Camp Coach Volunteer Position

Interested in supporting kids as they prepare to go to sleep-away camp? Volunteering with A Thousand Summers, a youth development nonprofit that sends kids to summer camp who can't otherwise afford it, is an amazing way to support young people.

We have a few volunteer positions we are recruiting for this fall, all are fully remote and super flexible, with only about 5 hours per month. Full description here: https://athousandsummers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Camp-Coach-Position-Description.pdf

Overview of the Role: Camp Coaches are volunteers who guide 1–5 campers and their

families through the pre-camp, in-camp, and post-camp process. They help ensure campers feel

emotionally ready and logistically prepared for their summer camp experience, and serve as a

key communication bridge between families and A Thousand Summers. Camp Coaches

become experts on their assigned camp, in order to prepare campers for their specific camp

experience.

About ATS: A Thousand Summers removes barriers to life-changing summer camp

experiences for families who can't afford them, partnering with high quality camps to support

underserved youth nationwide.

Campership Program Description: A Thousand Summers’ Campership Program offers

multi-year scholarships to immersive, nature-based summer camps across the U.S., covering all

costs—tuition, travel, gear, and camp store—so youth from underserved backgrounds can fully

participate. Campers also participate in a social-emotional learning program to prepare them for

camp.

Volunteer Time Commitment Required: Approximately 5 hours per month supporting

between 1-5 Campers and their families from Fall 2025- Summer 2026. This position is entirely

virtual.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Completed ATS Volunteer Application: https://cheleyfoundation.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App
• Experience in youth development, teaching, or mentoring
• Camp experience - either having attended an overnight camp, or having sent their

children to camp

• Completion of ATS training upon acceptance
• Commitment to full program camper support, including timely communication
• Ability to pass a background check and provide non-family references
• Summer camp experience required (either as camper/staff/parent of campers)

Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing support to campers and families throughout the year
• Guide families through the camp application process, including reminders for deadlines

(health forms, fees, travel confirmations, etc.)

• Encourage camper participation in Compass Sessions
• Conduct regular check-ins with families and campers to:
• Discuss camper feelings about camp
• Prepare campers for homesickness and camp logistics (overnight trips,

schedules, packing, etc.)

• Reassure parents and address any concerns

Supports from ATS

• Training Call with ATS staff to review timeline, expectations, and answer questions
• Monthly Emails with key dates, reminders, and helpful tips
• Volunteer Handbook including:
• Camp prep resources (packing lists, equipment guidance, FAQs)
• Guidance on supporting campers through common challenges (e.g.,

homesickness, peer conflict)

• Responsive staff to contact if issues arise
• Template for post-camp reflection meetings with campers

Camp Coach Timeline & Commitments (2025–2026)

September –October 2025

• Receive Campership Program information
• Get assigned to camper(s)
• Required: Attend virtual Volunteer Training meeting - Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 5-6pm MST

By January 1, 2026

• Contact families to introduce yourself and share your contact information

January 2026 - Attend Camp Coach Training Meeting 2 (training on enrollment, forms, transportation)

January – May 2026

• Meet monthly with camper(s) and families
• Remind them of deadlines and offer support

May 3, 2026 - Attend Virtual Coach Feedback Meeting (1 hour)

During Summer 2026

• Write a letter to your camper(s) while they’re at camp

After Summer 2026 - Host a virtual Post-Camp Meeting with camper(s) to:

• Reflect on camp experience
• Discuss post-camp requirements
• Talk about next summer

Check out other opportunities here: https://athousandsummers.org/programs/volunteer/