Volunteer
CAMP AMERIKIDS • ways to Support • ELM AMBASSADOR
Camp AmeriKids is a residential summer camp for children living with sickle cell disease and takes place in Monticello, NY
Dates for volunteers: Saturday, August 16 - saturday, august 23, 2025
“At camp everyone comes together as a family. It’s the best thing that could ever happen in my life.”
- Camp AmeriKids camper, Coyote Cabin
Questions?
Volunteers
Please email our Executive Director, Chloe Ettari, at volunteer@elm-project.org!
And click here for additional new and returning staff resources.
Camper families
Please contact our Associate Director, Nyeka Desther, at ndesther@elm-project.org or click here to submit application(s) for your child(ren)!
Important Volunteer Deadlines
june 1st
The summer 2025 volunteer application deadline!
June 20th
We will notify all accepted non-medical staff and volunteers on or around this date!
July 15th
All accepted volunteers must have a physical and submit a health form (ideally via email).
Please note: Immunizations records MUST be submitted BEFORE arrival onsite.
saturday, August 16th at 9AM
Mandatory on-site orientation for all volunteers, including returning volunteers! You will be able arrive to the campsite the day before, 8/15.
sunday, August 18th
CAMPERS ARRIVE! CAMP AMERIKIDS 2025 BEGINS!
saturday, August 23rd
Last day of Camp AmeriKids 2025. We can’t wait to see you next summer!
Volunteer Positions:
Please note: all camp volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and preferably one year out of high school.
Cabin Counselors
A team of counselors is responsible for the 24-hour supervision of a cabin and maintains a 2:1 camper to counselor ratio. The cabin counselor’s enthusiastic participation in all aspects of camp is crucial in creating a memorable experience for our campers. Counselors are expected to be role models and sources of energy and ideas. They are a key part of the Camp AmeriKids community.
Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Doctors
If you are a medical professional interested in working with children in a medical setting, fill out an online application and reach out to Chloe Ettari, Executive Director, at cettari@elm-project.org.
Please note: all applicants must have a New York medical license.
Operations Assistants
If you are interested in volunteering at camp without being directly responsible for campers' daily care, operations might be the place for you! This team handles the behind the scenes aspects of camp – including setting up and managing special events, facilitating golf cart transport for campers with medical needs and providing technical support as requested. AV technician experience preferred, but not required.
Wellness Team
An experienced team of social workers and psychologists help manage emotional and behavioral stress for campers and counselors during the camp session. Under the guidance of the Wellness Director, the Wellness Team is available 24/7 to both campers and counselors to discuss challenging situations and alleviate crises so everyone can have a positive, supported experience.
Program Staff
We are seeking volunteers who have personal or professional experience in at least one of the following areas: dance, drama, arts & crafts, music, spoken word, sports, nature, and film. Throughout the week, cabins will have the opportunity to participate in each program area. We rely on our Program Staff to facilitate learning and fun for campers, with some activities showcased on the final night at our Talent Show.
Additional Information
-
Please note: our volunteers are provided all meals and housing for the week.
Given the responsibilities involved in caring for children and the unique nature of our program, we take every precaution and screen all applicants extensively to ensure a good match!
Submit your application: click here to fill out your 2025 online Staff Application. After submitting your application, you will immediately receive a confirmation email that will include several short answer questions.
Provide references: New staff applicants must provide two references — one personal reference and one professional/academic references. Completed forms must be returned to The ELM Project by the references.
• Personal Reference Form: Send your reference this link OR click here for a downloadable PDF.
• Professional/Academic Reference Form: Send your reference this link OR click here for a downloadable PDF.Interview: Once we have received your completed application and reference forms, you will be contacted to schedule a phone interview.
-
Apply by submitting a 2025 Staff Application online here. You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your application.
-
Please note: Immunizations records must be submitted before arrival onsite.
ALL accepted volunteers for Summer 2025 must complete a staff health form by July 15th. Please note, we will not be conducting physicals onsite at Camp AmeriKids this summer. If this is an issue, please contact the office directly as soon as possible.
Staff Health Form (printable + fillable PDF)
