Campference Volunteer

Organization: Next Step

Position: Campference Volunteer

Position Type: In-Person

Locations:

• Cambridge, MA
• Ashland, MA

Organization Description(s):

• At Next Step, we are dedicated to supporting young people aged 1629 living with

serious and chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV, sickle cell, and other rare genetic conditions. Our mission is to empower them with the skills, tools, and knowledge to shift their mindset from “Why me?” to “What’s next?” We achieve this through a three-step process built on the pillars of:

• Engagement: Building Community + Changing Perspective
• Education: Learning Skills + Growing Confidence
• Empowerment: Building Resilience + Developing Leadership

Next Step Campferences are multi-day residential retreats held 5–6 times per year for approximately 20 young people. These weekends focus on community-building through lots of games, friendly competitions, educational workshops led by young peers, songwriting sessions, crafts, and expressive arts activities.

Position Description:

Campference Volunteers are responsible for supporting the overall safety, engagement, and positive experience of young people throughout the program. They play a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment for young people for the entire duration of the campference.

Volunteer Tasks:

• Help participants feel comfortable, stay engaged in programming, and navigate the flow of the day
• Help participants transition between activities and navigate the venue – includes encouraging engagement in workshops, meals, and social opportunities throughout the weekend
• Assist in check-ins, setup, breakdown, and general event logistics – this might include moving chairs, tables, and setting up food, etc.
• Support youth participation while allowing youth voices to lead
• Provide light small-group support and positive peer connection
• Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and organizational values
• Assist with note taking when requested
• Support airport/train station pickups and drop-offs (if needed)

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth, mentoring, education, healthcare, or community programs preferred
• On-site availability for the entirety of the Campference weekend, typically Thursday afternoon until Sunday afternoon
• Comfort working with diverse populations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment
• Commitment to Next Step’s mission and values
• Professional boundaries and respect for confidentiality
• Strong sense of responsibility and reliability
• Required vaccinations for residential programming (MMR, Varicella, TDAP, COVID-19, flu)