Volunteers bring the magic to Day Camp!
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 Volunteering
Adult Volunteers – 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.
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.
Register Now for Day Camp Volunteering!
Come Camp with Us!
The Site Director for each week of camp will work with all volunteers to find a good fit for your interests and skills. 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.
Teen Volunteers have opportunities to participate based on their grade level in the fall, and all teens will learn new leadership skills! Teens in grades 8 can attend as a Counselor-in-Training, grades 9-10 participate as volunteer Day Camp Aides, and grades 11-12 as volunteer Head Counselors. There is a fee for CIT and teen volunteering, which covers staff leadership, insurance, training, and materials.
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.
FAQ
Where are your Day Camps located?
For the summer of 2022, Camp Fire is operating Day Camp at Carkeek Park and Golden Gardens 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. On-Site Trainings are as follows:
- Carkeek Park (Two Options): Thursday, July 7, 9am-5pm OR Saturday, July 9, 9am-5pm
- Blyth Park: Saturday, July 23, 9am-5pm
- Hans Jensen: Sunday, July 17, 9am-5pm
- Golden Gardens: Saturday, August 20, 9am-5pm
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.
I can only volunteer for 1-2 days. Can I still help out?
Yes! We welcome adults to volunteer for 1-2 days as special guests. This usually works best if you have an activity you can lead as a special event. Past examples have included giant bubble making, unique crafts, leather stamping, tie-dye, team building activities, science experiments, and more. Single-day volunteers are not eligible for free camper registration.
More questions? Contact us!
Contact Rebecca Bobko, rebeccab@campfireseattle.org.