Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Opportunities
Youth program volunteers learn leadership through guided program involvement and enhance interpersonal skills while working with individuals of all abilities. Youth program volunteers can volunteer with camp, horse therapy, and respite.
Leader in Training | Cabin Assistant | Side Walker
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Adult Opportunities
Adult program volunteers engage with participants through direct interactions by supporting individuals during activities and connecting through conversations. Adult program volunteers can volunteer with camp, horse therapy, and respite.
Cabin Assistant | Side Walker | Weekend Cabin Assistant
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Specialized Opportunities
Specialized volunteers are those looking to support True Friends by indirectly supporting participants and retreat groups through projects, utilizing or learning trade skills, and helping maintain a safe and clean environment for participants.
Maintenance Volunteer | Hospitality Volunteer
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Group/Family Opportunities
Group volunteer projects are available for established groups wishing to engage in an experience-based service learning or team-building opportunity. Activity group opportunities are available with camp, horse therapy, and respite.
Maintenance Groups | Activity Groups
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We Carefully Review Each Application to Ensure Each Applicant is a Good Fit For Volunteering at True Friends.
New Applicant Returning ApplicantYouth Opportunities
Leader in Training
Entry level program for youth with limited or no experience working with people with disabilities. Leaders in training will spend one part of their day with their cabin. The second half of their day will be spent team-building and developing leadership skills.
Age 14 to 15
Location: Camp Friendship
Side Walker
Assist with therapeutic horseback riding lessons and help riders take another stride toward their goals. No horse experience required. Side walkers are responsible for supporting riders physically, emotionally and cognitively during the lesson.
Age 16+
Location: Camp Courage
Cabin Assistant
Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is required. Cabin assistants spend the day with their cabin, engaging in an intentional experiential learning program.
Age 16 to 18
Location: Camp Friendship
Adult Opportunities
Cabin Assistant
Cabin assistants spend the day with their cabin, engaging in an intentional experiential learning program.
Age 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Courage North
Side Walker
Assist with therapeutic horseback riding lessons and help riders take another stride toward their goals. No horse experience required. Side walkers are responsible for supporting riders physically, emotionally and cognitively during the lesson.
Age 16+
Location: Camp Courage
Weekend Cabin Assistant
Volunteers spend the weekend with their cabin engaged in social and experiential learning opportunities.
Age 18+
Location: Camp Friendship | Camp Eden Wood
Specialized Opportunities
Maintenance Volunteer
Volunteers engage in a variety of tasks ranging from painting, building flowers beds, grounds maintenance and many more activities depending on the season.
Age 14+ accompanied by an adult or 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Courage North
Hospitality Volunteer
Hospitality volunteers assist kitchen and hospitality staff with meal preparation and maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, dining hall, and buildings on site.
Age 16+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Courage North
Group/Family Opportunities
Maintenance Groups
Volunteers engage in a variety of tasks ranging from painting, building flowers beds, grounds maintenance, and many more activities depending on the season.
Age 14+ accompanied by an adult or 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Courage North
Activity Groups
Activity group volunteers lead an activity along with program staff during a camping week or respite weekend. Past activities include arts and crafts, games, science projects and more.
Age 14+ accompanied by an adult or 18+
Location: Camp Courage | Camp Friendship | Camp Courage North
Ways to Give
Planned Giving
Volunteer More Info
Make an Impact
When you volunteer with True Friends, you help ensure all of the individuals we serve have a positive experience.
“Volunteering for True Friends has added purpose and a sense of belonging. I return each year because it is rewarding, fun, and inspiring. It changes lives.”
Working with Individuals with Disabilities
Your LanguageRespect of participants is our number one priority. The language we use reflects our respect. Remember to use person first language by using the person’s name. For example, “John, an individual with cerebral palsy” rather than “John is disabled.”
Conversation startersMaking a connection is important to everyone. Our participants have hobbies, families, jobs, and school outside of our programs. Start with something that you can relate to and let the conversation flow. Get to know the individuals you work with.
Trained StaffOur volunteers are never left alone with a participant, do not perform personal cares, and are not responsible for behavior management. It’s okay to ask staff for guidance and support. You are not alone.
