Each six-day session or weekend session at Camp Sunshine requires approximately 75 - 85 volunteers. We strive to provide a ratio of 1 volunteer for every 2 campers. Volunteers can help to be part of this wonderful experience for children and their families.
Volunteers range in age from 16*- 80 and come from throughout the United States and from various foreign countries. Full-time and part-time volunteer positions are available.
While each volunteer's experience at Camp Sunshine is unique, there is a universal sense that this is a profoundly rewarding experience.
- Nursery (ages 0-2)
- Tot lot (ages 3-5)
- Children (ages 6-8)
- Older children (ages 9-12)
- Teens (ages 13-18)
- Adults
- Arts and crafts
- Food service
- Marina, beach & pool
- Lifeguards
- Photographer
- Housekeeping
- Grounds, Maintenance, Etc.
Each session has a specific illness focus and currently includes:
- Oncology
- Brain Tumor
- Retinoblastoma
- Fanconi Anemia
- Diamond-Blackfan Anemia
- Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome
- Dyskeratosis Congenita
- Lupus
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Solid Organ Transplant
- Renal Disease
- Oncology Off-Treatment
- Bereavement
- To help kids be kids and families be families.
- Each group at camp has a mix of children living with a life-threatening illness and siblings.
- The volunteer's role varies from working directly with kids in a group setting to supportive positions such as: working in the kitchen, activities window, arts & crafts, maintenance areas, or at the marina.
- Each volunteer area has a lead counselor to provide guidance to each volunteer.
- Volunteer schedules vary slightly depending on assignment area.
- 8:00-9:00 Breakfast.
- 9:00-12:00 Activities for kids and parents include Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboating, Swimming, Archery, Ping pong, Arts and Crafts, Whiffleball, Kickball, Volleyball, Computer time, and Parent /Kids group sessions.
- 12:00-1:00 Lunch.
- 1:00-2:00 Rest period for younger campers and parents.
- 1:15-5:00 Activities (see morning options).
- 5:30-6:30 Dinner.
- 7:00-9:00 Evening activities: Musical Entertainment, Pool, Activities, Group Bonfire, Talent Night, and Celebration Show.
- On-site housing is provided with preference given to those volunteers able to commit to a full session.
- Volunteers are required to share a two-room, 5 bed suite with private bath with 1-4 other volunteers.
- Camp strives to make age-compatible matching in rooming assignments, but this is not guaranteed.
- Volunteer couples may room together when space allows.
- Bring your own bed linens and towels.
- All meals are provided.
- Bring snacks (popcorn, soda, bottled water, granola bars, etc). Each room has a small refrigerator and microwave. PLEASE NOTE: We are a peanut free campus. Please do not bring any snacks that contain peanuts.
- DEET-free insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, and a hat.
- Volunteers are provided with one yellow volunteer shirt. This shirt identifies you and should be worn every day that you are on duty. Extra shirts are available at a cost of $7.00.
- Most volunteers wear comfortable shorts or pants. Footwear should be comfortable with most people wearing sneakers or sandals.
- Bring a flashlight and extra batteries.
- Bring your smile and sense of humor.
- Food service volunteers are required to wear closed toe shoes.
- Mandatory half-day orientation prior to the families’ arrival.
- Overview of the session schedule and activities.
- Medical and Psychosocial overview.
- Specific illness-related information.
- Updates on Camp policies and regulations.
- Tours available.
*Volunteers 16 and 17 years of age staying overnight at Camp Sunshine must be accompanied by an adult chaperone 21 years or older who is also volunteering.