Information for Volunteers
What to expect as a Volunteer
Most volunteers will serve as a friend, known as a Buddy, to a child or adult with a disability. As a Buddy, you will join the participant you are paired with for all meals, programming, and free time activities such as boating, swimming, and crafts. Others will serve as Support Volunteers helping in various areas such as worship, crafts, recreation, and children’s programming. Volunteers will spend full days serving, with an afternoon break provided.
You do not need to be a professional to join our volunteer team! Whether you are a college-aged student or a grandparent, you have a vital role to play at Family Retreat. Volunteers must simply be committed Christians with a desire to serve families living with disability.
Joni and Friends does provide service opportunities to volunteers under the age of 18. You may inquire about whether a minor can serve at a particular retreat during the application process.
Prior experience is not required to serve. Joni and Friends will ensure that you feel prepared to serve by providing training on topics such as disability etiquette and God’s view of disability. Ongoing support from experienced leaders will be provided throughout the event.
Most of our Family Retreats are 3-5 days. As a volunteer, you may be required to attend training sessions before the retreat, which may include arriving one day before families.
Application and Pricing
Check out our upcoming Family Retreats to choose a retreat and apply online. Once your application has been received, you will get an email with next steps. We recommend applying as early as possible. Applications open on different dates based on when the retreat occurs.
The cost of Family Retreat varies by location and includes lodging, meals, and program costs. The cost does not include transportation to and from the retreat.
Many volunteers attend Family Retreat with the help of their church, friends, family, or other organizations. Joni and Friends offers fundraising resources as well as partial scholarships.
No payment is due until four weeks prior to the event.
Go to our Joni and Friends Portal by clicking the “Sign-In” button at the top of the page. Once you are approved to attend an event, your fundraising and payment page will be available within the Portal.
Go to our Joni and Friends Portal by clicking the “Sign-In” button at the top of the page. Once you are approved to attend an event, your fundraising and payment page will be available within the Portal. Share this page by copying and pasting this link to an email, text, or your social media platform.
Joni and Friends does not refund payments unless cancellation is caused by an extreme medical situation or if Joni and Friends cancels the event.
Joni and Friends welcomes the participation of volunteers with disabilities. Joni and Friends encourages persons with disabilities to first attend Family Retreat before applying to serve as a volunteer.
