FAQs
Guests
What is Buddy Club?
Buddy Club is a fun, safe, and inclusive event for individuals with special needs (ages 8+) held every third Friday of the month from 6-9 PM at local church partner locations. Participants are paired with a volunteer Buddy and enjoy activities like adaptive sports, crafts, karaoke, games, and a short chapel service near the end.
Who can attend?
Buddy Club is open to individuals ages 8 and older with developmental disabilities. There is no maximum age limit!
How much does it cost?
Buddy Club is completely free to attend! There is no charge for participants or their families. There is a one time purchase of a club t-shirt (for identiication purposes)
Do I need to register?
Yes! Registration is required to ensure we have enough volunteers and can plan accordingly. You can register online before each event.
What activities are offered?
Each Buddy Club event includes:
- Adaptive sports & games (basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.)
- Crafts & coloring projects
- Karaoke station
- Delicious snacks (including allergen-free options)
- A short bible story and song at the end
Will my loved one have supervision?
Yes! Each participant is paired with a friendly Buddy volunteer to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the night. Our Care Team and Safety Volunteers are also onsite at all times.
Is Buddy Club religious?
Buddy Club is a faith-based ministry, designed to bless the local special needs community, however we welcome individuals of all faith backgrounds to participate and enjoy the evening. You don't have to be a member of any church to attend!
Can I request a specific volunteer for my child?
We do our best to accommodate requests made at the time of registration. However, we cannot guarantee specific pairings. Our goal is to match participants with Buddies who will provide the best possible experience.
Is medical care available?
We have trained volunteers and medical professionals onsite to provide minor first aid and ensure safety. Any medical concerns or special instructions should be noted during registration.
Can I stay at the event with my child?
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take this time for respite, but if you prefer to stay, we do have a parents room allowing you to observe from a distance
Do I need to attend Church to attend these respite events
You are ALWAYS welcome to attend, but these events come with no strings or membership requirements. We are just trying to be good neighbors!
Volunteers
Who can volunteer at Buddy Club?
Anyone 16 and older can serve as a Buddy for a participant. Volunteers younger than 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Do I need experience working with individuals with special needs?
No experience is required! We provide an orientation video and onsite training before the event. Our Care Team is always available to assist you.
What is the role of a Buddy volunteer?
As a Buddy, you will be paired one-on-one with a participant to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll join in games, crafts, karaoke, and more—helping to create a fun and engaging environment.
What other volunteer roles are available?
Aside from being a Buddy, you can serve in areas like:
- Registration & check-in
- Snack station
- Setup & cleanup
- Care Team (for experienced volunteers)
What is the time commitment?
Buddy Club runs from 6-9 PM, but volunteers are asked to arrive 30 minutes early for a short orientation and stay a few minutes after for cleanup.
Do volunteers need to register?
Yes! Volunteers must register in advance so we can assign roles and ensure we have enough support for the evening.
Is there a dress code?
We ask that all volunteers wear a volunteer t-shirt that can be purchased either online or at the club itself (we keep a limited supply of most sizes). Outside that, we recommend you wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, as you may be active during the event.
Will I be alone with my assigned participant?
Absolutely NOT. For safety reasons, volunteers are never alone with a participant. All activities take place in group settings, and our Care Team is always nearby for support.
Can my family volunteer together?
Absolutely! Families are welcome to serve together. Each volunteer 16 and older must submit a Volunteer Application. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.