Basic Guidelines for Families and Volunteer Staff
Updated December 1, 2009

FOR FAMILIES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Family Weekends Eligibility:

Patients 17 years and younger within 3 years of treatment (5 for bone marrow transplants), bereaved families with children 16 and younger, and active BRASS families. Those past 3 (5) years treatment are welcome on a space available basis but must fit the age requirements.

* Please note that the person who makes the family eligible must be in attendance. For example, if an active BRASS family is registered for a family weekend and the patient is 18 or over, the sibling must be in attendance.

Who counts as family?

Events are open only to immediate family members living within the patient’s home. Events are not open to extended family members or friends unless otherwise specified.

Who counts as a Former Camper’s family?

Former campers are invited to attend Reunion Family Weekend and the annual Holiday Party. In this case, the same guidelines apply – a (former) camper’s immediately family living within the home only. For example, this could be your parents if you are still living at home, or it could be your spouse and children if you live independently.

Parents’ Getaway Weekend Eligibility:

This retreat is open to bereaved parents and parents of any child 25 years and younger who have been treated for cancer in the past 3 years (5 for bone marrow transplants). This weekend includes parents of our YACers – Young Adults with Cancer – who are still living at home, especially those who are dealing with late effects.

Scholarships (Camperships):

Scholarships/camperships are available only for eligible families. Non-eligible families or campers who attend on a space-available basis are required to pay the event registration fee.

Mailings:

Brochures are mailed out to “eligible” families only. Those outside of eligibility are welcome to download the brochures from our website ( www.specialove.org ), or call the office to inquire about space and/or register.

Fundraising & Special Events:

Special Love holds a number of Special Events (such as the annual gala, golf tournament, Dancing for the Stars, etc.) that are open to anyone who wishes to attend. You are encouraged to spread the word and extend an invitation to these events to extended family and friends! J

FOR VOLUNTEER STAFF -------------------------------------------------------------------------

All Special Love Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older with the exception of BRASS Volunteers. Siblings are eligible to volunteer for BRASS at the age of 17.

Volunteers are not permitted to bring their family members to Special Love events. Our events are for Special Love patient family members only. This, of course, does not include fundraising events or any other ‘open to the public’ events sponsored by Special Love.

Family Volunteers:

Some of our volunteers get involved because their child, sibling, or other family member is a camper. While we welcome all volunteers, particularly those whose family already has a history with us, it is Special Love’s policy that a person cannot volunteer at an event where their family member is a camper.

Applications:

A “General Volunteer Application” is required of all new volunteers in order to be eligible to volunteer for weekend events. Included in this application process is a mandatory background check. Everyone must apply (or reapply) for a volunteer spot at Camp Fantastic and BRASS Camp each year.

Background Checks:

Background checks are conducted on all new volunteers and all veteran volunteers every two years. Special Love reserves the right to refuse new volunteers, or disqualify veteran volunteers, based on information received on an updated background check.

Waitlists:

While Special Love would like to include every volunteer who wishes to come to an event, volunteer spots will be available on a first come, first served and need basis. Understandably, Special Love’s main focus is on the Special Love patient family and we must use our resources wisely and thoughtfully. Therefore, volunteers may find themselves on a “waiting list” or unable to attend an event. This is not necessarily a reflection on the volunteer, but rather a reflection on the needs of the program.