The tradition of community service continues in July with the annual Family Volunteer Camp, a weeklong program at the University of Notre Dame that invites alumni to reconnect with the University and introduce their children to Notre Dame’s mission of service to others.
The camp, organized by the Notre Dame Alumni Association, brings Notre Dame graduates to campus to participate in local service projects. The 2014 camp will be held for two week-long sessions, July 20 through Aug. 1. Molly Butler, Alumni Service Program Director, said families signed up in record time for the camp this year. The Alumni Association made the camp about 20 percent larger than last year, allowing for more families to participate and more organizations to benefit.
The camp this year will bring families to 17 community partners including Reins of Life, REAL Services, La Casa de Amistad, Courtyard Healthcare and Camp Millhouse. Service projects include packing backpacks for kids and hosting a picnic at St. Margaret’s House, refurbishing and refreshing homes with REAL Services, making a meal at Hannah’s House and hosting a picnic and awards ceremony at the YWCA.
The Family Service Camp has been taking place in one form or another for 15 years. Some families return to the camp each year. The youngest daughter in one family that has been coming back for 12 years started participating when she was in kindergarten, and is now 17 and graduating high school. Additionally, six Notre Dame students will serve as leaders of the camp. These students are chosen by the association based on their personal commitment to community service.
Campers will stay in Ryan Hall and go out to do service work during the day. The Alumni Association arranged for evening entertainment for the children in the camp, including skating and a talent show at the Compton Family Ice Arena and a sending-off ceremony in the Notre Dame Stadium Press Box.
Registration for this year is closed. Information for 2015 camp registration will be available in January.
Contact: Molly Butler, Alumni Association, 574-631-6723, mbutler2@nd.edu