Camp counselors are at the heart of Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, serving as positive role models, cheerleaders, and trusted members of the Camp community. By helping campers try new things, build confidence, and form lasting friendships, volunteers create meaningful experiences for children with cancer and their families.
No previous Camp experience is needed, just a willingness to show up, learn, and make a difference!
Help lead activities throughout Camp, receiving specialized training for their assigned activity and helping adapt experiences so campers of different ages and abilities can participate.
Ready to make a difference? Explore the requirements, application process, and everything you need to know before joining our Camp community.
To volunteer, counselors must:
Qualified applicants are invited to a three-hour group interview with Camp staff and experienced volunteers. Through introductions, small-group discussions, team activities, and role-playing, we’ll get to know you while giving you a chance to learn more about Camp and the counselor experience.
Our goal is to make the process welcoming, interactive, and informative for everyone!
All new counselors complete a mandatory virtual orientation introducing Camp’s policies, traditions, and culture, followed by at least two days of on-site training before working with campers.
Training covers camper supervision, youth development, communication, positive role modeling, health and wellness, and emergency procedures to help counselors create a safe, welcoming Camp experience.
As a volunteer counselor, you’ll stay on-site, work alongside fellow counselors and Camp’s medical team, and spend your days creating memorable experiences with campers.
Camp days are filled with activities like swimming, archery, arts and crafts, sports, cooking, hiking, and special evening programs.
Camp is an unplugged experience! Counselors are asked to keep cell phones turned off and put away during sessions, with an emergency contact number available for urgent messages from home.
Counselors help ensure campers’ safety and well-being but do not provide medical care. Our volunteer doctors and nurses manage medications, treatments, and medical needs throughout each session.
During orientation and training, counselors learn Camp’s safety procedures, how to recognize potential concerns, and when to involve the medical team.
Camp takes place at Apple Canyon Center in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild. Counselors stay in cabins alongside campers, with bunk beds, heating, bathrooms, and showers.
All meals are provided, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
