Explore New York

Volunteers who take part in the workcamp will assist Sprout Programs in a variety of ways. The main duty is working as a Trip Leader providing supervision, support and companionship to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities on overnight vacations. The vacations are 3 to 8 days long and take you to various popular tourist destinations throughout the United States. You are required to participate in our training class during the first few days of your workcamp. Leaders work with different co-leaders for each trip. The leader teams consist of 3 volunteers with groups of 8-11 participants. Within the co-leading team there will be at least one leader who has experience working with Sprout. This leader is known as the Primary leader. The co-leading team will have access to the Leadership staff 24 hours a day to answer any questions during the trip. Responsibilities include but are not limited to ensuring safety for the participants at all times, planning and participating in activities, overseeing the group budget, helping with hygiene needs (e.g. separating dirty and clean clothes, applying deodorant, assisting with showers, etc), driving/navigating, carrying luggage, providing general emotional and physical support, and ensuring everybody has a fun time. While on trips, leaders are responsible for their group 24-hours a day and therefore cannot leave the group for any reason or consume alcohol/narcotics (Please refer to Leadership Guidelines, below). Although the work is not physically strenuous, it can be exhausting as you are likely to work long days, have little privacy and are always responsible for your group. That said, you will probably find it to be one of the most fun and rewarding experiences you will ever have.