Opportunities to Volunteer at Camp Ronald McDonald

Drawing on sales experience in the education and solar energy sectors, Joe Arrigo is the resource development manager for Modis. There, he assists IT and engineering firms in their search for qualified staff. Before graduating from California State University, Long Beach, Joe Arrigo attended high school in Carmichael, California, and volunteered at Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake, not far from the town of Susanville.

Camp Ronald McDonald’s scenic campus and intentional programming offers children with disabilities or economic hardships the opportunity to experience a week of traditional summer camp. The campers are no longer defined by their disabilities or economic standing. Instead, they are simply kids enjoying all the activities camp has to offer, such as arts and crafts, hiking, fishing, canoeing, sports, swimming, and campfires. Campers testify to the ways new experiences help them to learn about themselves and improve their self-confidence.

The Eagle Lake camp relies on an army of volunteers to run its programs. Opportunities abound for teenagers, adults, and professionals to donate their time and skills. Opportunities include:

–Counselors and counselors-in-training. These individuals stay with campers who attend the Lassen County Kids week at camp. Counselors live in cabins and are responsible for guiding campers throughout the week.

–Program assistants. These individuals help program specialists with arts and crafts, waterfront activities, outdoor education, sports, and drama.

–Food service assistants. Providing food for over 1,000 campers throughout the summer requires many volunteers. Assistants help and support the registered dietitian on staff with food preparation, production, and cleanup.

–Work parties. Volunteers spend a week preparing to open camp and close it at the end of the season.

–Maintenance workers. Every week of camp needs individuals who can help with general maintenance needs.

–Nurses. Throughout the summer, camp depends on the presence of professional nurses, who can help meet varied medical needs that might arise.

Facilities and Programs at Camp Ronald McDonald

Joe Arrigo serves as resource development manager at Modis in Sacramento, California, where he works to identify qualified candidates for job openings. A graduate of California State University, Joe Arrigo also attended a Jesuit high school, where he completed a senior year service project at Camp Ronald McDonald. Camp Ronald McDonald is an American Camp Association-accredited summer camp that has served at-risk individuals since its founding in 1992. The camp partners with the Lassen National Forest to provide a full camp experience to campers such as people with medical needs, those facing economic hardship, and individuals with emotional, developmental, or physical disabilities. Campers have access to a variety of programs that accommodate each individual’s abilities. Current programs range from drama and outdoor education to sporting events and waterfront activities. The camp also houses facilities that include nine cabins and a dining hall. Moreover, campers have access to an amphitheater, campfires, a dock and waterfront, and numerous athletic facilities such as a basketball court. For addition information on programs and facilities at Camp Ronald McDonald, visit www.campronald.org.