Thank you for your interest in getting listed in our Camp Buddy directory for the Camp Buddy Program. Please fill out the form below the FAQ’s to be considered. In most cases, the Camp Buddy is a paid position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Camp Buddy Program?

The Camp Buddy Program helps to connect school aged campers with special needs to a buddy who can attend one or more camps with the camper during the summer or other times of the year. The Camp Buddy Program offers an experience for many special needs campers that otherwise may not be possible. The program also helps enrich our community by allowing typically developing campers to become comfortable including students that may appear different, perform certain activities or tasks in a different way or exhibit unfamiliar behaviors.

Why Become a Camp Buddy?

Becoming a Camp Buddy can be a rewarding experience if your personal talents and passions align with this endeavor. In addition, it is a paid position that may offer more flexibility than a traditional summer job opportunity. The Camp Buddy Program makes it possible for kids with special needs to attend camps that most often are attended by only typically developing campers.

As a Camp Buddy, what camps would I attend with a camper?

At this time, local camps participating in this program include Kidventure, Champions Parkour in Lakeway and Lone Star School of Music in Lakeway. We hope to add additional camps to this list as the program continues to develop.

What is the Camp Buddy Directory?

The Camp Buddy Directory is a collection of profiles of people who would like to be considered by a family or families as a Camp Buddy along with their availability for upcoming holidays or summer. Once a Camp Buddy has been matched and is unavailable for specific dates, that will be reflected in the directory. Please include weeks you are definitely available in Summer 2024 in your application. These dates will need to be firm. It is preferred that you only include dates you know for sure you are available. You can always add dates you are unsure about later if it turns out you are available at those times. This is to help the process be as seamless as possible for families considering the right buddy for their camper. The Camp Buddy Directory will be made available to family by request only.

What are the requirements to be listed as an available Camp Buddy in the Camp Buddy Directory?

Buddies will need to provide firm dates of specific weeks that they are definitely available and can stay available to work as a buddy during the summer before and after they are assigned a camper; however, it will not need to be every week of the summer if there are vacations or other commitments already planned in advance. It is recommended that availability be offered in week long Mon-Fri (or Mon-Thur) blocks with availability from at least 8am-3pm every day. While committed dates must remain firm, participation in the program offers flexibility in the Buddy’s summer schedule as a whole. Some camps may have age requirements of 18 and up for Buddies working in their camp environment. It is preferred that Camp Buddies have related experience either professionally or through a volunteer capacity; however, selection for Camp Buddies will be made on a case by case basis as buddies are screened by each family. A separate background check may be required for each camp attended with the camper. Each camp the Camp Buddy is working at must approve the Camp Buddy being on site at their camp.

Do families have to select their Camp Buddy from the Camp Buddy Directory?

No, the Camp Buddy Directory is intended to be a resource for parents to connect with individuals who have interest in becoming a Camp Buddy. However, if they already have someone in mind, they can seek approval from each camp for the Camp Buddy of their choice to attend with their camper.

What kind of training will be provided to the Camp Buddy?

Individualized information about the camper and the specific needs they will need assistance with will be provided by the parent or guardian of the camper. In addition, special training may be required for each camp that will be attended by the Camp Buddy.