Youth Camp Volunteers
fun & rewarding summer volunteering!
ARE YOU A TEEN, LOVE NATURE & WORKING WITH CHILDREN?
We welcome teens to join WildCare’s volunteers as wildlife camp counselor in training (CIT)!
When young people ask how they can help the environment, they are so often given vague suggestions such as: recycle, learn to appreciate nature or join a nature organization. Although these are excellent suggestions and should be followed, it is often a more tangible endeavor the students seek. WildCare offers that experience. Young people go home after a volunteer shift at WildCare dirty, tired and rewarded.
CAMP ASSISTANT VOLUNTEERS APPLICATION
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION
Questions or more information?
EMAIL Casey Pearce or call 415-453-1000 x 200
YOUTH CAMP volunteer INFORMATION
High school students ages 14 – 18 will work with our Summer Camp manager and camp counselor to provide fun and exciting nature and wildlife experiences for younger campers.
Gain valuable experience working with children and earn community service hours while helping with:
• craft projects
• hikes and games
IMPORTANT NOTE ON APPLICATIONS
WildCare requests that all applications and communications come from the applicant, not the applicant’s parent or guardian. This allows applicants to practice important life skills and ensures they have the motivation and responsibility required to be effective participants.
HOURS
WildCare Wildlife Camps operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Wildlife Camp Counselors (CITs) are required to work from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
LOCATIONS
Camp will be held at 20 Olive Street (Dominican University’s Angelico Hall) in San Rafael, but two days are spent at various hiking sites around Marin County*. Transportation is not provided.
COMMITMENT
Students may request to work at as many camps as they would like but are expected to be available at least 1 full week.
2026 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS
JUNE 15-19
SESSION 1 – Wonders of the Wild (entering grades K-1)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off-site hikes to Phoenix Lake and McInnis Park
JUNE 22-26
SESSION 2 – Wild Senses (entering grades 1-2)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off-site hikes to Phoenix Lake and Blackie’s Pasture
JUNE 29-JULY 3
Session 3 – Nature Navigators (entering grades 2-3)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off site hikes to Phoenix Lake and McNears Beach Park (Swim time included)
JULY 6-10
Session 4 – Science of Survival (entering grades 3-5)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off site hikes to Phoenix Lake and McNears Beach Park (Swim time included)
JULY 20-24
Session 5 – Wonders of the Wild (entering grades K-1)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off site hikes to Rodeo Beach and McInnis Park
JULY 27-31
Session 6 – Wild Senses (entering grades 1-2)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off site hikes to Rodeo Beach and Blackie’s Pasture
AUGUST 3-7
Session 7 – Nature Navigators (entering grades 2-3)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off site hikes to Rodeo Beach and McNears Beach Park (Swim time included)
AUGUST 10-14
Session 8 – Science of Survival (entering grades 3-5)
Session: 8:30am-3:30pm
Off site hikes to Rodeo Beach and McNears Beach Park (Swim time included)
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Youth Volunteer programs at WildCare educate and inform students of the plight of wildlife and our environment. Students see first-hand the results of humans’ direct and indirect influence on Marin’s native wildlife, both negative and positive. What is more important, these programs cause the student to think and question our attitudes toward the environment, perhaps developing possible solutions. Working at WildCare empowers students with their ability to affect change.
On a more individual and personal note, the program increases self-confidence and self-esteem. It challenges the young adult and strengthens teamwork skills. WildCare’s Youth Volunteer Program helps teach teens professional skills that will transfer to their future careers. All of the duties they perform are essential to the overall success of WildCare’s mission.
*Why are WildCare’s Wildlife Camps not currently being held at WildCare?
WildCare’s Summer Wildlife Camp will be held at 20 Olive Avenue (Angelico Hall at Dominican College), once construction begins at our original site. As we transition, our Wildlife Ambassador animals will be kept at our transition site off of North San Pedro Road in San Rafael to be near our hospital staff in case of emergency, and to meet the requirements of our permitting. Our live ambassador animals will come to visit camp so your camper won’t miss out on their amazing wildlife experiences. We thank you for your understanding during this time of transition.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT WILDCARE
YOUTH CAMP VOLUNTEERS – Ages 14-18
YOUTH HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS – Ages 14-18
(Check our Youth Hospital Volunteers Page for more information!)