Our Volunteer Opportunity at Camp Boggy Creek

Looking for something different to do? We were ... until we discovered the volunteer opportunities at Camp Boggy Creek. We all come from a life where volunteering has been a part, volunteer firemen, baseball coaches, girl scout leaders, church school workers or volunteer workers in our community. None of our volunteer experiences in recent years have been as rewarding as volunteering at Camp Boggy Creek.

What is Camp Boggy Creek? It is a place of dreams, of joy, of possibilities. A camp where children with serious illnesses and their families can forget the word “no” for a little while and embrace the promise of “yes”. Camp Boggy Creek was founded by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, with one simple premise in mind, that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transformational spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with camp experience. With unobtrusive behind the scenes expert medical care, it was their dream that the camp would provide seriously ill children with a fun-filled experience defined by compassion, laughter and acceptance. Since its inception, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically-sound environment.

Nestled on over 200 acres of beautiful wooded land, this year-round camp in Eustis is uniquely equipped to serve more than 15 disease groups. In its multiple summer sessions and over fifteen family weekends each year, children with like illnesses come together for support and acceptance. The camp’s medical center, lovingly called “The Patch” allows for state-of-the-art care empowering campers to have the time of their lives. Annually, over 1,500 volunteers lend their time and talents to this inspiring work.

The camp offers children the chance to catch their first fish, go horseback riding or climb our ropes tower. All while making new friends and having fun in the wonderful Florida sunshine. Beyond boundless fun, Camp Boggy Creek provides fellowship. Children can spend time with others who are just like them and share their life-experiences, which serves as a reminder that they are not alone in the challenges they face. Enough background on this great place!

Our Good Sam chapter, Carefree Sams, had 10 volunteers at the camp's annual Christmas party this past weekend. This party is known as 'The Greatest Party on Earth!' All our volunteer jobs were at the many food stations! But that does not stop you from enjoying the fun! Jack Whitman could be seen dancing with the kids on stage from behind his “walking taco” station, while Pattye Starrett interacted with the smallest guests at her hot dog station.

There were over 600 campers and family members attended the annual Camper Holiday Party and it was a blast. There was everything from dunk tanks, Whack-A-Mole, giant turkey legs, arts and crafts, carnival games, great music and more great food than any child should eat! We had it all, plus tons of fun, as the campers and their families helped celebrate the holiday season, while forgetting about their illnesses and ailments for a short time.

If you are looking for a great place to volunteer, check them out at www.boggycreek.org.