Volunteers are an integral part of Easterseals Iowa! Camp Sunnyside was built entirely by volunteers and many of our programs could not thrive without the help of the hundreds of dedicated volunteers we host throughout the year. We invite your small group to make a difference today! We welcome team building groups, businesses, friends and families to become part of the volunteer experience at Easterseals Iowa. During your volunteer experience we can also arrange a tour of Camp Sunnyside, so you'll get to see the many services provided to Iowans.
Check out our current opportunities and email volunteer@eastersealsia.org if you are interested in volunteering.
Non-Client Interaction Volunteer Opportunities
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, weeding, painting and structure renovation. This is a great group or team building activity! Available Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Client Interaction Opportunities
Easterseals Iowa provides a number of services at our Camp Sunnyside location that volunteers can support through client interaction. Examples include helping with a craft or game with our adult day programs during the week or visiting us on a respite camp weekend.
Important note for client interaction volunteering opportunities: these activities must be set-up at least two weeks in advance and you must pass a background check and be at least 18 years old or have an adult chaperone present.
On-Going Client Interaction Opportunities
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
We also seek 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 our adult day program or our camp programs. Available class times:
- Life Club (Adult Day Program): Monday through Friday 10am to 11am and 12:30pm to 1:30pm
- Respite Camp: Available two weekends a month
- Day & Residential Camps (summer months): Monday through Friday
