Buddy Volunteers 2026

DEADLINE: February 1, 2026

Session 1: July 19-July 24, 2026

Session 2:  July 26-July 31, 2026

Important Buddy Information

• Overview: Camp Hope is a 5-day, overnight recreational summer camp program for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities. 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 significant impact on your life and the lives of others, please consider applying for a buddy position at Camp Hope! For detailed information about the Buddy position, click here.

• Activities: Buddies partner with their campers to enjoy a variety of fun adventures, including lake and pool swimming, music, crafts, sports, evening campfires, live entertainment, a costume dance party, a talent show, and much more!     

• Location: Camp Hope utilizes Camp Red Leaf in Ingleside, IL, located on the grounds of Camp Nageela Midwest (formerly Camp Henry Horner) . 

• Eligibility - Buddy applicants must meet the following qualifications:

1. Grade level: entering junior year in high school through college.

2. Able to commit to the entire week of camp

3. Up-to-date immunizations per the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. Dates of last Pertussis and Tetanus boosters are required.

• Important dates:

• February 1, 2026  - 3-Step Application deadline

• April 1, 2026 - Applicants will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status

• April 15, 2026 - Accepted applicants 18+ years old, complete background check

• June 21, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - Accepted applicants attend MANDATORY TRAINING

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Fuhrman at chadmin@camphopeillinois.org or call 312-401-4673.

3-Step Application Process

Deadline: all steps must be completed by February 1, 2026, for your application to be considered.

Step 1 - Buddy Application:

• Returning Buddies and Leaders complete the application HERE

• New Applicants complete the application HERE

Step 2 - 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

Step 3 - Health Insurance Card:

• Email scans or photos of the front and back of your card to CHadmin@camphopeillinois.org. Clear cell phone photos are fine.

ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or waitlist status by April 1, 2025. All accepted Buddies must then fulfill the following requirements:

1. BACKGROUND CHECK (if 18 or older) - Watch for an email from the Checkr company and respond by April 15.

2. TRAINING - Attend mandatory training in Lake Forest, IL, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at noon. Mark your calendar!

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 Camp Hope. 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.