GKTW Volunteer Vacation?

[Figaro77]

I'm not sure if this has been answered before, but I couldn't find anything with a search. I've been lurking on the disAbilities! board for a while, after my son was diagnosed with some crazy extensive food allergies. (Thanks to all of you who didn't know you were helping me!) In browsing and reading, I've been touched by the posts of the Wish Trippers, and in poking around the Give Kids the World site, I saw the term "volunteer vacation". Has anyone done this? If so, I would love to hear about your experience!

 

[redberyl]

When i was there one of the volunteers told me theres a waiting list

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) At GKTW, we welcome all volunteers.
2) Even those that come for one day and never come again.
3) Requirements:
. . . go to GKTW.COM and "click volunteer" section
. . . complete the application at least 1-week in advance of your visit to GKTW
. . . await clearance, since GKTW checks criminal records for the protection of the kids
. . . if under 16-years-old, volunteer must have the Parental Permission Slip printed, signed, and faxed back to GKTW
. . . show up early and go through the min-training for your assignment (some trainings are as quick as 10-15 minutes)
4) There is ALWAYS a need for volunteers.
5) The only waiting list is the list we make waiting for volunteers.
6) If you want to help, we will find a place for you!
.
NOTE1: We get lots of folks who come on a Florida vacation and volunteer here for just a single day. We have Morning, Evening, Part Day, and Full Day volunteer shifts. We have companies that will form a group of volunteers that come only for a single day or come on a recurring basis.
.
NOTE2: I am a Volunteer Coordinator for GKTW, so I get into scheduling one-time, one-day, and/or recurring volunteers.

 

[Figaro77]

Thank you RustyScupper! I'm so happy you replied. Our son is a couple years too young now, but when he gets there we think that would be an amazing way to spend a vacation. Maybe DH and I could even do a few days ourselves before bringing him. It's too bad, though- I wish you were so swamped with volunteers that you DID have a waiting list. Blessings and thanks!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . too bad, though- I wish you were so swamped with volunteers that you DID have a waiting list . . .

1) Frequently, GKTW sends out Broadcast Emails about volunteer openings.
2) Unfortunately, there is never enough to fill all the slots all the time.
3) Thankfully, there is a corps of dedicated folks who like to participate.
. . . at the resort "village"
. . . doing local transportation
. . . meeting our families at the airport upon arrival
4) More volunteers are always welcome - for a day, for a week, for recurring shifts.

NOTE: Lots of people visit and volunteer for one day while they are in Orlando for vacation. They go away with a deep satisfaction. Some who saw me at GKTW, then noticed me at a Concierge Desk, remarked how enriched their vacation was from their volunteerism.

 

[SMD]

Universal sells a volunteer package. It's 3 nights, 2 day park tickets and 1 4 hour shift at GKTW with transportation to and from their hotel to GKTW. I think it was $400+ per person the last time I checked. I haven't looked into it further because I don't have an upcoming trip planned, but it seemed to me that I might just rent a car and see if a single day volunteer shift was available instead.