SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

KATFISH Family Camp | Arthritis Foundation

Mission: The Arthritis Foundation is boldly pursuing a cure for America's #1 cause of disability while championing the fight to conquer arthritis with life-changing science, resources, advocacy and community connections. 

What: Volunteers are needed to serve as camp counselors. This summer camp is unique in that it includes kids with arthritis, siblings, and parents. They serve ages 0-18 for kids and offer many different activities. You’ll help campers build confidence, try new activities, and create friendships that last a lifetime. A 4-5 hour online counselor training is required.

Where: Black Diamond Camp in Auburn, WA (there are many other locations throughout the country where this camp takes place during the summer. See HERE) 

When: July 24-26, 2026

How: Click HERE to sign up. Apply by May 14, 2026

Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound

Mission: The mission of the Boys and Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

What: Volunteers support summer programming for school-aged kids.

Where: Variable; there are nine branch locations throughout Pierce County, the closest to campus being the D.A. Gonyea and Al Davies branches, a 6- or 7-minute drive from campus, respectively.

When: Inquire with organization.

How: Reach out to Volunteer & Recreation Manager, Benton Lefton at leftonb@bgcsps.org or 253-502-4609 

Camp Promise | Jett Foundation

Mission: Camp Promise offers a FREE overnight camp for teens and adults (13 years of age and older) with muscular dystrophy and select neuromuscular diseases. They believe that all campers deserve to experience the magic of camp regardless of their health and medical needs. 

What: See FLYER - Volunteers serve as camp counselors. Camp counselors typically work one-on-one with the same camper for the duration of the camp session, serving as their primary caregiver and trusted friend throughout the week. Counselors support and encourage all campers to participate in activities, assist fellow counselors in providing personal care when needed (which may include bathing, toileting, eating, and more), and help guide campers as they build independence and personal growth. If the camp counselor role doesn’t feel like the right fit, reach out to the Operations Director, Niki Benfield at niki@jettfoundation.org. They may be able to explore other opportunities for you.

Where: Mt. Vernon, WA, (See all 8 locations, including California, Colorado, etc., HERE)

When: June 6-11, 2026 (This is for Mt. Vernon, WA; dates vary by location)

How: Sign up HERE! 

Camp Goodtimes | The Goodtimes Project 

Mission: The Goodtimes Project creates caring spaces for local families dealing with cancer to connect and for kids to be kids, through camps, events, and programs. They serve families throughout Washington and Alaska with a goal of providing cost-free programing to help them reconnect with a world beyond their diagnosis.  

What: Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of roles (cabin counselors, activities crew, arts & crafts leader, set-up/tear-down and AV, photographer/videographer & social media leader, events emcee, etc. ) at the camps below:

• Camp Goodtimes: a week-long residential camp for active cancer patients, survivors, and siblings ages 8–17 

• Mini Camp: a single-day camp for ages 5–7 that introduces youngsters to what camp looks and feels like (only for returning volunteer staffers)

• Kayak Adventure Camp: a 6-day kayaking and camping adventure in the San Juan Islands for young adult cancer survivors ages 18–25. Volunteer staff positions are on an invitation-only basis.  

Where: Vashon, WA (Camp Goodtimes & Mini Camp); San Juan Islands, WA (Kayak Adventure Camp)

When: June 19-27, 2026, July 10-28, 2026 (Camp Goodtimes); July 15, 2026 (Mini Camp); August 2-7, 2026 (Kayak Adventure Camp)

How: Click HERE for more details and to locate the application link.  Apply by April 15, 2026. Direct any questions to Mark “S’mores” Schmor at mark@thegoodtimesproject.org, 206.255.3804 

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camp

Mission: Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. MDA's mission is to empower the people they serve to live longer, more independent lives.

What: Volunteers are needed to serve as camp counselors to kids aged 7-18 who living with neuromuscular disease. Counselors take on the role of 24-hour caregiver, friend, and encourager as they participate in the traditional summer camp experience alongside the campers, through adaptive activities, games, dances, mealtimes and more.

Where: Gig Harbor, WA, YMCA Camp Seymour (Click HERE and scroll to the bottom to locate other MDA camps around the country)

When: June 20-26, 2026

How: Apply HERE by May 9, 2026. Direct any questions to Megan Elliott: melliott@mdausa.org / 208-254-5357