Thank you for your interest in joining the fun as a volunteer at RMC! 

Who are our Volunteers?

• Our more than 125 volunteer counselors and wellness staff are a diverse group from all walks of life, with different personalities and a multitude of talents and strengths. Our team ranges in age from the minimum of 20 to 70+, with a median age of about 43 years old. Approximately 20% of our staff are former campers and we experience a return rate of over 75% each year.
  • New counselor additional Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
  • Our program is camper-centered and we look for people who are willing to put aside their own interests and comforts to serve our campers first and foremost.
• Available roles include: cabin counselors (our biggest need); specialty 1:1 counselors to work with children with additional needs; and activity specialists who can run fun programs for our campers.
• Please read the information below to learn more about the role of camp volunteer before you apply. We can guarantee that this experience is one that will change your life!

What is the Process and Time Commitment for a Volunteer Counselor?

• We take choosing volunteers to work with our campers very seriously. To be fully prepared and ready to be a great camp volunteer, we follow an application and training process as follows:

1. An online application
2. An initial interview after receipt of application (new counselors)
3. A group interview and orientation for new applicants virtually in June (date TBD)
4. Criminal, FBI, and child abuse background clearances
5. Approximately 4 hours of online training on your own time schedule
6. For In-person camp: the entire camp week, beginning on Saturday morning, August 16, and ending on Saturday morning, August 23 at around 11AM at Camp Timber Tops (1620 Rt. 6, Greely, PA).

Is Ronald McDonald Camp for me?

You might enjoy being part of in-person camp if you:

• Want a meaningful, rewarding experience.
• Love helping kids, are a mature decision-maker, have good communication skills, and can handle a busy, outdoor environment. You should be enthusiastic about camp, stay positive, and handle conflict effectively. Smiles and a healthy attitude are a must!
• Understand that being a counselor requires flexibility and patience. You’ll share space with kids and other adults 24/7 for the week.
• Have empathy (but not pity) for campers who have experienced cancer.
• Enjoy a rustic camp experience in the Pocono Mountains. This includes hills, cabins with screens instead of glass windows, shared bathrooms, insects, wildlife, and unpredictable weather.
• Are in good physical shape since camp involves rugged terrain and being on your feet all day.

What type of positions do you have?

• Cabin Counselors: You’ll act as a caregiver in place of a parent for a week, alongside 2-3 other counselors. You’ll help kids through their highs and lows, from the joys of camp to moments like temper tantrums. You’ll remind them about hygiene, support their life skills, and focus on their overall well-being.
• 1:1 Counselors: You’ll work one-on-one with a camper who needs extra help. This might involve support with independence, socializing, or other needs. If you have experience in special education, nursing, or occupational/physical therapy—or you’re willing to learn—this could be a great fit.
• Activity Specialists: If you have skills or a hobby like woodworking, sports, or sewing, you can help lead creative and exciting camp programs. This role is usually for returning counselors, but exceptions can be made based on skills and program needs.

What do Counselors do at Camp?

• Expectations: From Sunday afternoon to Saturday morning, counselors and staff work together 24/7 to create a magical camp experience. You’ll work in a team of 2-3 counselors in a cabin or as an activity specialist. Everyone works together to build a welcoming, inclusive environment where campers feel like they belong.
• Schedule: Days start at 7 a.m. and end between 9-10 p.m. They’re packed with fun activities, some led by Camp Timber Tops staff, some by activity specialists, and others by you and your co-counselors. Along the way, you’ll experience “special camp moments,” like seeing friendships grow, kids overcoming challenges, and big camper smiles. You’ll also handle practical tasks like getting campers to meals, activities, and bed, resolving conflicts, and staying active from morning until your head hits your pillow at night!
• Camper Safety & Wellness: Your main job is to keep campers safe and well. While trained medical and psychosocial staff handle cancer-related or medical issues, you’ll need to watch for any general health concerns and report them to the medical team.

Questions?