Make a Difference as a Student Volunteer

Gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and bring joy to children with serious illnesses by volunteering at SeriousFun camps.

Get Involved / Volunteer – University & College

Why Volunteer with SeriousFun?

Volunteering at SeriousFun camps offers students a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children facing serious health challenges. Whether you’re looking to fulfill service hours, gain hands-on experience, or simply give back, your time and energy will help create unforgettable experiences for our campers.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with SeriousFun isn’t just about giving back—it’s also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Here’s what you can expect to gain from your experience with us.

Real-World Experience

Work directly with children, collaborate with experienced professionals, and develop practical skills that will serve you in your future career.

Service Hours and Academic Credit

Fulfill required service hours for your program or earn academic credit through approved internships and volunteer placements.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with professionals, other students, and alumni who share your passion for making a difference.

Personal Growth

Build confidence, empathy, and leadership skills as you help children overcome challenges and enjoy the magic of camp.

Examples of Roles That You May Find

Camp Counselor

As a camp counselor, you’ll be at the heart of the camp experience, guiding and supporting campers through daily activities. This role is perfect for students who are enthusiastic, responsible, and ready to make a difference.

Responsibilities Responsibilities

Lead and participate in camp activities.
Support campers’ emotional and physical well-being.
Work closely with other volunteers and camp staff.

Activity Assistant

Assist in the planning and execution of camp activities, from arts and crafts to sports and outdoor adventures. This role is ideal for students with a passion for creativity and teamwork.

Responsibilities

Help set up and run camp activities.
Encourage camper participation and creativity.
Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all campers.

Event Coordinator

Support the organization and execution of special events at camp, such as talent shows, themed days, and camp-wide games. This role is great for students interested in event planning and coordination.

Responsibilities

Assist in the planning and setup of events.
Coordinate with camp staff and volunteers to ensure smooth execution.
Capture and share the excitement of camp events with the broader community.

Hear from Our Student Volunteers

Leaning In for the Win!

SeriousFun’s “Coach” Mike Parker shares how a shy camper’s transformation became a pivotal moment in his own journey. Discover how volunteerism at SeriousFun camps can change lives—both for the children and for the adults who support them.

Camp Changed the Way I View Life & Nursing

What happens when a volunteer experience reshapes your career? Lauren’s story shows how her time at Over The Wall not only transformed her life but also her approach to nursing, blending fun, care, and compassion in every moment.

Ready to Volunteer?

Find Camp or Program that works for you and go directly to their website to learn more and apply.

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.

Applicants 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 are medical specialty camps, and we must take every measure to protect campers’ health and safety. Camp staff and volunteers are required to submit a variety of medical documentation, including proof of childhood vaccinations, an updated physical and other medical information.

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.

Are you part of
a fraternity or sorority?

Volunteering with SeriousFun Children’s Network is the perfect way for your organization to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re looking for service opportunities or want to build a lasting partnership, your chapter can play a vital role in helping children with serious illnesses enjoy life-changing camp experiences.

Learn More