Summer Volunteering FAQ

What are the dates for volunteering? 

Volunteers can select one or more of our summer sessions to attend. The session dates are as follows:

• Training (required): August 1-4th, overnight
• Session 1 - Teens (ages 13-17): August 10th-17th
• Session 2 - Youth (ages 8-12): August 18th-23rd
• Alumni Day and Move Out: August 24th-26th

What are the volunteer roles? 

We have many roles to suit a variety of skills and interests including cabin counselors, kitchen staff, lifeguards, medical team, activity team, and more. Stay tuned for a full list of available roles or check out the application for descriptions of each position.

What would make me qualified for volunteering? 

Basic qualifications for our volunteer staff include:

1. Must be at least 18 years old for Youth Week, and at least 20 years old for Teen Week. 
2. A personal commitment to social justice, which includes knowledge and practice being in community with adults and youth who have diverse experiences and backgrounds. 
3. Skills and ongoing development as an advocate for youth of LGBTQ+ communities, who come to camp with a very wide range of identities, life experiences, and abilities. 
4. Experience in organized camping preferred but not required.
5. Current Adult and Child First Aid and CPR certifications acquired prior to Aug 1st. 
6. Must clear a federal background check. 
7. Must be able to traverse over uneven ground. 
8. Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds preferred, but not required. 
9. Availability to attend all of Staff Training and at least one full week of camp. (Exceptions may be made only on a case-by-case basis.)

Are paid positions available? 

Beginning in 2019, we will have two volunteer staff roles that are eligible for need-based stipends. Priority for these roles will be given to BIPOC volunteers. For more information about these roles or financial support to volunteer, you can reach out to us at info@camptentrees.org. All other roles are currently unpaid. 

Is travel assistance available for volunteers? 

We have limited, need-based travel assistance available and reserved for volunteers who would not be able to attend without financial support. You can request travel assistance in your online application. 

Do volunteers have to stay overnight at camp? 

Yes, volunteer camp staff stay overnight at the site, for one or more full camp sessions.  

Where is the campsite and how do volunteers get there? 

The location of our camp sessions is kept confidential, to protect the safety and privacy of our campers. The site is about 1.5-2 hours from Seattle (by car). The address will be shared at Volunteer Training. The training site location will be shared only with accepted volunteer staff. Volunteers carpool to training and camp, and we’ll send out a sign-up sheet to coordinate transportation to and from the two sites. 

What if I can’t make a whole session of camp but still want to volunteer? 

We ask that our volunteers commit to at least one full session of camp. For some specialty roles, we accept partial-week volunteers, on a case-by-case basis. If you have a special circumstance and would like to connect with us about it, email info@camptentrees.org.

What are the accommodations like? 

Most people at camp sleep in cabins. Some of these have partial walls, some have one open side, and some have canvas flaps. Most have twin-sized bunks in them, and a few have cot-style beds. There are a few indoor sleeping spaces available to staff, depending on their roles. Some staff bring their own tents, if they have a role that doesn’t require them to sleep in a cabin with campers. 

For volunteers who use CPAP machines - our cabins do not have electricity. We do have some other sleeping areas with electricity. You can indicate a need for this in your volunteer application. 

What is the physical activity level? 

Physical activity levels will differ depending on your volunteer role. Days at Summer Camp are long, and our location is a rustic site in the woods without paving. Campers and Volunteers make use of hilly/rocky forest trails, dirt and gravel walkways, and wooden boardwalks through forest areas and over water.

Will I have to bring my own food, and will my dietary needs be met at camp? 

Camp Ten Trees provides all meals and snacks during training and camp. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own extra treats, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages if they like. Camp Ten Trees is committed to meeting all dietary needs for our community, and can accommodate almost any food needs. You will have an opportunity to indicate your specific needs within your volunteer application.