Camp Rainbow Connection

2009 Camp Dates are July 12-17 and August 9-14

Deadline for new staff applications is April 15, 2009

To request a camper application packet, e-mail CindyIngroff@vaumc.org

Camp Rainbow Connection has been in operation since 1985. It is a ministry of the Commission on Disabilities of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The staff and volunteers of Camp Rainbow are dedicated to providing a wonderful and enriching summer program for each camper. The Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center (VUMAC) in Blackstone, Virginia, is the location for Camp Rainbow Connection. VUMAC provides air-conditioned, dorm-style living for the campers and staff.

Campers participate in a variety of activities including Bible class, music, arts and crafts, games, dancing, and special activities. Camp Rainbow is a continuation of Christ’s ministry where campers and staff of all races and religions experience Christian love.

Throughout the week, campers find at the end of the rainbow their treasure of love and acceptance. The objectives of Camp Rainbow Connection are to:

Demonstrate Christian love with compassion and acceptance.
Provide opportunities for campers to experience fun, fellowship, and Christian teachings.
Experience a week where persons with disabilities can work together as a team.

Criteria for Admission

Camp Rainbow Connection is a wonderful expression of God’s love. However, it is NOT for everyone due to its structure and location. Campers spend the week with others of various ability levels. Each camper is paired with a staff "buddy." Staff members give of their time as volunteers. For this reason, camp is not appropriate for individuals who do not meet the following criteria.

The potential camper must:

Be identified as having mild to moderate mental retardation, although other disabilities may exist.
Be sixteen years (16) of age to adulthood.
Be able to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, feeding, bathing and toileting him/herself at a minimal level and require little care in terms of their behavior. It is helpful if campers can communicate verbally.
Be able and willing to participate in all camp activities.
Demonstrate no physical or emotional threat to him/herself or others.

Persons who exhibit inappropriate behaviors or cannot meet the above requirements for daily living skills may be refused acceptance or sent home early if these behaviors appear at camp.

It is important to remember that volunteers give of their time to serve as staff for Camp Rainbow. For this reason, it is necessary that campers be able to perform activities of daily living with only minimal assistance. This may limit participation of those with significant health and/or physical challenges.

Registration Requirements

All application forms are due by April 1. We cannot allow any exceptions.

Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Ten slots are reserved during each session for first-time campers.

The cost of the camp is determined each year. For 2008, the cost is $450.00. Limited financial assistance is available upon request.

An application fee of $25 is required of all applicants. This applications fee is nonrefundable once a camper has been added to the camp list and his/her attendance has been confirmed.

A deposit of $150 is due by May 1. The balance of the camp cost is due upon registration at camp.

To request a camper application packet, contact the Commission on Disabilities: 1-800-768-6040, ext. 153, or 804-521-1153 or by e-mail at CindyIngroff@vaumc.org