Interested in being an Experience Camps volunteer?
Enrollment for returning volunteers begins October 2nd. Applications for new volunteers opens November 1st. Spots are filled on a rolling basis. Sign up for our newsletter (bottom of this page) to be notified when applications open!
Change their lives, change yours.
Our volunteers and staff are the fuel in the Experience Camps awesome-engine. They create opportunities for kids to laugh and be silly, support their social-emotional growth, and help the camp operate safely and with maximum levels of fun, connection, and transformation.
Volunteer Counselor
As a camp volunteer, your job is to support your campers throughout the week of camp. While many of our volunteers have experienced a loss of their own, it is NOT a requirement to volunteer. Volunteers with varied experiences help our campers see that adults can sit with the campers’ grief, even if they don’t have the same experience.
As a volunteer, you will:
- Live with campers in a cabin, sleep on a twin bed, eat 3 meals a day in the dining hall, share a bathroom, and probably get dirty (out of cabin counselor roles are also available)
- Instruct a camp activity (e.g. basketball, soccer, frisbee, yoga, art, or cooking).
- Help campers thrive, play, laugh, and make a new friend.
- Attend a one-day orientation the day before camp begins.
- Interview and receive a background check before attending camp.
- Participate in on-line training & in-person orientation before camp.
Grief Specialist
Grief Specialists at Experience Camp are a part of a team of masters-level mental-health professionals who facilitate connection and the development of coping skills.
In a Grief Specialist role, you will:
- Facilitate bereavement activities and sharing circles at camp.
- Support campers’ behavioral and emotional needs.
- Attend a one-day orientation the day before camp begins.
- Participate in virtual and on-line training before camp.
Nurse
As a camp nurse, your job is to support the whole program medically throughout the week of camp.
As a nurse, you will:
- Conduct health checks and administer medication.
- Care for ill or injured campers.
- Work alongside the full medical team.
Photographer
As a photographer, you will:
- Live out-of-bunk (in staff-only accommodations, but likely still in a twin bed.)
- Take photos of every camper so caregivers can see the camp magic.
- Work closely with our program team to upload photos at the end of each day.
All volunteers and staff must:
- Be available for the entire week of camp (dates below).
- Be fully present with campers, listening when they want to talk, and giving them your full attention.
- Bring your unique talents, genuine heart, endless enthusiasm, and best self to this incredible community of amazing humans.
Our volunteers are
1.
Inclusive
Create environments where others feel safe, supported, and understood, regardless of where they come from or what their experience is.
2.
Authentic
Build relationships quickly with people from all backgrounds through open and authentic conversation.
3.
Good role models
Someone who is professional and mature, balanced with the silly and fun.
4.
Always FTK
You are joining us because you are for the kids (FTK) and want to support our campers!
Dates & Locations
See below for the dates and camp locations for each program this summer.
Please note: all staff are expected to arrive the day before campers arrive for an in-person orientation. Specific dates and times for arrival and departure will be shared closer to camp.
Georgia
July 27-August 1, 2025
For kids entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, GA. 1391 Keencheefoonee Road, Rutledge, GA 30663
California (Girls)
August 12-17, 2025
For girls entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. In Southern California.
California (Boys)
August 12-17, 2025
For boys entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. In Southern California.
Maryland
August 17-22, 2025
For kids entering grades 4-10 in the 24/25 school year. At Sandy Hill Camp & Retreat Center in North East, MD 3380 Turkey Point Road North East, MD 21901
Pennsylvania
August 18-23, 2025
For boys and girls entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge in Equinunk, PA. 788 Legends Path, Equinunk, PA 18417
Maine (Girls)
August 18-23, 2025
For girls entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camp Somerset in Smithfield, ME. 11 Somerset Lane, Smithfield, ME 04978
Maine (Boys)
August 18-23, 2025
For boys entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camp Manitou in Oakland, ME 47 Camp Manitou Cove, Oakland, ME 04963
Michigan
August 19-24, 2025
For kids entering grades 4-12 in the 24/25 school year. At Camps Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods in Decatur, MI 84600 47 1/2 St, Decatur, MI 49045
Why volunteer?
You can help grieving kids attend camp and rediscover the joys of childhood.