Frequently Asked Questions
Buddy |
| Q: | How much does it cost to be a Buddy? |
| A: | There is an annual Buddy fee of $65 which covers registration, a summer t-shirt, all meals/lodging and trainings, a match-up photo and video of your session.
DCF background screenings are mandated by the state of Florida. The cost for new Buddies is around $68 and is paid directly to the screening center. For returning Buddies, or those with previous DCF screening within the past 5 years, a $15 rescreen fee is paid to Camp I Am Special who pays DCF.
All Buddies who will be 18 or older during their session at Camp are also required to have a background clearance through the Diocese of St. Augustine. This fee is approximately $48 and is paid directly to the screening center.
|
| Q: | When do we know if we are accepted? |
| A: | Check your email after April 1st.
|
Camper |
| Q: | How much does it cost to be a Camper? |
| A: | For a residential week the fee is $750
For a day camp week the fee is $550
For a Super Saturday the fee is $40
For Mini-Camp 2020 the fee will be determined in the fall
|
| Q: | Who attends Camp I Am Special? |
| A: | Campers who attend Camp I Am Special are ages 5 through 85 who want to have a fun week of activity, social skill and friendship in a camp environment. After completing an online application, Campers are accepted based on the support Camp can provide during a certain session. Camp supports a wide variety of medical, physical, social and emotional needs however for quality and safety it is imperative that the proper balance between Camper, Buddy volunteer and Staff is maintained.
Buddies attend Camp I Am Special as a local mission trip giving of themselves as well as growing in confidence, communication and empathy. Many Camp I Am Special Buddies are discerning careers in the fields of health, education and inclusion.
Camp I Am Special does not limit based on race, religion or gender.
|
General Camp Information |
| Q: | Am I a Camper or Buddy? |
| A: | Camper: Anyone aged 5 through 85 who has unique physical, emotional, developmental and behavior-related abilities and requires support to attend a traditional camp experience.
Buddy: Volunteers who are rising 9th graders who have the capacity to both manage their own physical and emotional health as well as concurrently provide 24 hour care to another person with unique needs.
|
| Q: | How old do you have to be to work at Camp? |
| A: | All Camp employees are at least 18 years old and have experience with unique abilities and/or camp experience.
|
| Q: | What if plans change and Camper/Buddy can not attend? |
| A: | Let the camp office know ASAP so that changes can be made. The deposit is non refundable.
|