Volunteer
Our volunteers are the heart of Agape!
The application deadline for 2026 was April 15. All new applications will be waitlisted.
Volunteering at Camp Agape Northwest means becoming part of the heart and hands that make camp possible. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and play essential roles—serving as one-on-one buddies to children with cancer and their siblings, preparing nourishing meals, and creating joyful, unforgettable camp experiences. It’s a full week of early mornings, long days, and meaningful work, often outdoors and fully immersed in camp life. It can be exhausting—but volunteers return year after year because it is also deeply joyful, profoundly meaningful, and often described as one of the most rewarding weeks of their lives.
Next Camp Dates: July 25 – August 1, 2026
You will be 15 years old, or older, by the start of camp.
You are willing to follow our medical protocols to help protect campers.
You are flexible and ready to jump in where needed, especially when plans change unexpectedly.
You pass a background check that screens for offenses that could jeopardize safety or well-being.
You are able to commit your full energy and attention to supporting camp families during the week.
Volunteer Eligibility
Volunteer Positions Requiring a Full Week Commitment
(and overnight stay)
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Buddy
You will be assigned to work one on one with a child with cancer or their sibling, helping kids to fully participate in everything camp has to offer. You will stick to their side, attend activities together, share meals, offer encouragement, and be that person who always says, “Yes! I am 100% here for you!” You could be paired up with another volunteer based on the needs of the child or at the discretion of Camp Leadership.
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Family Concierge
Advocate for families needs and preferences throughout the week. Work with a small group of volunteers to provide support, respite when needed and appropriate, and work with Camp Leadership to problem solve and address challenges. At least 1 year of experience at Camp Agape Northwest is preferred. If you are able, please obtain a food workers card since you could be pulled into any role at any time.
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Support Staff:
Fill in with projects, tasks, and buddy-ing as needed to keep running smoothly! If you are able, please obtain a food workers card since you could be pulled into any role at any time.
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Program
Program volunteers are the creative force behind the scenes, bringing camp’s biggest moments to life. You’ll set up games, help run skits, support music and events, and create the organized chaos that makes camp so fun and memorable. This role is hands-on, carrying supplies, filling water balloons, setting stages, and helping make all-camp activities happen. If you love being part of the magic and don’t mind getting a little wet, messy, or silly, Program is where camp comes alive.
Flexible Positions
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Milkshakes and Espresso
Help keep our unending stream of milkshakes, coffee, Italian sodas, and smoothies going! We will train you on site! You will get the chance to see everyone at camp as they come through the line! A food workers card is required for this position. Camp Agape Northwest will reimburse volunteers for the cost when a receipt is brought to camp.
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Kitchen and Food Preparation
Help in the kitchen to prepare, cook, and plate meals, as well as clean and organize food prep areas. A fun group who dance and laugh… a lot! A food workers card is required for this position. Camp Agape Northwest will reimburse volunteers for the cost when a receipt is brought to camp.
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Dining Hall
As a server, you help bring mealtime to life! Interact with families, and help with meal prep, clearing, and decorations as needed. A food workers card is required for this position. Camp Agape Northwest will reimburse volunteers for the cost when a receipt is brought to camp.
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Lifeguard and Waterfront
Keep all the water related activities safe for all families and volunteers. One lifeguard will be selected as a waterfront director to open/close waterfront and coordinate shifts for the other lifeguards. Requires a proof of Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR certification upon arrival at camp. If you are able, please obtain a food workers card since you could be pulled into any role at any time.
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Work Crew
Assist in the daily set up of events/program, serve meals to families, help maintain camp property and bathrooms. You may be assigned to other tasks including giving volunteers breaks and program needs. If you are able, please obtain a food workers card since you could be pulled into any role at any time.
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Video/Photo:
Help to document the week of camp for families and volunteers. Take photos and video, edit, and produce final products to give families on the last day of camp, including a slide show.
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Arts and Crafts:
Help families create arts and crafts projects. Keep the area clean and organized. The arts and crafts area is open most of the day, closed during meals and during some program times so you may be pulled into other roles as needed. If you are able, please obtain a food workers card since you could be pulled into any role at any time.
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Nursing
Our Nursing Team provides compassionate, skilled care that allows families to relax and fully participate in camp. Working alongside fellow licensed professionals, you’ll support everything from everyday needs like scrapes and headaches to monitoring more complex symptoms related to treatment. Nurses must hold an active license in Washington State and be comfortable practicing in a collaborative, family-centered camp environment.
Hear From Our Volunteers
First-year volunteer Christos
Long-time volunteer Matt
First-year volunteer Alanna
Long-time volunteer Elyssa
First-year volunteer Evelyn
Long-time volunteer Peter
Applications are Open!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions, you can email volunteer@campagapenw.org
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You have to be 15 years old by the time camp starts in order to be accepted.
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All volunteers sleep in tents on site at All Saints camp. You can have your own tent or share with others. There is a shared bathhouse for showering.
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We will send you a list when you are accepted. In addition to camp basics, you’ll want to bring warm layers and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. We don’t have laundry at camp, so we recommend bringing some extra items. For any medications or supplements, bring them in a plastic bag so they can be turned over to the nurse’s cabin when you arrive. Also, do not bring any snacks or drinks for your tent (there’s wildlife here!), but we will keep you well fed.
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That’s okay! We have all sorts of positions and ways to help at camp. Look through our positions and see what appeals to you. It could be helping in the kitchen, or setting up things for program. Every single position makes a positive impact on families and every position is essential!
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Camp Agape Northwest asks all volunteers to dress in a way that is comfortable, practical, and respectful of the healing environment we are creating for families. Clothing should provide full coverage of areas typically considered private, and should not be overly revealing or distracting. Our goal is not to police personal style, but to ensure that the focus remains on supporting campers and their families. We ask everyone to use good judgment and choose attire that allows you to move freely, participate fully, and contribute to a safe, welcoming, and respectful space for all.
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To attend and volunteer at camp is free. There is a $20 application fee that covers the cost of background checks. If this is a hardship in any way, you can waive the cost when you fill out your application
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Camp Agape Northwest does not provide child care for volunteers. However, we also recognize that caregiving responsibilities can make it difficult for some people to volunteer. In certain essential roles and situations, there may be limited opportunities to explore ways your child could attend camp with you. If this is something you would need in order to volunteer, we encourage you to speak with our Volunteer Coordinators. While we cannot guarantee availability, we are happy to have a conversation and see what may be possible.