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 8th - 12th, overnight
• Trans Camp (ages 8-17): August 13th - 16th
• Teen Camp (ages 13-17): August 17th - 22nd
• Youth Camp (ages 8-13): August 23rd - 28th

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. 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 Trans Camp or Youth Camp, and at least 20 years old for Teen Camp (on very rare occasions we will make exceptions for 18 and 19 year olds to volunteer during teen week in select roles and only as approved by the Program Director.) We encourage volunteers for the LEADs program to be at least 21, but priority is given to those 25 and up.
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. **We welcome volunteers who use mobility devices and/or have limited mobility. However, the majority of camp is not paved and some positions require the ability to go on narrow trails or move over uneven ground quickly. If you have questions about which roles are accessible with limited mobility, or would like to discuss accommodations of any kind, please reach out to programs@camptentrees.org.
8. Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds preferred, but not required for all roles.
9. Availability to attend all of Staff Training and at least one full session of camp.

Are paid positions available? 

All Camp Ten Trees roles are volunteer. However, we have limited amounts of need-based and position-based stipends available. For more information about these roles or financial support to volunteer, you can reach out to us at programs@camptentrees.org.

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.

Do volunteers have to stay overnight at camp? 

Yes, volunteer camp staff stay overnight at the site, for one or more full camp sessions.  If you are interested in supporting camp in a non-residential capacity, reach out to programs@camptentrees.org to find out how to support camp from afar!

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 once an offer to volunteer is extended. We often have volunteers who do not have a car and we offer supports for coordinating carpooling.

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. We believe that the consistency of a full session offers the best support for our campers and other volunteers. For some specialty roles, we accept partial-week volunteers, on a case-by-case basis, and very rarely. If you have a special circumstance and would like to connect with us about it, email programs@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. Please know that we are an entirely peanut, tree nut, and shellfish free camp and any food containing these items will not be allowed on site. 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.