• Online Volunteer Application for the 2024 Retreat 
• Driving Directions to Camp Allen

Texas Chargers are looking for volunteers for the 17th Annual Texas Chargers Retreat to be held at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas.  The dates for the 2024 Retreat are April 26-28, 2024.

There are several areas in which you may volunteer, although our most pressing needs involve spending the day with an individual with CHARGE and/or their siblings.  Individuals with CHARGE are paired one-to-one with a volunteer.  Other volunteers will help with siblings, although not one-to-one.  Other areas of need include staffing for the various activities throughout the day, to include an assortment of carnival games, rock wall, bounce house, petting zoo/exotic animal show, crafts, outside games, sensory room, silent auction, etc.

Individuals with CHARGE and their siblings range in age from infant to young adult.  They are divided into 4 categories:  infants/toddlers (0 – 4), children
(5 – 7), youth (8 – 11), and young adult (12 & up).  We need some volunteers on Friday night but most are needed Saturday from 8am-5pm. (categories may change based on actual attendance)

Volunteers with infants & toddlers spend their time in a daycare setting where they play, play, and play!  And of course, there will be time spent eating and sleeping as well!  When it’s time for a nap, there is a “quiet room” where they can take a nap and you can have a little down time also.  Parents and/or the camp nurse will always be nearby to assist with feedings and medical care.

Children through young adult will spend the day sampling the scheduled activities, both inside and outside.

If you have any sign language skills, we need you too!  Many of the individuals with CHARGE are non-verbal and utilize sign language to communicate.  Come help enrich their time here while practicing your signing skills.

You will receive a camp T-shirt and also have a break for lunch to enjoy a delicious meal at the camp cafeteria.  Even as good as that sounds, your most rewarding experience will be the time spent with those with CHARGE syndrome and their siblings, helping them enjoy their day while allowing their parents to recharge, network, and share the joys and challenges of raising someone with CHARGE.

If your organization would like to volunteer or if you are an individual who would like to volunteer either working one on one with a child with charge syndrome or working with siblings in activities please contact John Gaudin.

Thank you.

John Gaudin
Volunteer Chairman