Camp-" volunteer positions-- individuals Williams syndrome at National Convention

What is Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare, spontaneously occurring genetic syndrome that causes medical and learning challenges. WS occurs in 1 in 10,000 births without regard to sex, race, or other factors. In the United States there are approximately 30,000 people and families living with Williams syndrome.

The WSA is the most comprehensive resource in the United State. The country's largest and most comprehensive resource for people and families living with WS, as well as doctors, researchers, and educators and is focused on three key areas Connections, Resources, and Research. Started in 1982, WSA was the first nonprofit dedicated to providing support for individuals with WS and their families and the organization is community-led, community-focused, and community-funded.

We create roadmaps to help individuals w/WS and their families navigate challenges. We serves more than 14,000 national and international members. The WSA is fully remote organization with team members from across the country. Our mailing address is 243 Broadway Suite #9188 in Newark, NJ 07104.

The mission of the Williams Syndrome Association is to advance the interests of all individuals with Williams syndrome throughout their lifespan by providing programming and resources, supporting research, promoting partnerships and connections, and ensuring that the infrastructure of the organization has the capacity to lead our community toward its goals.

• Providing information and community support to individuals with Williams syndrome, their families, and the professionals who work with them
• Developing programs and services to help build strengths and meet challenges from early childhood through adulthood
• Encouraging and funding research that benefits a wide range of issues related to Williams syndrome, including a Nationwide Clinical Consortium and Research Network to further advance research and treatment opportunities.

The WSA envisions that all individuals with Williams syndrome should have the support they need throughout their lifespan to live healthy, self-directed, productive, and meaningful lives--and that in order to achieve this vision, individuals with Williams syndrome must be meaningfully included in educational, work, and community settings.

Founded by a handful of families in San Diego, CA in 1982, the WSA today is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization. The WSA supports nearly 6,000 families of individuals with WS, leveraging its paid staff with hundreds of volunteers, including the Board of Trustees, who help organize events and support families in communities nationwide. Volunteers are individuals with Williams syndrome, their family and friends, and the professionals who work with them.

Over 150 volunteers each day ensure that our programs run safely and smoothly.

• Childcare - Infant, Toddler Programs

  Be a play partner for children with Williams syndrome
  * and their siblings while their parents attend important medical and educational sessions on Williams syndrome.

• School‑Age Program

  Be a “camp counselor” at our on‑site day camp program for children ages 6 – 12 with WS and their siblings. Multiple‑day availability is a plus!

• Teen and Adult Companions

  (at convention center and in the community) Go “out and about” in the Buffalo area with groups of our teens (most of whom have WS) and adults with WS as they enjoy local attractions and in‑house programming. Teen and/or adult program volunteers must take responsibility for the well‑being of three or more individuals with WS who need mild to moderate assistance.
  
  Typical assistance can include money management, restroom guidance, managing an assigned group at all times, helping them make good choices, and serving as a good role model.
  Full‑day availability required.