Camp Volunteers
Camp changes lives. So can you.
Volunteers are essential in bringing the magic of camp to kids and families affected by childhood cancer or serious illness. From overnight camp, day events in local communities to in-hospital programs, there are so many opportunities for you to build connection, gain new skills and experiences and make a difference in the overall wellbeing of kids and their families during their most challenging times.
Apply now to volunteer at campHow you can get involved
Applications are open now! Fill out a volunteer application and we will reach out to you with next steps when we are hiring.
Apply now to volunteer at campCamp Volunteer Roles
Family volunteer – Rainbow Lake
Family camp gives families a chance to strengthen connections and challenge themselves in new ways, all in the great outdoors. You play the role of “family volunteer” and are assigned to a family, sometimes with another volunteer. You will engage camper families in programs and activities, foster community, and create a fun environment that delivers that camp magic! This is an overnight volunteer experience.
Cabin volunteer – Muskoka
Our camper-to-volunteer ratio is approximately 1:1 at overnight and day camp. Campers are accompanied by volunteers at all times (activities, meals, on camping trips, etc.). As a cabin volunteer, you will work in teams to take care of and supervise a group consisting of four to eight campers.
You will create a nurturing, fun-filled environment that meets the needs of each camper, including developing program plans for special events and activities. This is an overnight volunteer experience.
A Special Camp Week
This summer, Campfire Circle is partnering with Camp Jumoke and Camp Oki from August 3 – 10 for a week of overnight camp in Muskoka for children with serious blood disorders (like sickle cell disease) and children with heart disease. Representation matters, and we are looking for Black mentors and role models aged 19+ to support the camp session. Apply today at volunteer@campfirecircle.org
Day camp volunteer
Alongside a team of other volunteers, you are responsible for a group of campers and their safety, ensuring that your campers are supervised at all times. This role supports campers at all activities and creates a positive camp environment and experience. As well, day camp volunteers support various activity areas, leading elective activities such as crafts or sports with fellow volunteers.
Year-Round Programs
Volunteers can also look forward to playing an essential role at our year-round programs, which include family and teen community programs in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and London, as well as virtual programs and weekends at camp. We also place volunteers in hospitals at Sick Kids, McMaster and London Children’s Hospital (depending on current health and safety protocols).
Email us for more info Apply now to volunteer
In the span of one week, I knew truth, triumph, and trust, the true meaning of belly laughter, courage, vulnerability, friendship, raw emotion, and perspective. Volunteering at camp reminded me how resilient the human spirit really is.
— Sarah, Volunteer
Qualifications & requirements
We depend on hundreds of volunteers every year and we work closely with you to ensure you are prepared for your role!
Volunteer applications are accepted on an ongoing and as needed basis, typically starting in January for the summer camp season. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview.
Campfire Circle is strongly committed to equity and diversity within our community and to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment. We welcome volunteer applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
All prospective camp volunteers are required to attend volunteer training in order to qualify for a volunteer role. Additional onsite and program-specific training is also required for participation. Other requirements include:
- Criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Provide proof of immunization status
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination(s)
- Completion of two-step tuberculosis (TB) test
- Age 19 years of age
- Experience working with children is an asset
- Certification in Emergency First Aid/CPR or Bronze Cross certification (role dependent)
Fill out our volunteer application to get started. Thanks for your interest in volunteering! We’re excited to learn more about you. If you have additional questions, please reach out to volunteer@campfirecircle.org.
Apply now to volunteer Email us for more infoApplication process
Volunteer applications are accepted on an ongoing and as needed basis, typically starting in January for the summer camp season. Volunteer applications will be processed on an as needed basis, and successful applicants will be invited for an interview. In accordance with our mandate of creating a caring and safe environment for ill children and their families, we require attestation of childhood vaccinations, completion of a two-step Tuberculosis (TB) test, updated Criminal Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening, and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for all volunteers. Some volunteer roles require certification in Emergency First Aid/CPR, Bronze Cross or NLS.
Upon offer, volunteers must complete a criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening, submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination(s), childhood immunizations, complete a two-step tuberculosis (TB) test, and get a First Aid or Bronze Cross certification (role dependent).
New Volunteers
Fill out our volunteer application to get started. Thanks for your interest in volunteering! We’re excited to learn more about you.
Returning Volunteers
Thank you for your continued support of Campfire Circle—we can’t wait to see you soon! Please go to the staff dashboard to apply for programs, manage your account, and update your information.
Go to my staff dashboardCamp volunteer questions
All camp volunteers receive thorough training before their first program. Training topics include: cancer 101, code of conduct, behaviour management, diversity, equity and inclusion, camp culture and traditions, accessible programming, and more.
Additional training and resources are provided year-round as part of our ongoing professional development opportunities for volunteers.
Our in-hospital volunteer programs take place at SickKids in Toronto, McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton and the Children’s Hospital in London. These programs are only available to returning camp volunteers.
We are not accepting volunteers for in-hospital programs at this time.
All new volunteers are trained to support Community programs at point of entry in regions across Ontario like Toronto, Ottawa, London, Hamilton, Waterford, Muskoka, Wellington, Sudbury, and Arden! Additional training is required prior to participation in overnight camp programs.
There is currently no minimum hour requirement for volunteers to support year-round programs, but active engagement in the community is encouraged. On average, volunteers support a minimum of 4 programs annually.
The volunteer community is a unique one, ranging in age from 19-70+ with a wide range of experience, skills and backgrounds. At Campfire Circle programs, you’ll always work in a team-based environment to support a cabin of Campers. Because of this, Campfire Circle is intentional about building community within our volunteer team.
You can expect to be invited to pre-session socials, professional development sessions, and celebrations throughout the year to continue building connections to your fellow volunteer counsellors.
Apply to volunteer at Camp
New Camp Volunteer inquiry form
Other volunteer opportunities
Event & Office Volunteers
Help out around our headquarters or at a fundraising event—there are lots of ways to lend a hand!
Medical Staff & Volunteers
We need nursing staff to administer medications and care for our Campers. Learn how you can get involved.
Contact Us
Still have questions about volunteering? Feel free to contact us:
Joel Scadding
Coordinator, Volunteer Program