The Camp Boggy Creek Medical Volunteer Experience

• Written By: Janelle Johnson, Camp Boggy Creek Content Creator Volunteer

Have you ever considered volunteering at a kids’ camp? As a health care worker, you already give so much to your patients. You may feel drained, burned out and just plain tired. A vacation could help you get refreshed, but it’s expensive. Maybe you simply need a new perspective?

Studies show that volunteering has positive benefits for our physical and mental health. It has been linked to keeping adults more active and mentally sharp. Volunteers report lower rates of depression, anxiety and stress. We all know that stress levels have a direct correlation with our health, so keeping it at a manageable level can lead to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses. Volunteers experience other positive benefits as well. They report feeling a sense of purpose and accomplishment by giving their time to improve someone else’s life, especially while using skills and talents that they feel proficient in. Another benefit is connecting with other people who share your interests. The camaraderie and bonds that are made while laboring with others in a shared experience can enrich our lives in ways we don’t expect.

Have you heard about Camp Boggy Creek in central Florida? It is a unique and beautiful facility that specializes in providing a camp experience for kids with medical challenges, free of charge. Since opening its doors in 1996, around 90,000 kids have come to camp. They get to experience horseback riding, archery, swimming, fishing and many other activities. Many have never had the opportunity to try any of those things because of their medical problems. Camp Boggy Creek is special. The staff and volunteers are experts at removing the barriers, so these kids can concentrate on just being kids. Many form lifelong friendships with other kids that had the same surgery, or who know what it’s like to be viewed as different.

One of the reasons Camp Boggy Creek is able to take on the challenge of caring for these kids is their state-of-the-art medical clinic. It has multiple exam rooms decorated in kid-friendly themes and even has a fully functional ER bay as well as a Heli-pad. Some kids who are on chemo or need other treatments during their stay, can receive them while remaining at camp.

There are designated weeks for different medical issues, to aid in getting the best staff, volunteers and equipment for each group. The camp has served children with arthritis, epilepsy, spina bifida, craniofacial issues, cancer, diabetes, hemophilia/blood disorders, GI-related issues (including feeding tubes), cardiac problems, kidney issues and asthma/allergies.

Another reason that Camp Boggy Creek can take such good care of these kids, is the army of skilled volunteers. Finding enough volunteers is essential and there are opportunities year-round. The camp is busiest during the summer, when kids are out of school for the summer, but there are Family Retreat weekends going on the rest of the year. These weekends are a chance for families to preview the camp to see if their child will do well here. Do you love helping children? Are you skilled in healthcare? Will you consider volunteering at Camp Boggy Creek for a weekend or a week?

Here is what some of our volunteers are saying.

“At Camp Boggy Creek, I do not feel as if I am volunteering my time, I feel as if I am getting as much joy, love, and happiness as the campers and their families.”

“It has surprised me how I feel just as joyful as I did as a camper. If not more joyful than when I was a camper, I am able to see how much of a positive impact I can have. This has been such a positive feeling that has influenced many aspects of my life.”

“In returning campers I can identify bravery, kindness, and love. There are many other characteristics that I can identify such as joy, mindfulness, courageousness, etc. I am also able to see these characteristics reflected in myself because of my experience at camp. I can proudly say that I was positively changed by the magic of Camp Boggy Creek.”

When you volunteer at Camp Boggy Creek, you are provided a comfortable, air-conditioned apartment for the week (with laundry facilities), delicious meals prepared by the camp chef, and a life-changing experience. Are you ready to start planning your week or weekend at Camp Boggy Creek? Click below to learn more!

Get ready for the best time of your year!