Spring Respite Apprentices
 

Easter Seals Wisconsin is looking for nine (9) energetic people to serve as a team to provide recreation and care for children, youth and adults who attend respite weekends. The Wisconsin Elks/Easter Seals Respite Center, a year-round program in a camp setting, provides people with complex developmental disabilities with weekend and week-long recreational opportunities -- such as arts, canoeing, sports and games, a ropes course -- while their families get a break. The outdoor recreation activities at camp build self-confidence, promote independence, encourage mastery of new skills, promote physical activity, and build a connection to the natural environment.

Members will commit to serve a minimum of 300 hours at six weekends from January 2012-May 2012 and a mandatory training weekend January 14-16, 2012. Members will serve at Respite Camp in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Members will receive room and board during training and camp weekends and will earn a total living stipend of $1,250 and, upon successful completion of their term, members will earn an education award of $1,175 which can be used toward current educations costs or student loans; members have seven years to use the award.

Responsibilities for Respite Apprentices include: provide ideas for, plan and lead camp programs; assist campers to participate fully in activities; accept responsibility for the overall health and safety of the campers; and assist, instruct and supervise campers in personal care skills. Members receive training on how to provide recreation and care for people with disabilities, CPR, first aid, conflict resolution, behavioral modification, and civic participation.

Previous experience working with people with disabilities is always helpful but not required. Potential candidates must be enthusiastic, energetic, able to work long days, adaptable to changing situations, and able to work as a team member. Applicants must be able to commit to the full term of service.

Applications due December 16, 2011.

To be considered for these positions, please fill out an AmeriCorps application by following this link and searching under "Program Name" for "Easter Seals Wisconsin." E-mail questions to americorps@eastersealswisconsin.com, or call 608-277-8288x126.