With Special Olympics festivities coming to an end, inspiring volunteer opportunities may seem a thing of the past. However, there is another upcoming opportunity to volunteer at Circle Star Ranch, a camp run by the Erin Eickmeier Foundation (EEF).

“The mission of the EEF is to enrich the lives of ambulatory (those who are able to walk) children and adults with disabilities with recreational opportunities which respect and embrace their individual preferences and needs,” Executive Director of the EEF, Renee Eickmeier said.

The EEF was, and continues to be inspired by Eickmeier’s daughter, sophomore Erin Eickmeier.

“Because Erin does not communicate using spoken words, we have to be creative and the ultimate detectives in determining what she wants.  We found that if we modify the environment, we can set Erin up for success,” Eickmeier said. “We use that same problem solving approach with our camps.  All along, Erin inspired us to help others like her.  We started out with the camps and are now realizing that dream.”

Circle Star Ranch is hosting a “Fun Day” on March 29 where children with special needs will participate in activities such as fishing and hiking. Some other features of the camp include a music garden, playground with a trampoline, an indoor sensory room, art room, wildlife observation room, transportation room and more.

“Being a parent of a child with a disability myself, I know how important it is for a family to get some respite from the daily care of a child with unique needs.  I also know how stressful it can be sending off a child who doesn’t verbally communicate to a camp for an entire day.  We try to ease that stress as much as possible, and when a child has a great time and is laughing and smiling and really enjoying themselves, we know we have done our job right.  Nothing tops that feeling!” Eickmeier said.

The Circle Star Ranch is looking for volunteers to pair up with the camp participants, one on one. Volunteers will provide individual attention in order to enhance the camp activities to the highest possible level.

“It is very important to us that we accept children of ALL abilities at our camps, and we make it our business to determine what is fun for them, so they get the most enjoyment out of the experience,” Eickmeier said.

The Ranch is located about an hour south of St. Louis in Valles Mines, Missouri, and round trip transportation will be provided from West County Mall. Busses leave the mall at 8:30 a.m. and will return to the mall around 4:00 p.m.

The EEF is also currently looking for volunteers, ages 16 and up, for the summer camp programs the weeks of June 23, July 7, July 14, July 28 and Aug. 4. Transportation is provided from West County Mall the weeks of June 23, July 14 and Aug. 4.

“My favorite part about working with the EEF is my contact with the families and children we serve.  I really enjoy being able to help out a family, especially when they have not had successful camp experiences in the past. I also enjoy witnessing our volunteers fall in love with the campers and learn something new themselves,” Eickmeier said. “Our volunteers get back as much or more than they give to our campers.  Our camp experiences are truly win-win for the volunteers and the campers.”

For more information, you can contact Renee Eickmeier at [email protected] or call 314-402-4032.