Get Involved
Camp STAR Opportunities
STAR Children’s Bereavement Services (STAR CBS) appreciates all of our volunteers. In fact, volunteers run everything that STAR CBS does. Both our planning committee and board of directors are made up of volunteers. The more programs we offer the more volunteers we need.
The role of a volunteer can be physically and emotionally strenuous, we expect that any person volunteering will have the ability to supervise, provide safety, and good judgment for the families and children we serve.
Camp STAR 2025 dates will be announced early 2025. Sign up below to receive the volunteer application when it becomes available.
Camp Buddies (25 positions)
Camp Buddies are adults 18-25 years of age who are active and can commit to 1 day of training followed by a weekend of camp. The buddy will be paired one-on-one with a child who is the same gender and has similar interests. The buddy will be the child’s guide for the weekend and participate in all events alongside the camper. The buddy will model appropriate behavior and coping skills for the child.
The buddy does not need an experience with loss, but it certainly helps. Buddies are required to fill out an application, go through a background check, face-to-face interviews, and 1-day training. We look for buddies who are supportive, empathetic, and energetic and who may have experience in one or a few of the following things: grief, growth and development, psychology, outdoor recreation, education, counseling, social work, community health and health care.
Group Leader (4+ positions)
Campers are separated by age at Camp STAR. Each age group is assigned a color. Each color group is led by a leader and co-leader. Leaders are people with experience in grief, camp settings and/or experience working with children. They are people who are high-energy, quick-thinkers and are able to facilitate discussion and fun. The leader is in charge of keeping track of their group and keeping everyone on schedule. Leaders are required to attend the 1-day training and attend camp for the weekend.
Co-Leader (4+ positions)
The leaders depend on the co-leader to help keep activities organized and the group on track. Co-leaders also have experience working in the camp setting, with children and/or with grief. They are responsible, organized and reliable. Both leaders and co-leaders are required to commit to the 1-day training and the weekend of camp. The co-leader helps the leader keep track of the group and also keeps everyone on schedule. Co-leaders are required to attend the 1-day training and attend camp for the weekend.
Camp Nurse (2 positions)
Two registered nurses are needed to be on site the entire weekend of camp. The camp nurses assist with any medical needs, from getting a scraped knee while doing a relay race to administering medications. Camp nurses assist with registration to review and collect camper and volunteer medications and dosages. Camp nurses are required to commit to the 1-day training and the weekend of camp.
Activities Assistants (4+ positions)
Activities assistants are needed to help with all behind the scenes set up and transitionally. They get activities set up before groups arrive at the activity. They fill in when necessary if more adult assistance is needed at an activity. They serve as watch staff at night when buddies attend de-briefing. Activities assistants are required to attend the 1-day training and attend camp for the weekend.
Camp Photographer (2+ positions)
The camp photographers are individuals who capture the memories of camp throughout the weekend. They are respectful and sensitive to personal moments the campers might have during camp. They take photos of each camper as they register, as well as take a photo of each camper and his/her buddy before they leave as well as a photo of each color group and the entire group. The camp photographer must put all high-resolution images on a jump drive or CD and deliver them toSTAR CBS no later than 5 business days after camp. These volunteers will be required to fill out an application.
Videographer (1+ positions)
The camp videographer are individuals who capture the memories of camp throughout the weekend. They are respectful and sensitive to personal moments the campers might have during camp. They will be expected to take videos of activities during camp and also do short, fun interviews with volunteers and campers. The camp videographer must put all high-resolution videos on a jump drive or CD and deliver them to STAR CBS no later than 5 business days after camp. The videographer must also work with the STAR CBS following camp to help with the creation of a promo video to be used on the STAR CBS websites and social media pages. These volunteers will be required to fill out an application.
Non-Camp Opportunities
Non-camp related opportunities are posted on Yoopers United. View current non-camp volunteer needs.
