Amy L. Manger
Volunteering
My volunteering introduced me to real child life experiences. I began volunteering at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in the pediatric oncology inpatient and outpatient units. I was introduced to playroom structure and organization as well as children and family dynamic within the hospital. Here I gain skills such as assessing child development, providing appropriate activities, normalizing the environment, and organizing the playroom.
After completing my first summer of volunteering, I decided I wanted to add another unit to expand my experiences with child life in the hospital. Because I was an experienced volunteer, I was recommended to volunteer in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). While in the PICU I have gained exposure to a diverse set of diagnoses, and had more quality interactions with patients.
My first summer volunteering I was able to help run Camp Sunrise at Johns Hopkins. Camp Sunrise is a summer camp for Johns Hopkins pediatric oncology current and former patients. It is a week of fun and games at a camp site for the children, but those who are too sick to go have crafts and activities within the hospital. I was able to hand out the crafts of the day to the patients and take pictures of them with their crafts to put in the Camp Sunrise daily newspaper.
Next, after completing two practicums I deciding I wanted a new type of volunteer experience with child life. I completed an 18 hour hospice volunteer training, and a 4 hour end of life Doula training with Gilchrist services. I was paired with a family with a child on hospice care, and provided developmentally appropriate play and stimulation to the patient, and respite care and support for the caregivers. This was a great experience growing long-term
relationships, and gaining experience with children with special needs.
Overall my volunteer experience has given me exposure to hospitalized children and families. I have spent time with children of all ages and various diagnoses. Because of the serious and intense units I volunteered on, I feel that I have a strong understanding of the difficult aspects of child life.
