Summer Escape Day Camp is looking for volunteers with energy who want experience working with kids in grades K-8. The camp operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM -3:00 PM beginning July 1st and ending August 9th. Volunteer opportunities are flexible and include assisting camp counselors in arts & crafts, indoor and outdoor sports, science, and cultural activities. Volunteering with Summer Escape is an opportunity for high school and college students who may want to explore a career working with children, said Amanda Mendez, ERfC Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator. “Students gain enough experience to see if this is a field they would like to pursue,’ she added. Camp Director, Larry Dube said, “We are making room for up to 140 kids each week this summer. Volunteers have always been an integral part of our summer operations.” Kids like working with older students and they are great role models, he added. All volunteers complete a background check and must attend a six-hour training session in June. Volunteers must also be able to commit to a set schedule based on their availability. Mendez said Summer Escape volunteers receive a letter at the end of their volunteer experience with the number of volunteer hours served. Many volunteers also request a letter of recommendation that can be added to their student file for work or college applications. ERfC, a community-based non-profit organization has been providing innovative out-of-school-time programs to the Enfield Community since 1994. In addition to Summer Escape, ERfC administers five School-Age Care Centers in elementary schools and JFK After School. This summer ERfC will also oversee Summer Lunch Bunch 2013 at St. Patrick’s Church. For more information on volunteering, please contact Mendez at 860-253-9935 or email amendez@erfc.us. Volunteer applications are also available online at www.erfc.us or at the ERfC administrative office, 50 Post Office Road in Enfield.
