At Warm Beach Camp, something truly beautiful is blossoming — a summer experience that is changing lives, forming deep connections, and offering joy in its purest form. That something is Camp Sun Sparrow, a day camp designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But we can’t do it alone. We need volunteers — people like you — to help bring this extraordinary vision to life.

We created Camp Sun Sparrow to meet a very real and often overlooked need. As Adriene Duguay, our Developmental Disabilities Ministries Coordinator, explains:

“People with intellectual or developmental disabilities don’t have the same access to community as most populations… There is a need for creating opportunities where these individuals can continue to learn, grow, be creative, encounter creation, and form friendships”.

Camp Sun Sparrow provides just that — a space to belong, to be known, and to have fun in a safe, inclusive, and loving environment. Our program includes swimming, the climbing tower, arts and crafts, music, devotionals, and tons of outdoor recreation. But most of all, it’s about connection — between campers and volunteers, joy and service, hearts and hands.

What’s It Like to Volunteer?

Many people hesitate to step forward, worried they may not have the experience. But as Wendy Gregory, a returning volunteer, shared:

“I was apprehensive… I am not, nor have I ever had a lot of experience around people with disabilities. So it was a little bit scary at first. But it has been the most rewarding experience for me”.

She continues:

“Just being able to be there and know you’re helping them have a great day — and making sure they’re safe — that’s all it takes. You learn as you go. Step out of your comfort zone and try it! You will be rewarded”.

Karmen Shelton, another volunteer, echoed that sentiment with deep emotion:

“Even if you’re scared, DO IT! Because you get so much more back from that than you put in. At the end of the day, you’re exhausted — but it’s a good exhaustion. It’s not like, ‘Ugh, I have to do this tomorrow,’ it’s, ‘Man, I’m tired but I’m looking forward to going back’”.

Stories That Stay with You

Camp Sun Sparrow is more than a program — it’s a place where real, lasting relationships are formed. Wendy remembers bonding with one of her camper’s last summer:

“At first, he would just look at me and say nothing. I kept asking questions — no response. But then I realized… he just needed someone to tell him what to do, not ask. When I said, ‘Why don’t you just sit here and color?’ he began to participate. By the end of the week, he was talking with me. That was really special”.

Or another camper Wendy connected with:

“She and I share a disability, being visually impaired… On one of our swimming days, my camper beat me at pool basketball 21 to 2! Later, she asked, ‘Are they going to have a standing ovation for me?’ So I made sure she got one at chapel. It was one of my favorite experiences”!

Karmen shared this about the final day of camp:

“One of my campers was crying, she didn’t want to leave. That was the worst part — the end. But the best part? The carnival. Watching everyone win prizes, seeing how brave they were, how much joy they had. That’s what stayed with me. It was pure joy. You have to come experience it yourself”.

Why We Need You

Camp Sun Sparrow depends on volunteers — small group leaders who experience camp alongside the campers. You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need specialized training. You just need a willing heart.
Adriene puts it simply:

“My desire is for others to have this life-changing camp experience. Will you come be a part of this welcoming and caring community this summer?”

Whether you join for one week or all four weeks, your presence could mean the world to someone who rarely gets a chance to feel free, celebrated, and included. You’ll walk away tired, maybe even tearful — but transformed.

How to Get Involved

Camp Sun Sparrow runs for July 29th – August 22nd this summer at Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center. We are actively seeking volunteers to be small group leaders. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit the www.warmbeach.com to learn more and apply.

No matter your background, we believe you have something special to offer.

As Karmen put it: “I’m glad I did it, because I got way more out of it than they did. I believe that”.
So what are you waiting for?
Come experience the joy.
Come be a part of Camp Sun Sparrow.

We promise — it’s not just camp. It’s life-changing!