Information for Volunteers
What to expect as a Volunteer
Most volunteers will serve as a friend to a child or adult with a disability joining the participant for all meals, programming, and free time activities such as boating, swimming, and crafts. Volunteers may also serve in a specific program area such as worship, crafts, recreation, and child programming. Volunteers will spend full days serving with an afternoon break provided.
You do not need to be a professional to be a part of the team! Whether you are a college-aged student or a grandparent, you will serve a vital role at Family Retreat. Volunteers are simply committed Christians that have a desire to serve families living with disability.
Joni and Friends does provide service opportunities to volunteers under the age of 18. You may inquire about whether a minor can serve during the application process.
Prior experience is not required. Joni and Friends will ensure that you feel prepared to serve by providing training on topics such as disability etiquette and God’s view of disability. Ongoing support from experienced leaders will be provided throughout the event.
Most of our Family Retreats are 3-5 days. As a volunteer, you may be required to attend training sessions before the retreat which may include arriving one day before families.
Application and Pricing
Check out our upcoming Family Retreats to choose a retreat and apply online. Once your application has been received, you will receive an email with next steps.
We recommend applying as early as possible. Applications open on different dates based on when the retreat occurs.
The cost of Family Retreat varies by location and includes all lodging accommodations, meals, and program costs. The cost does not include transportation to and from the retreat.
Many volunteers attend Family Retreat with the help of their church, friends, family, or other organizations. Joni and Friends offers fundraising resources as well as partial scholarships.
No payment is due until 4 weeks prior to the retreat.
Payments can be made through our Joni and Friends Participant Center.
Select the “Sign-In” button at the top of the website and select the name of your event on your homepage. Then click “Make a Payment” on this page and submit your payment information.
Go to our Joni and Friends Participant Center by clicking the “Sign-In” button at the top of the website. Then, click the name of your event on your homepage. Your fundraising page URL is on this next page. Share this page by copying and pasting this link to an email, text or your Social Media platform.
We make it easy for friends and family to Sponsor a Participant. Simply click the “Sponsor a Participant” button on our Family Retreat webpage and search for the participant you wish to sponsor.
Joni and Friends does not refund payments unless cancellation is caused by an extreme medical situation or if Joni and Friends cancels the event.
Joni and Friends welcomes the participation of volunteers with disabilities. Joni and Friends encourages persons with disabilities to first attend Family Retreat as a family before applying to serve as a volunteer.
