Volunteers are an integral part of Easterseals Iowa! Camp Sunnyside was built entirely by volunteers and many of our programs could not excel without the help of dedicated volunteers we have today. We invite you to join our team of volunteers and make a difference today! Groups, businesses, families and individuals are invited to become part of the volunteer experience at Easterseals Iowa. Check out our current opportunities and email volunteer@eastersealsia.org if you are interested in volunteering.
Easterseals Iowa provides respite care two weekends a month, providing temporary care for children and adults with disabilities, allowing parents/caregivers a break while providing clients with a safe and supported social environment. We have volunteer opportunities prepping cabins for the weekend and cleaning up as campers prepare to leave after their fun weekend.
Grounds Beautification: Camp Sunnyside is located on 80 acres and many opportunities exist to upkeep and beautify the grounds including planting, raking and weeding. This is a great group or team building activity! Available Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
Easterseals Iowa provides respite care two weekends a month, providing temporary care for children and adults with disabilities, allowing parents/caregivers a break while providing clients with a safe and supported social environment. Important note for client interaction volunteering opportunities, you must pass a background check, and be at least 18 years old or have an adult chaperone present.
Volunteer opportunities include checking in campers, helping out with arts and crafts and leading clients in group sports and games.
You must pass a background check, and be at least 18 years old or have an adult chaperone present to volunteer for these opportunities.
Volunteer Grandparents
Easterseals Iowa's Bob & Billie Ray Child Development Center is looking for volunteer "grandparents" to help provide a nurturing and fun environment for young children ages six weeks to five years. Grandparents may sign up for one hour shifts (minimum) during the operating hours of the center: Monday - Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. One grandparent is needed per classroom to help teachers lead children in playing, reading books, and other activities.
Career Day Speakers
The Bob and Billie Ray Child Development Center is seeking friendly adults who can spend an hour as a special Career Day guest. Guests will talk to our three and four-year-old classes about their jobs. Those who are currently working or are retired are welcome! Speakers can sign up for a one-hour speaking time from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Props, pictures, and other illustrative tools are encouraged!
Teaching Skills, Hobbies and Activities
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of special needs children and adults? Easterseals Iowa is seeking volunteers to lead groups of clients in singing, music, acting, art, knitting, woodworking, science experiments, gardening, yoga, aerobics, dance or other activities. Clients are either participants in Easterseals Iowa's Life Club, a day habilitation program that focuses on providing activities and social outlets to improve life skills and increase independence, or our camp programs. Available class times are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. - 2 p.m for Life Club; two weekends a month for respite camp; or Monday through Friday for day camp and resident camp during the summer months.