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FAQ

Is this a drop off program?
How can I use my San Diego Regional Center funds?
If I don’t have regional center funding, and I cannot afford camp, can I get a scholarship?
Can I still go to camp if I don’t want to do my regional center funds?
Can I bring my own food?
Will Friendship Circle be providing food and drinks?
Are the volunteers trained to deal with toileting?
If the program is two hours long, and we are in the San Diego Zoo, do we need to leave or can we stay as long as we want? 
Can we leave the group with the volunteer? 
What if we come late? 
Will we for sure be given a volunteer 1:1? 
What are the volunteers trained to do?
What if I can only come for some days and not all of the days? 
Last year, we got paired with an awesome volunteer, can I request the same one again for this year?
How do I know who my child will be paired with?
Is there a bus service to bring to the locations?
Will there be more camp dates?
 

Is this a drop off program?

Camp Let Loose is NOT a drop off program. Each special needs participant is required to come with an adult (18+) who is knowledgeable in their care and can make decisions for them in case of an emergency. (In the case of two participants per family, only one adult is needed)

How can I use my San Diego Regional Center funds?

Friendship Circle SD/ Camp Let Loose is funded through a Regional Center vendorship. If you want to get camp paid for by Regional Center, you need to speak to your service provider and ask them to have Friendship Circle/Camp Let Loose as your summer camp option. 

If I don’t have Regional Center funding, and I cannot afford camp, can I get a scholarship?

Yes! No one is turned away for lack of funds. If you are in need of a scholarship, please reach out to Muka (Muka@FriendshipCircleSD.org) for more information.

Can I still go to camp if I don’t want to do my regional center funds? 

Yes! You can pay for camp out of pocket via our website. 

Can I bring my own food?

Bringing a sack lunch and water bottle is encouraged! Snacks and water bottles will be provided. 

Is Friendship Circle San Diego providing food and drinks?

A light snack and water bottles are provided. 

Are the volunteers trained to deal with toileting?

Volunteers are NOT trained to deal with toileting. Volunteers are there to ensure your camper has a good time by going with them on rides, encouraging them to engage in activities, being there to chat/lend a listening ear and to be a friend! 

If the program is two hours long, and we are at the San Diego Zoo, do we need to leave or can we stay as long as we want? 

Volunteers are guaranteed for 2 hours, however, you are more than welcome to stay on a trip after your volunteers have left. 

Can we leave the group with the volunteer?

Depending on the location, if your volunteer feels that it is appropriate, you may leave the group with them and wander on your own. However, please note that if we are doing a group activity (for example, watching the IMAX at the Science Center) and you are not present, you will miss the activity. 

What if we come late? 

If you arrive late, you may miss our group entrance. Being that we will be with a group of people, it may take us a while to ensure a staff member comes back to meet you at the front with your tickets and your volunteer. As such, we highly encourage you to arrive early. If you ARE coming late, please let a staff member know as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly. 

Will we for sure be given a volunteer 1:1? 

Our hope is that every participant will get their own volunteer. However, sometimes we find that two participants are getting along well, in which case we have them join together with the same volunteer to create friendships! 

What are the volunteers trained to do?

Volunteers are trained to be incredible and understanding friends with the camper. They have been trained to understand developmental and intellectual disabilities. They are not trained to deal with behaviors, toileting, or medical tasks. The volunteers do not help with feeding. 

What if I can only come for some days and not all of the days? 

Amazing! We are happy to have you for whichever day you choose to join! You can sign up on our website for one day, two, or the whole week! 

Last year, we got paired with an awesome volunteer, can I request the same one again for this year?

Please ask! While we cannot guarantee that you will receive the same volunteer, we will try our best! 

How do I know who my child will be paired with?

The day before camp you will receive a message from us with your child’s volunteer listed. On the day of camp, you will be introduced to your volunteer. 

Is there a bus service to bring to the locations?

At this time, we do not provide a bus service to the trips. Each morning at 9:50/10am you will meet the Camp Let Loose group in the front of the location We will be wearing purple vests and holding up a sign! 
 

Will there be more camp dates?

At this time, we do not have plans for additional camp dates. Camp Let Loose is a special, limited-time program, and spots are first-come, first-served. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot!

If future camp opportunities become available, we will share updates through our email newsletter and website. Stay tuned!

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Connect

We invite you to reach out to either our

Program Director, Muka Rodal

Click here to contact via phone. Phone: 760-809-2996

Click here to contact via email. Email: Muka@FriendshipCircleSD.org

OR

Assistant Program Director, Mushka Eilfort

Click here to contact via phone. Phone: 203-809-8942

Click here to contact via email. Email: Mushka@FriendshipSD.org

for any inquires.