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Make a Lasting Impact as
a Volunteer

Whether you’re retired, have extra time on your hands, or are simply looking for a way to give back, your experience and dedication can bring joy and comfort to children with serious illnesses.

Get Involved / Volunteer – Community

Why Your Time Matters

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to share your time, skills, and life experience with children who need it most. Your involvement at SeriousFun camps helps create a supportive, nurturing environment where children with serious illnesses can experience the joys of childhood. Whether it’s lending a helping hand with daily activities or offering a listening ear, your presence makes a world of difference.

The Rewards of Volunteering

Volunteering at SeriousFun camps offers more than just the satisfaction of giving back.
Here’s what you can expect to gain from your experience.

Meaningful Connections

Form deep, meaningful connections with campers, fellow volunteers, and staff. Your time at camp will be filled with shared experiences and lifelong memories.

Flexibility

Choose volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Whether you can commit to a week at camp or prefer to help with a specific event, there’s a role for you.

A Sense of Purpose

Know that your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of children who face significant challenges. Your contributions help create a safe, joyful, and inclusive camp environment.

Personal Growth

Volunteering offers an opportunity for personal reflection and growth. You’ll gain new perspectives and insights as you support children and see the impact of your kindness and dedication.

Empowering Families

Our programs are designed not only for the children but also for their families, offering support and shared experiences that strengthen family bonds.

Examples of Roles That You May Find

Camp Support Volunteer

Assist with the day-to-day operations of camp, including meal preparation, activity setup, and general support. This role is perfect for those who enjoy being part of a team and helping out wherever needed.

Responsibilities

  • Help prepare and serve meals
  • Assist with setting up and breaking down activities
  • Provide general support to campers and staff

Activity Assistant

Join our team of activity leaders and help facilitate fun, engaging activities for campers. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, or nature walks, your participation ensures that every camper has a great time.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in organizing and leading activities
  • Encourage camper participation and creativity
  • Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all campers.

Hospital Outreach Volunteer

Camp can happen anywhere! Help deliver the therapeutic power of play to children who need it. You’ll brighten their day and yours.

Responsibilities

  • Engage with children in hospital settings through games and activities
  • Work with hospital staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. camper participation and creativity
  • Help spread the word about SeriousFun camps to families in need

Hear from Our Former
Volunteers

Read More

Oxygen Tubes and Zip Lines: Redefining Possibilities at Camp

Laughter, zip-lining, and life-changing experiences—this isn’t a dream, it’s what happens when medical expertise meets boundless possibility. Dr. Laura Blaisdell reveals a remarkable weekend at The Painted Turtle.

Read More

From Camper to Mentor: Violet Zulu’s Inspiring Camp Hope Journey

From camper to mentor, Violet Zulu reflects on how Camp Hope Malawi helped her build resilience and self-acceptance—and how she now pays it forward, creating lasting change for others facing similar challenges.

Read More

Ready to Volunteer?

Find a SeriousFun camp or program that works for you.

Find Camp or Program

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about volunteering with SeriousFun. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, we invite you to reach out to the camp(s) directly.

For one, you’ll find an opportunity for professional development. Where else can you eat s’mores, sing campfire songs, and network with other professionals all at the same time? You never know if the person you’re dancing next to holds the key to your future career or passion! At SeriousFun camps, you encounter people from the medical field, small business owners, college students, camp professionals, corporate executives, community members, and lifelong advocates.
At camp, staff, volunteers, and campers alike are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and (safely!) try new things. In this way, camp can bring out interests you didn’t even know you had. Volunteers leave with fresh perspectives, not only about others, but also about who they are and what they can do. At SeriousFun camps, you are not on the sidelines but on center stage, right alongside the team of staff. Perspective, empathy, and self-confidence are yours to discover in new and deeper ways, even for the most experienced volunteers.

SApplicants must be at least 19 years old to volunteer at a SeriousFun camp but each camp is independently managed so please confirm the age requirement for the camp and position of your choice prior to applying.

SeriousFun camps look for fun, energetic, creative, responsible, and compassionate individuals who will be dedicated to giving our campers the best experience possible. For certain program areas (for example, lifeguarding, ropes course, etc.), specific skill certifications are required. Each volunteer position is also contingent upon submission of requested medical documentation and the successful completion of a background check or other screening by the camp.

SeriousFun camps look for fun, energetic, creative, responsible, and compassionate individuals who will be dedicated to giving our campers the best experience possible. For certain program areas (for example, lifeguarding, ropes course, etc.), specific skill certifications are required. Each volunteer position is also contingent upon submission of requested medical documentation and the successful completion of a background check or other screening by the camp.

Each camp will have their own process for applying. You will need to fill out an application, provide medical information, and a criminal background check. From there, you’ll likely have an interview with a year-round staff member.

There are a variety of opportunities to volunteer at camp, including weekend camps, day programs, events, camp cleaning, session preparations, and more. Each camp will have a list of these opportunities on their website.

While you are at camp, all of your needs will be met, but in most cases, travel to camp will be your responsibility. Keep this in mind when choosing where you would like to go. Some fraternity or sorority members may be entitled to stipends; ask your chapter for more information.

When you arrive at camp, you’ll receive a tour and an orientation that will last about a day before campers or families arrive for overnight programs, with shorter orientations for day programs. Some camps even have online orientation or training you’ll complete before you arrive. For those volunteering for residential sessions, you will be given a secure place to sleep — sometimes with campers and fellow volunteers, or sometimes just with other volunteers and staff. Meals at camp are a highlight and almost any dietary need can be met. Be sure to tell your camp contact about any specific dietary needs you have before you arrive so food can be arranged for you.