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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Boston Children’s Hospital. The Summer Adult Program gives those who are 18 and older and out of high school the chance to volunteer on an inpatient unit. Please review all information below to learn more.

Volunteer commitment

  • two eight-hour shifts per week for eight consecutive weeks, starting in early June and ending in mid to late August
  • shifts will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays

Requirements

  • 18 years or older and out of high school
  • submit an application and reference form by the given due dates
  • agree to complete the full volunteer commitment
  • attend a Zoom interview
  • attend the mandatory volunteer training

How to apply

  1. Summer Adult Volunteer Program application
  2. Reference form
    • Please have your reference submitted by the end of Wednesday, April 2.
    • We recommend using email. Please have your reference send the form to volunteer@childrens.harvard.edu.
    • Please do not have your reference submitted beforehand, as we will not be able to attach it to your application.
    • Be sure to follow up with your reference, as we will not be accepting reference forms more than one week after enrollment is closed.
    • We only require one reference for a complete application.
    • Applicants will receive an update about their application by Wednesday, April 30.

Frequently asked questions

What characteristics do you look for in Summer Adult volunteers?

We find that volunteers that are most successful in the volunteer role are reliable, communicative, mature, and take initiative.

How many Summer Adult volunteers do you accept?

It depends on what the needs are throughout the hospital, and our spots are limited. We are anticipating taking up to five volunteers for the Summer Adult Program.

I know that I am going away for vacation, an internship, or another activity in the summer. Can I still apply for the program?

We understand that summer can be a busy time for all. However, we do ask candidates that know they are going away for part of the summer to wait and apply next year.

I am interested in both the One Year Program (Summer Start) and the Summer Adult Program. Should I apply to both?

We ask that applicants only apply to one program at a time. If available to commit to the One Year Program (Summer Start), we recommend applying to the One Year Program, as spots in our summer-only program are very limited.

I want to work in a specific area in the hospital. How do I ensure I am placed there?

Please feel free to make a note of your preferences within your volunteer application. We will do our best to accommodate requests, but all placements are based on the volunteer need. Per hospital policy, we are unable to place volunteers on a unit where you have received care, have a family member/friend working in that area, or another personal connection to the area.

I know I am applying for the Summer Adult Program. What can I do now to prepare?
  • Start thinking about who may be your reference: A reference form is required for every volunteer application. A reference can be anyone in a professional capacity that is not a family member or friend (e.g. teacher, manager, etc.).
  • Mark your calendars: Be sure to apply during the posted recruitment dates. Since we do have a high level of interest, any applications submitted after our recruitment dates will not be accepted.