Volunteer & Support Camp Oasis
Become a Camp Oasis Volunteer
At the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Camp Oasis sites, we rely heavily on our volunteer staff to ensure the safety and well-being of our campers.
Volunteer counselor positions include cabin counselors, as well as activity specialists and junior counselors at limited sites. Our medical volunteers include GI specialists such as physicians, nurses, mental health providers, and dietitians.
We ask that all volunteers meet the following qualifications:
- Be at least 19 years old (younger for sites with Junior Counselors)
- Demonstrate empathy for the physical and psychosocial aspects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Interview with the designated camp personnel
- Submit all of the required paperwork by the specified deadlines
- Pass Criminal Background, Sex Offender, and Reference Checks
- Attend entire staff orientation (dates vary by site — typically held one day before camp)
- Meet the specific qualifications, duties, and requirements of their assigned role
- Stay the entire duration of camp (see Find a Camp for more information)
- Abide by all of the rules and policies of the Foundation and the host site
- Embody the mission and guiding principles of Camp Oasis
- Model standards for behavior that promote respect for health and welfare of the entire camp community
- Be physically able to stand for extended periods of time, walk long distances, carry equipment/supplies, etc., often times in inclement weather
If you are willing to meet these requirements and are interested in being considered as a volunteer, please click your position of choice to learn more before applying.
- Cabin Counselor
- Junior Counselor
- Activity Specialist
- Camp Physician
- Camp Nurse
- Camp Mental Health Professional
- Camp Dietitian
Note to Parents Interested in Volunteering: One of the most important outcomes that campers experience at Camp Oasis is an increased sense of independence. To foster that outcome, the Foundation does not allow parents of campers to serve as camp counselors at the same location their children are attending.
Note to Internationals Interested in Volunteering: We accept international applications at all camp locations, however, precedence will be given to those who live in the camp's territory. After you have applied, please contact the local camp office to inform them of your circumstance. Like all volunteers, if accepted, you will be responsible for getting yourself to and from camp, but your accommodations during the camp session will be covered.
Why Volunteer?
Being a part of Camp Oasis is not only a rewarding experience, but a fun, supportive, and inspiring one as well. Don't just take our word for it, though. Read what our volunteers had to say and check out their video message below:
"This past week at Camp Oasis was life changing. The other counselors and staff were so supportive and the connections we made were so special. I grew up attending Camp Oasis, but coming back as a counselor and being able to support the girls in my cabin and be there for them was so rewarding. Camp Oasis truly feels like home for me!"
"Camp Oasis is hope in the face of a dark, chronic, and incurable illness."
"Camp is a place that fosters community and connection for people with IBD. I've met lifelong friends, developed important skills, and continue to come back year after year."
Donate to Camp Oasis
Not everyone has the time to volunteer at one of our camps, but there is another way that you can help. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Camp Oasis, you can do so online or over the phone: (646) 943 - 7480. Your gift will help children living with IBD have a fun, educational, and memorable life experience at Camp Oasis.