy applicants must meet the following qualifications to be considered:
Grade level: entering junior year in high school through college.
Able to commit to the entire week of camp
Up-to-date immunizations per the State of Illinois guidelines
APPLICATION PROCESS
Deadline is February 15, 2025. Both steps must be completed.
Step 1 - Complete the Buddy Application online:
Step 2 - Complete the Buddy Affidavit:
If 18 or older at the time of camp, complete Affidavit HERE
If 17 or younger, a parent/guardian must complete the Minor’s Affidavit HERE
ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or waitlist status by April 15, 2025.
All accepted Buddies must fulfill the following requirements:
Email a copy of his/her health insurance card to CHADMIN@camphopeillinois.org.
Complete Camp Hope’s background check, if 18 or older.
Attend mandatory training in Lake Forest, IL Sunday, June 22, 2025, at noon.
Mark your calendar!
IMPORTANT DATES:
February 15, 2025
2-Step Application deadline.
April 15, 2025
Applicants will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status.
Sunday, June 22, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
MANDATORY TRAINING
Camp Hope is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and volunteers. All decisions regarding camp administration and admission are at the sole discretion of the Camp Hope organization. In addition, the Camp Hope organization has the right to change, adapt and otherwise modify any stated eligibility or requirements for camp as health and government authorities, camp host site, and/or Camp Hope Board leadership deem appropriate.