Camp Happy Days (CHD) is currently in need of individuals (at least 19 years of age and older) interested in volunteering for their week-long overnight Camp, being held from June 29th to July 6th.
Children diagnosed with cancer and their siblings in the tri-county area and throughout South Carolina are preparing to pack their bags and get ready for one of their favorite weeks of the year. Camp Happy Days expects to host 200 children this summer. Children with cancer, their siblings, volunteers, and CHD staff will come together for a week of exciting activities, supportive friends, and therapeutic engagement.
Current volunteer Chelsea McKinney says, “Camp Happy Days has been an integral part of my life since I was 8 years old. This year will be my 22nd summer at camp and 14th year as a volunteer. It is a family affair as my dad and his best friend run the fishing dock and have been volunteers for 20+ years. Both of my best friends have been volunteers at camp over the years and this year will be my fiancé’s first year at camp too!”
“Chelsea went on to share, “I spent 8 years as a camper before becoming a junior counselor then counselor. I have been so lucky to see past campers become counselors, graduate college, get engaged, and even go on to be doctors! I am also a part of the camp planning committee as well as a dorm leader. I am currently serving as the counselor for the CIT program (counselors in training). This has been such a rewarding role to see young men and women that I have mentored become counselors of their own!”
Camp Happy Days could not provide campers with such a magical week without the support of many volunteers. Each year, CHD needs a minimum of 150 volunteers who donate their time, skills, and energy to create a special week where campers get to be themselves and experience the joy of Camp. CHD is currently accepting volunteer applications until May 15th. Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age or older, pass a background check, and complete child abuse prevention training. Camp Happy Days offers multiple volunteer options including cabin counselors and program area volunteers. Cabin counselors are responsible for working directly with the campers and alongside their co-counselor(s) to manage 6 to 10 children between the ages of 5 and 16. Program area volunteers help in a specific program area at camp, such as woodworking/derby cars, arts & crafts, glitz n’ glam, kickin’ kitchen, etc.
Each year, volunteers are a crucial part in making sure each child’s camp experience is special while also encouraging their campers to try new activities and connect with other campers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience the joys of team building events, water sports, rock wall and high ropes course, camp prom, and a talent show alongside their campers.
Camp 2024 will be held at Camp Bob Cooper the week of June 29th – July 6th, 2024. If you would like to volunteer for Camp Happy Days, please visit https://www.camphappydays.org/volunteer or email mckenzie@camphappydays.com.
If you are unable to volunteer but would like to help in other ways, you can sponsor a child at camp or donate here: https://www.camphappydays.org/donate-1
