While Camp Good Days is built on the shoulders of generous donors, the many working hands of devoted volunteers uphold us. Camp Good Days and Special Times prides itself on the quality of its volunteers. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and strive to improve the quality of life for those we serve impacted by cancer or sickle cell anemia. There are a variety of ways people can volunteer at Camp Good Days.
Year-Round Programs Volunteers
Every summer, children attending Camp Good Days have the opportunity to form new friendships and strengthen bonds with others who understand what they are going through. But when Camp ends, many Campers return home far from their Camp friends and may not see them again until the following summer. Year-round programming helps keep those connections strong. Throughout the year, each of our regions (Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse) offer a variety of fun, meaningful experiences that bring Campers together, provide opportunities to build friendships, and continue the sense of community created at Camp.
Become a Year-Round Volunteer
It takes hundreds of caring volunteers to make these programs possible and the commitment is designed to be flexible.
Once you complete the onboarding process, you’ll be added to our year-round volunteer invite list. Whenever a program is scheduled, we’ll share the details with you. If you’re available and would like to participate, simply sign up in your volunteer portal!
You choose the programs that work for your schedule. We just ask that volunteers participate in at least one year-round program each year to remain active.
Most year-round programs are about 2 – 6 hours long. We offer year-round programs about one to two times a month. Depending on the activity, volunteers are typically paired with one to three Campers, based on the campers’ ages and individual needs. Volunteers spend the duration of the program alongside their Campers, helping them participate, have fun, and make meaningful connections.
Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Whether your a college student, retiree, or into your career, there is bound to be a Camper that you will connect with and have an everlasting impact on. Volunteers do not need to have a medical or child care background. Volunteers for year-round programs must be at least 18 years or older. Exceptions are made for Syracuse applicants connected through the Fayetteville-Manlius Dance Marathon (F-M students need to be at least 16 years old).
Volunteers need to have a their own source of transportation to either their local Camp Good Days office or the local venue in which the program is being held. For some programs, volunteers and Campers will meet at the local Camp office and charter a bus to and from the venue.
What Does a Year-Round Program Look Like?
No two programs are exactly alike! Year-round activities are designed to give Campers opportunities to have fun, try new things, spend time with friends, and create memories outside of summer camp.
Activities may include:
- Laser tag
- Fishing
- Snow tubing
- Bounce houses
- Farm Visit
- Art classes
- Recreational activities
- And much more!
Whether you're helping a camper try something new, cheering them on during an activity, or simply spending time together, your presence makes a difference.
A Flexible Way to Make a Difference
You don't have to commit to every program—or even know your availability for the entire year. Once you're onboarded, you can sign up for the opportunities that fit your schedule and interests.
If you can give us a few hours, you can help a Camper stay connected to the friendships, community, and support they found at Camp Good Days.
Ready to Get Involved?
See "Applying to Volunteer with our Camper Programs" below for directions on how to apply and the information on the onboarding process.
Summer Camp Volunteers
Give the gift of time to one of our camping programs.
*Please note: We are no longer accepting new volunteer applications for summer camp 2026. We still encourage you to volunteer with your local Camp office. See Year-Round Programs above*
Volunteer to work as a camp counselor, kitchen staff, security, or assist in one of our specialty areas (e.g. arts & crafts, woodworking, etc.).
Looking for a great summer adventure? Applications for our summer programs are currently closed. Stay tuned for information on Summer 2027 in early winter!
Learn More About Volunteering at our Recreational Facility
Learn More About Volunteering at our Jr. Day Camp
Attention Camp Good Days and Special Times is a SMOKE / TOBACCO / VAPE FREE facility.
Applying to Volunteer with our Camper Programs
Apply through our volunteer portal, MyImpact, to get started. Once you complete the onboarding process, you'll be eligible to receive invitations to upcoming year-round programs.
Follow the steps below:
- Learn more about our Camper programs volunteer needs and access your MyImpact account here.
- Set up your MyImpact account and complete the application by following the link for application on the above page.
- The application needs to be completed in one sitting. You can not save and return. Be sure to have your reference information before starting.
- Once you submit your completed application a staff member will review your application and be in contact with next steps including:
- Scheduling a virtual interview
- Contacting your references via email
- Completing a criminal background check and sex offender registry check (all cost covered by Camp Good Days).
- Training
- After all onboardng steps have been completed, the Program team will send you a confirmation of acceptance as a Camp Counselor with us!
- You then can start siging up for programs!
Questions? Contact Us
Kelsey Natale: Overnight & Rochester Volunteer Contact
Marrissa Millea: Syracuse/CNY Volunteer Contact
Samm Reynolds: Buffalo/WNY Volunteer Contact
