2008

Rainbow Camp is a camp for children ages 7 to 11 years infected or affected by HIV/ AIDS. The children may be infected themselves but otherwise well or they may have family members, relatives, or even friends who are affected by the virus. The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and several individual Maryland Episcopal Churches sponsor the 5-day residential camp at no cost for the children. This year and for the last 13 years, The Bishop Claggett Episcopal Retreat Center in Buckeystown, Maryland (just south of Frederick, MD) hosts Rainbow Camp. About 35-55 children attend camp with approximately 20-25 adult volunteer staff members.

Staff training in the past has been on the weekend prior to camper arrival. With feedback from prior years, we are scheduling training for counselors on Saturday June 21 from 10-6 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (map available at our web site: www.stpauls-poplarsprings.ang-md.org. Staff members are expected to attend the Saturday training event and to arrive at Claggett at 3 p.m. on Sunday July 27 for an evening training session and orientation to the camp facilities.

The campers come from Baltimore on Monday morning (July 28) by bus arriving in camp mid- morning. The children are assigned to one of four girl or boy teams of 6-8 children of the same age with two counselors. Each team sleeps in a designated area with their counselors in Powell Hall, a comfortable dormitory with bathrooms and bunk beds. Boys are on one floor and the girls on another. Meals are provided in the new Claggett dining facility. The 5 days are packed with activities including crafts, swimming, hiking, worship, singing, and sports. One day they participate with their team in a highly structured and supervised ropes challenge course on site, where they practice working together, trusting each other, challenge their own fears and enjoy success. The camp travels together by bus to the therapeutic riding for the handicapped program for a day of fun and learning. The campers are transported back to Baltimore Friday morning and staff is free to leave about noon Friday August 1.

As the Executive Director and Rector of one of the sponsoring churches, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Airy, Maryland, I am present at camp the entire week working with the children and the staff. Other adult leaders include a Program Director, Boy and Girl Team Leaders, Activity Coordinators and a camp nurse ensures camper safety, guide, and supervise camp activities. There are 2 counselors for each girl or boy team of campers. Volunteer counselors must be at least 18 years old or by invitation of the Executive Director. Individuals not yet 18 may apply to serve as helpers during the day to relieve counselors or to assist with activities. All members of the staff, counselors, activity directors, and day volunteers are expected at the June 21 training event and to arrive in camp 3 pm Sunday July 27 and remain there until after the campers depart on Aug 1.

If you are interested in being a volunteer for Rainbow Camp 2008, you may get more information by contacting me at 410-489-4411 or email at stpaulsemail@comcast.net. An application form is enclosed and may be duplicated and shared with others. Please return the form to: Rainbow Camp 2008, c/o St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16457 Old Frederick Rd., Mt. Airy, MD 21771. Thank you.

Dr. Ann Boyd, Executive Director

Rainbow Camp