Summer Volunteer Program

While the majority of our volunteer opportunities require a one-year commitment, we also offer summer volunteer programs for individuals who want to participate in an intensive volunteer program. All summer volunteer opportunities take place at the main hospital on Michigan Avenue NW.

Volunteer Opportunities

Summer High School Volunteer

Summer High School Volunteers will be directly supervised by the Volunteer Services team. This volunteer program aims to provide high school students with the opportunity to donate their time and talents to Children’s National Hospital while they gain valuable educational and work experiences from hospital professionals.

Responsibilities and Activities

Students who participate in our Summer High School Volunteer Program can look forward to the following:

Guest Speakers and Workshops – Education and exposure to the hospital environment and an array of associated professional opportunities (led by Children’s National physicians, healthcare professionals, high school volunteer alumni, and more)
Hospitality Volunteer Duties – Volunteer onsite at the hospital in various roles, including greeting patients and visitors and assisting with wayfinding, rounding with the Hospitality Cart, providing support to various departments, and more
Group Projects – Students will work together throughout the program on a culminating group project that benefits Children’s National and our patients
Post-High School Graduation Workshop – Preparation for life after high school (i.e.: college, military, trade school, workforce, etc.)
Team Building and Social Activities

Requirements and Commitment

Summer High School Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older by the start of the program, and must be a current high school student who is returning to high school in the fall (i.e.: not currently in 8th grade and not currently a senior).

Summer High School Volunteers will engage in one volunteer session at our main hospital for a total of 14 days of service (10am-4pm, Mon-Fri only).

The 2024 program session dates are:

Session 1: 6/20-7/10 (closed on 7/4)
Session 2: 7/16-8/2

Application

See below for information regarding the 2024 Summer HS Volunteer Application.

Summer Child Life Volunteer

The Summer Child Life Volunteer Program is intended for individuals who are looking to pursue a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist. For more information on the career path of a Certified Child Life specialist please visit the ACLP. Summer Child Life Volunteers are directly supervised by the Child Life Services team and provide play and normalization opportunities/activities for hospitalized children and adolescents while gaining a glimpse into a career in pediatric healthcare.

Responsibilities and Activities

Join us for a summer of volunteering where you will provide play and normalization opportunities/activities for hospitalized children and adolescents while gaining valuable educational experiences under the supervision of a Child Life Specialist.

Participants in this year's Summer Child Life Volunteer Program can look forward to:

Providing play and normalization opportunities/activities for hospitalized
children and adolescents while getting a glimpse into a career in pediatric
healthcare
Interacting with a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) during every volunteer shift
Shadowing opportunities under the supervision of a Child Life Specialist
Attend seminars held by our Child Life Specialists
Receive advice on the certification process

Requirements and Commitment

Summer Child Life Volunteers must be 18 and older and currently working toward a career as a Child Life Specialist.

The 2024 Summer Child Life Volunteer Program will take place from June 3-August 16, 2024. All Summer Child Life Volunteers must commit to a total of 100 hours of service during the program. Volunteer shifts will vary based on availability and need, and will take place Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:30am-6pm.

Application

See below for more information regarding the 2024 Summer Child Life Volunteer Application.

If you are interested in learning more about Child Life and our other training programs, please visit our main Child Life Services webpage.

Application

What are the current openings?

What are the onboarding requirements?

Expectations and Commitment

What are the expectations of a volunteer?

What are the physical demands?

This position requires standing and/or sitting.
This position may include pushing an activity or book cart for at least one hour at a time.
This position may include pushing a wheelchair with a patient that weighs up to 100 lbs.
This position may include holding an infant/toddler for an extended period of time.
This position may include lifting donated items that may weigh at least 10 lbs. such as toys, stuffed animals, games, and books, as well as transporting items to various areas on carts.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants with disabilities.