Imagine a place where giggles float through the air like bubbles, the sidewalks are sprinkled with chalk masterpieces and the scent of sunscreen and fresh grass spells one thing: summer joy.

Welcome to Camp Schreiber, an inclusive day camp in Lancaster that’s less about routine and more about rainbow tie-dye, splashy fun and unforgettable connections.

Camp Schreiber, hosted by Lancaster’s Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, offers children of all abilities the chance to play, learn and build confidence in a safe, creative environment. But behind the scenes of all the fun, there’s one essential ingredient: volunteers with open hearts and ready smiles.

Each summer, volunteers step into this colorful world to help facilitate games, assist with crafts and simply be a friendly, encouraging presence. It’s an experience filled with laughter, high-fives and more than a few foam noodle sword fights.

Whether you’re a high school or college student or a community member, Camp Schreiber welcomes volunteers 16 and older to serve in a variety of flexible roles. Pick a full day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), or split your time with a morning (8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or afternoon shift (12:45- 3 p.m.). Even a few hours can brighten a camper’s entire week.

As Elizabeth Andrew once wrote, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” At Camp Schreiber, that heart is the heartbeat of every glitter-filled activity and every victory, big or small.

pediatric.org , or visit the camp’s volunteer page at schreiberpediatric.org/join-us .

Fun fact: Through therapy and enrichment programs, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development supports over 3,000 children annually who have various challenges — and Camp Schreiber is a key part of that impact.

But wait — if sunshine and swimming aren’t your thing, there’s another amazing way to serve your community.

Pennsylvania Furniture Mission

Just a few miles down the road in Columbia, another opportunity is turning heads — and turning houses into homes. The Pennsylvania Furniture Mission has a brand-new, hands-on role for volunteers: client services assistant.

This isn’t just about moving furniture; it’s about moving hearts.

As a client services assistant, you’ll guide individuals and families through the furniture selection process, help schedule deliveries, and create a welcoming, positive space for all who enter. The role is perfect for someone who enjoys meaningful conversations and connecting with diverse people and has a genuinely upbeat attitude.

This mission transforms empty apartments into places of comfort and dignity. And volunteers are the friendly face of that transformation.

Amanda Reilly-Sokoli, the agency contact, puts it best: “We’re looking for volunteers who are ready to help with joy, compassion, and a smile.” Interested?

Reach out to Amanda at or sign up directly at lanc.news/FurnitureMission .

Pennsylvania Furniture Mission is at 341 Chestnut St., Suite 102, Columbia.

Fun fact: In the past year alone, the Pennsylvania Furniture Mission has served more than 2,000 individuals — one delivery, one dresser, one dream at a time.

Inspiring words to remember: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James.

Whether you’re leading a relay race at Camp Schreiber or helping a family choose the couch they’ll curl up on for years to come, your time and care are powerful.

Jarissa Johns is volunteer manager for the United Way of Lancaster of Lancaster County.