Help create a week where campers can try new things, build independence, discover new strengths, and belong. Camp Spark brings together counselors, specialists, volunteers, and professionals who make the experience possible.
Camp Spark team members should plan to be at Linfield University from July 9 through July 17, 2027.
Team arrival is Friday, July 9, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Required orientation and training begin July 10 at 8:00 a.m. and continue through July 11, before campers arrive at 1:00 p.m.
Camp concludes Saturday, July 17, with final camper activities, closing celebrations, and departure.
All team members are expected to participate in the full orientation and camp experience. Final details will be shared during the application and selection process.
Camp Spark is energetic, joyful, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
Team members help youth who are blind or visually impaired discover new sports, build independence, develop friendships, and gain confidence, all while working alongside a dedicated team committed to making camp accessible and inclusive.
You’ll teach, learn, solve problems, cheer each other on, and help create an unforgettable camp experience for everyone involved.
The strongest Camp Spark team members bring patience, energy, sound judgment, flexibility, and a genuine belief in what young people can accomplish.
Camp Spark is a physically active, hands-on experience. Team members should be prepared for 14 to 16 hour days with limited downtime, actively participating alongside campers in sports, recreation, and daily activities. Whether biking, running, swimming, or navigating campus, staff are expected to be present, engaged, and ready to support campers throughout the day.
Experience in education, adapted physical activity, blindness and visual impairment, orientation and mobility, nursing, youth development, recreation, or camp programming is valuable. Specific qualifications and physical responsibilities vary by role.
All team members must complete the required application and screening process, participate fully in orientation, follow NWABA policies, and help maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive camp environment.
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Anticipated roles include camp counselors, group leaders, sport specialists, counselors in training, summer interns, O&M interns, a supervising COMS, a camp nurse, and volunteers. Final openings will be listed in the Camp Spark team application.
Counselors in Training must be at least 16 and blind or low vision, counselors must be at least 18, and most leadership, specialist, and internship roles require applicants to be at least 19. Additional education, credential, or experience requirements vary by role.
Not every role requires previous experience, but applicants must be willing to learn and use accessible, person-centered practices. Specialist and professional roles may require specific education, credentials, or experience.
Most Camp Spark team members should plan to be at Linfield University from July 9 through July 17, 2027. Volunteers may serve shorter scheduled shifts based on their availability and the needs of camp.
Yes. Orientation and training begin the evening of July 9 and continue July 10 and July 11 before campers arrive. Full participation is required.
Camp Spark depends on consistent coverage and a fully trained team. Applicants should plan to attend the complete commitment for their role. Contact campspark@nwaba.org before applying if you have a potential conflict.
Counselors, group leaders, specialists, interns, the supervising COMS, and the camp nurse stay on campus throughout the required commitment. Volunteer opportunities may include morning, afternoon, full-day, or multi-day assignments that do not require an overnight stay.
Yes. All meals and on-campus lodging are provided during the required Camp Spark commitment. Once an application is approved, Camp Spark team members may receive mileage reimbursement or airfare assistance up to a predetermined amount. Details will be provided during the approval process.
Compensation and classification vary by role. A stipend may be available for some team positions based on the role, experience, annual program structure, and available funding. Camp Volunteer positions are unpaid. Room and board are provided for roles requiring the full on-site commitment.
NWABA may be able to coordinate with an educational program when the role and supervision requirements align. Applicants seeking credit should provide requirements early in the application process.
Requirements vary by role and may include an application, interview, reference checks, a voluntary disclosure statement, a criminal background check, and a check of the National Sex Offender Public Website.
Camp Spark days are active and may include long hours, travel across campus, assisting with sports and equipment, and supporting camper routines. Applicants should be able to perform the essential functions of their assigned role, with or without reasonable accommodation, and may contact the Camp Spark team with questions.
Selection timing depends on the role, completion of interviews and screening, and Camp Spark staffing needs. The Camp Spark team will communicate next steps through the application process.
Contact the Camp Spark team at campspark@nwaba.org.
If you are ready to work hard, learn, encourage campers, and help create an accessible summer camp experience, we would be glad to learn more about you.