Volunteering...

United States
May 18, 2007 6:15pm CST
Well, I am frustrated and tired, so this may seem worse than it really is, but here goes. I have a dear family friend that is an adult with serious special needs. She and her parents wanted her to go to summer camp. She was afraid and being certified as a teacher in the field, I told her that I would try to go with her. So, I call about volunteering and it takes them a ton of time to get back to me. When they finally do, they simply tell me they will send the packet. So, it arrives today and the things they want me to do BY JUNE 1st are plain and simply NOT DOABLE. It is 30+ hours of training, 3 reference letters, first aid/cpr certification, a physical, a background check, an essay, and the list goes on and on. Am I volunteering for summer camp or trying to get into the CIA???? There is no way I can do it and I had to call my friend's family and tell them. They were great, but I feel terrible. This is the second time in my life I have tried to volunteer and both times there were so many obstacles. Is it a wonder our world lacks for volunteers?
2 responses
magicalmerlin
@magicalmerlin (1623)
•
19 May 07
It is the sad state of the world today and how we are all so frightened because of a few perverse idiots. Parents cannot help at playgroup and mustn't take somebody else's child to the toilet. For heavens sake isn't it better that a helper could do that and let the leaders do more constructive things? I volunteered to help with adult reading once thinking I could do it on a one to one basis and all ready to discover what subjects they were interested in and help them discover what wonders reading held. I was told I would have to have a group of people which was far too frightening a prospect for me so I did not pursue it. Well done for offering anyway. Sorry it did not work out and made you feel bad.
1 person likes this
magicalmerlin
@magicalmerlin (1623)
•
20 May 07
Just to let you know that I saw you had awarded me 'best response' and to thank you very much.
mamacathie
@mamacathie (3928)
• United States
19 May 07
I understand how you feel about volunteering and then something preventing you from doing it. It is so discouraging. You are right, no wonder there is not enough volunteers to go around. I admire you for being willing to do this for a friend. God bless you.
1 person likes this