Volunteers bring the magic to Day Camp!
Refer-a-friend-2023
Every summer, caring adults and teens join us at Day Camp to create a world of fun and belonging for our campers. Our camps are located across the Puget Sound region and each location features a unique natural landscape to set the scene for camp. Groups are formed by age and spend the day exploring and learning as they are led by counselors of Teen Leaders and Adult Volunteers. They’ll try out arts and crafts, sports, outdoor cooking, science, camp crafts, and more – there is something for everyone at Day Camp!
You Belong at Day Camp
In 2021, 98% of our campers found a sense of belonging at Day Camp. Our volunteers and staff at Day Camp build an environment that allows kids to feel welcome and safe. Amidst the challenging backdrop of the pandemic, we know that now, more than ever, kids need the security of a welcoming atmosphere so that they can build important social connections. Even better, this is done while having fun at camp!
Why Camp Fire Day Camp?
All About Camp Fire
Camp Fire Central Puget Sound has operated Day Camp in the Puget Sound region for more than 50 years. Evolving to meet the needs of kids today, camp might look a little different than the first year, but the spirit of welcoming everyone to our program remains the same. Camp Fire has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and participates in the American Camp Association accreditation process to help ensure that our programs meet industry-wide safety standards to keep all of our participants safe and healthy.
The Perks of Adult Volunteering
Adult Volunteers – Adult Volunteers might lead arts and crafts or science projects, teach campers how to build fires or make s’mores, play field games or sports, help out at the head table and keep our paperwork tidy, or lead a group of campers as a counselor. The main perk is you bring your child to camp for free! Adult Volunteers can bring up to two of their own children or grandchildren to camp for free. Additional children may attend at a 50% discount. Children of adult volunteers skip our waitlist to make sure that you can attend together.
Special Guests
We welcome members of our community to visit camp as a Special Guest to host or lead an activity, craft, or class for the campers to participate in. Single-day volunteers are not eligible for free camper registration, but they do get two or three campers off the waitlist. Representatives from organizations are encouraged to apply. We ask all special guests to provide materials for their session, but we are happy to supply and/or supplement materials within reason. Our camps are run with three 40-minute sessions in the morning and three in the afternoon. Ideally special guests come for 1 or two full days, 2 mornings or two afternoons. Another option is one ALL CAMP morning. Please contact Corey Gerberdolan, coreyg@campfireseattle.org if this is something you’re interested in, we’ll talk out your ideas with you to set you up for success. Successful guest examples in the past:
- Reptile show
- How to Juggle
- Improve Classes
- Unique crafts
- Team Building Activities
- DIY Paper airplanes
The Perks of Teen Volunteering
Teen Volunteers have opportunities to participate based on their grade level in the fall, and all teens will learn new leadership skills! Grades 9-10 participate as volunteer Day Camp Aides, and grades 11-12 as volunteer Head Counselors. Teen Volunteers will earn service hours for school requirements by participating as a volunteer at Day Camp! Camp Fire will provide you with a record of your service and complete any necessary paperwork verifying your service.
Counselors in Training
Youth going into 7th or 8th grade have the opportunity to be a counselor in training! While their help is appreciated, they are not classified as volunteers. Learn more here.
Get Ready with Pre-Camp Training
We provide training before camp begins to get everyone up to speed on how things work and what to expect. One Off-Site training must be completed prior to camp and is offered as a virtual webinar. Additional On-Site training specific to your volunteer week and location is also required prior to the start of camp.
Carkeek Training Days for 2023:
July 6th
July 9th
August 6th
*Only need to attend one.
Training for Hans Jensen and Blyth will be the Saturday or Sunday before camp, please stay tuned.
FAQ
Where are your Day Camps located?
For the summer of 2023, Camp Fire is operating Day Camp at Carkeek Park in North Seattle, at Blyth Park in Bothell, and at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.
When is the training?
A virtual Off-Site training will be offered by webinar and replay sometime in May. Training is July 6th, 9th or August 6th at Carkeek park. Tentatively 9 am – noon. Training for Hans Jensen and Blyth will be the Saturday or Sunday before camp, please stay tuned.
Can I really bring my child for free?
Yes! Adult Volunteers can bring up to two of their own children or grandchildren to camp for free. Additional children may attend at a 50% discount. Children of adult volunteers skip our waitlist to make sure that you can attend together.
What age of campers do you serve?
Our standard camper age range is grades K-7 for campers and grades 8+ for CIT and Teen Volunteers. For volunteers only, preschool-aged children may also attend. Contact us for more information if you have a young child who you’d like to bring to camp.
More questions? Contact us!
Contact Corey Gerberdolan, coreyg@campfireseattle.org.