It's more than just a summer experience. It's an altruistic adventure, a chance to step outside the proverbial box, an opportunity to make a difference.

Aaron's Acres is seeking applicants to help fill a handful of important and meaningful roles. The work is steady and the benefits are out of this world.

"It becomes about the experiences and getting to see the campers' growth," said Becky Miller, a summer group leader for Aaron's Acres. "It just kind of turns into being there and growing a sense of pride in yourself. The amount of love shown at these camps is amazing. That's what keeps counselors coming back for as long as they can."

Located at 1861 Charter Lane, Suite 114, Lancaster, Aaron's Acres is a nonprofit that works with individuals ages 5 to 21 with physical and mental disabilities. The organization is seeking counselors for its summer camp program. Specifically, Aaron's Acres is looking for volunteer buddies age 13 and older, as well as counselors age 18 and up.

The nonprofit is hoping to add a total of 40 to 50 buddies and counselors for its summer camp, which will start its season in the middle of June.

"The best things these campers get is seeing (fellow campers) who are similar to themselves," said Miller. "Individuals with disabilities do really well with routine, and they get to do all these activities. Just being in an environment that is accepting of their disabilities is important. They are put into an environment where they can do anything. When they come to camp, they feel at home."

Aaron's Acres conducts its summer camps at New Holland Community Memorial Park, 400 E. Jackson St., New Holland. The summer camps are broken down into three 10-day sessions on Mondays through Fridays from June 17 to 28, July 8 to 19 and July 22 to Aug. 2.

The camps feature daily activities such as swimming, crafts and fitness programs; off-site field trips; and therapies like music and equine.

"(The buddies and counselors are) mostly college students, but we also have kids who want to gain experience and people who have jobs with summers off," said Miller. "If you've never gone into a summer camp program, it can be intimidating, but the amount of support that comes through the program is so comforting. It's such a good learning experience and stepping stone. It's such a good way to get a foot in the door. Just seeing how the world works through (the campers') eyes is so rewarding."

Because it adheres to a strict policy of a one-to-one or one-to-two counselor-to-camper ratio, Aaron's Acres' summer camps are staff driven. Last summer, Aaron's Acres turned away 100 families with disabled individuals who applied for its summer camp programs because it lacked adequate numbers of staff members.

"We're trying to give our campers an experience in a safe environment with the support they need," said Miller. "The need is very great. We have so many families, and it's not the same campers every year. Last year, we were nowhere close to having the staff to accommodate everyone on our list."

For further information or to apply as a summer camp counselor or buddy, go to http://www.aaronsacres.org and click on the employment tab.