2023 Volunteer Registration Will Open Soon!
Volunteer With Us!
Invest your time at Camp Daniel and make a long lasting and direct impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. One week could change a life... maybe yours.
2023 Camp Dates
Week 2
July 9-15
Week 3
July 16-22
Week 4
July 23-29
Week 5
July 30 – Aug 5
Want to do Multiple Weeks? You can!
While filling out your application, select all the weeks you plan to volunteer.
Application Deadline – TBD*
*Applications submitted after deadline will be reviewed
Volunteer Positions & Rates
Age 14 -17
$TBD*
*$25 discount IF payment is received by TBD
Age 18 +
Free*
*You can help sustain our ministry by making a donation.
Counselor (18+)
This position is our strongest need as we can only accept campers if we have a specific counselor for them. Counselors are paired with 1 or 2 campers with a disability to be their friend. With plenty of direct support and assistance, you care for your camper while doing typical summer camp activities like; fishing, swimming, bowling, competitive recreation, archery, boating, talent shows, dancing and more! There is no experience needed.
Counselor-in-Training (14-17)
Age 14-17 | $TBD Fee | $25 discount if paid by TBD
This position is our strongest need as we can only accept campers if we have a specific counselor/Counselor-in-training for them. Counselors-in-training are paired with 1 or 2 campers with a disability to be their friend. With plenty of direct support and assistance, you care for your camper while doing typical summer camp activities like; fishing, swimming, bowling, competitive recreation, archery, boating, talent shows, dancing and more! There is no experience needed. Extra direct support will be given to Counselors-in-Training (CITs).
Pit Crew/ Worker (18+)
Pit Crew/Workers keep all the parts of the camp puzzle moving behind the scenes. They work with the Camp Daniel staff to tackle tasks like; cleaning up after meals, cleaning bathrooms, setting up and running activities like bowling, fishing, kickball, relay races, etc, set up theme meal decor and more. Pit Crew/Workers also have down time to be able to build relationships with campers and other volunteers as well as participate in large group recreation events. There is no experience needed.
Support Crew-in-Training (14-17)
Age 14-17 | $TBD Fee | Discount if paid by TBD
Support Crew-in-Training keep all the parts of the camp puzzle moving behind the scenes. They work with the Camp Daniel staff to tackle tasks like; cleaning up after meals, cleaning bathrooms, setting up and running activities like bowling, fishing, kickball, relay races, etc, set up theme meal decor and more. Pit Crew/Workers also have down time to be able to build relationships with campers and other volunteers as well as participate in large group recreation events. There is no experience needed. Extra support is given to SCITs.
Kitchen Crew
Kitchen crew assist the Kitchen Manager in preparing all meals for the week of camp.
There will be scheduled breaks for down time to be able to rest or spend time building relationships with campers and other volunteers.
Individuals who are 16 or 17 may also apply, for a fee of $TBD. $20 discount IF payment is received by TBD.
Nurse
RN/LPN/Med Pass Certified
Two volunteer nurses are needed every week of camp. Nurses have med passes four times a day and take care of any other medical related concerns. Being a nurse for a week is a fun and rewarding experience. Nurses have the opportunity to build relationships with all of our campers and volunteers while serving them everyday.
Lifeguard
One volunteer lifeguard is needed every week of camp. Lifeguards oversee the lakefront and swimming free time. Being a lifeguard for a week is a fun and rewarding experience. Lifeguards have the opportunity to build relationships with all of our campers and volunteers while serving them everyday.
If you are willing to be our lifeguard for the full summer season we will pay for the lifeguard certification. Reach out today!
General Information & Camp Policies
Packing List
Items to Bring to Camp:
• Bath towels, wash cloths, hand towels, pillow, sleeping bag (or 2 sheets & 2 blankets), pajamas
• Clothing (be prepared for hot & cool weather). Include Camp Daniel t-shirts from previous years.
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen, insect repellant & bee sting kit (if you are allergic to bee stings)
• Personal hygiene items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, etc)
• Hat, sunglasses, water bottle, flashlight, watch, pen, Bible, alarm clock, umbrella.
• Whistle; if you were a counselor at a previous camp, bring the one you were issued.
Theme Meals:
We encourage you to join the staff and campers in dressing up for all the theme meals. If this if your first time at camp, you will be surprised at the high level of participation of everyone at camp. We go all out at Camp Daniel, and the themed meals are a highlight of camp. Please bring clothes/accessories for each theme.
Check out the Theme Meals tab for the list of themes!
Dress Code:
• No crop tops, spaghetti straps, or short shorts. Any leggings must be worn with a shirt that covers butt. Revealing attire is sexually stimulating to many of our campers.
• Swimsuits: Any two piece suit must cover stomach, or be worn with a dark shirt. No speedos allowed.
Items not allowed at camp:
• Food and drink items are not allowed in the cabins.
• No vape, CBD, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, firearms, knives.
Medication Policy:
Upon check-in, all counselors must turn in their over the counter medications, prescription medications and vitamins to the camp nurse. They will be secured at the nurse’s station and you will have 24 hour access. No medications are allowed in the cabins.
Location & Check-in
Counselor/Worker Check-in
• 5:00-5:30 pm Sunday for volunteers
• Dinner will not be served that night, but we will have snacks at about 8 pm.
Counselor/Worker Check-out
• 11:00am on Saturday
NEW Summer Camp Location
Summer camp will be held at our NEW location in Athelstane, WI!
Camp Daniel
W10541 Army Ln
Athelstane, WI 54104
Other Policies Applicable to Volunteers
Commitment: All Counselors are required to attend the entire entire camp session: 6pm Sunday thru noon Saturday. Counselors shall be active with their camper(s). All volunteers are required to attend chapel services. No volunteers shall leave the campground without permission. Campers are accepted based on commitments made by volunteers.
Training & Camper Safety: All volunteers will participate in 8 hours of training orientation prior to the arrival of campers. Volunteers shall observe the “Two Person Rule” at all times so that no volunteer is ever alone with a camper.
Acceptance: The Acceptance Process begins with a completed application and will include a background check on all volunteers & staff to ensure the safety of all camp participants. An email will be sent 30 days prior to the first camp session (or as soon as possible) confirming which camp sessions applicant is accepted or denied for.
Dismissal: If the applicant is sent home for medical or disciplinary reason, an emergency contact must be available during the week and is responsible for transportation home within 12 hours of notification. Any behaviors, which endanger others or are disruptive to the camp, are grounds for non- acceptance to camp or immediate dismissal from camp.
Lost Items: Camp Daniel is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
About Our Summer Camps
Camp Daniel offers campers with disabilities a fun and loving experience that goes beyond a typical camping program. Campers lives are transformed as they encounter the love of God through fun, dedicated and caring individuals who volunteer to serve as counselors. The week-long program is designed to bring constant opportunities for social, spiritual, and personal growth through competitive recreation, chapel, small groups, themed meals, talent shows, dances and more. By week’s end each camper understands that God made them, loves them and has a plan for their lives.
Each year over 200 people with disabilities from all around the mid-west spend a week Camp Daniel, having an experience that many describe as the best week of their year. We invite YOU this summer to participate in the excitement of competitive recreation, engaging entertainment, and building lifelong friends in an inclusive environment.
We value multi-generational community, where every generation is represented to create a full family.
Our volunteers’ ages must reflect the age range of our campers, ages 8-80+. There are volunteer positions for ages 14 to 99!
Competitive Recreation
Teamwork and healthy competition are important concepts at Camp Daniel. Each week, camper and counselor pairs are placed on one of two teams to earn points during free-time and group rec activities. Points are tallied throughout the week as team spirit and anticipation for the grand championship title build. At the end of the week, the winning team takes home a medal. For many campers, the Red Team vs. Blue Team competition is their favorite aspect of camp and is a great time of learning sportsmanship and teamwork.
Group Rec Activities: Relay Races, Kickball & Messy Games.
Free Time Activities: Swimming, Paddle Boating, Fishing, Archery, Bingo, Bowling, Game Room, Nature Center, Crafts, Corn Hole, Bocce ball, Carpet ball.
Theme Meals
At Camp Daniel, we take pride in offering fun activities that everyone can participate in, no matter their ability, and our theme meals are a perfect embodiment of that! Through our theme meals we celebrate different cultures and invite our campers into immersive experiences of creativity, imagination, and entertainment. Each unique theme is celebrated with food, music, costumes, contests, sing alongs, and characters.
Breakfasts: Breakfast on the Farm & British. Lunches: Hunting Camp, Mexican & Luau. Dinners: 50’s, French (formal), Christmas, Pirate, & Western.
Check out Camp Daniel’s Pinterest boards costume ideas!
Camp Daniel's BoardsEntertainment
Evenings are for friendship, entertainment, and the spotlight. Evening entertainment includes a movie night at Camp Daniel’s Majestic Theater, dance parties, campfires, and of course, talent shows. Talent Shows are an important part of camp, where each and every camper is encouraged to take time to step outside their comfort zone and into the spotlight. These shows are a way that we ask campers and counselors to embrace our value of ‘being you.’ We believe all people have things that make them unique and have talents that they can share with others. Talent shows are a way that we invite people into exploring this. With a little encouragement, we find that each week of camp is filled with musicians, comedians, dancers, magicians, actors, and socialites. We love to see what campers and counselors come up with each week during these shows.
Chapel & Small Groups
At Camp Daniel we believe that God made you, God loves you, and God has a plan for your life. We work this into all areas of camp in something we like to call ‘The All-Day Sermon.’ With this practice we work to notice God in each and every part of camp, from the rec field to in the cabin. In addition, twice daily everyone meets in groups to learn more about God. Chapel service; where campers participate in worship and a listen to a message. Small group; where campers meet with their cabin and discuss what they have been learning and how to apply it to their lives. By week’s end, each camper understands that God made them, loves them and has a plan for their lives.
Freetime
Fun & Games
We have many recreation areas open during free time including our Game Room which holds every classic board game, pinball, pool, air hockey and more. We also have many different tournaments such as carpet ball, corn hole, bocce, basketball, bowling, and achey. During free time our lakefront is also open where we have swimming, fishing, and boating. In between activities campers can refuel & indulge in an endless amount of treats at one of our two snack stands on campus.
Crafts
Another way we encourage creativity at camp is in the Factory. The Factory, is our craft cabin where each camper makes two different planned crafts during the week and also has a chance to come and create their own artwork during studio time. Campers can create artwork and submit it to the Thousand Stars Art Show that is displayed on Friday night for all of camp to see.
Nature Center
Camp’s nature center, the Little Newton Expedition Outpost is home to native wildlife, camp pets, and other natural specimens for our campers to explore and learn about. This is a space for hands-on interactive experiences where campers can feel, see, and discover the natural world. The Outpost is focused on native wildlife, so that campers can learn more about the plants and animals that make their home in Northeast Wisconsin.
Ladies Tea
High Tea is a fun and relaxing environment for women to gather together to sip tea, eat cookies and enjoy quality time with fellow campers and counselors.
Spa
Each Friday Camp offer a spa day to all of our ladies leading up the the Night of A Thousand Stars, a grand finale of sorts to the week of camp. This spa day includes facials, hand massages, manicures, hair and makeup, and a time to pick out a fancy dress for the formal dinner that evening. This time of relaxation and pampering is treasured by our female campers and staff.
A Day At Camp
Want to get a better idea of what a day at camp is like? Below is a sample of typical days at Camp Daniel. The schedule features all of the fun theme meals, all-camp rec activities, chapel services, talent shows, free time with several activity choices, and evening dances.
The NEW Little Newton Lake Campus!
Nestled on ten beautiful acres on the south shore of Little Newton Lake, Camp Daniel’s new campus is a living testament to 26 years of hard work, dedication, and faith. We are thrilled to get to share it with you finally! Since 1996, summer camp has taken place at a rented facility while constructing this all-accessible campus designed specifically with our campers with disabilities in mind. Camp Daniel was intentionally built as donations of money, materials, and volunteer labor was generously donated. We can’t wait to share the one-of-a-kind spaces and beautiful Northwoods surroundings found in this new home with you!
