Activity Leader — Volunteer — Camp Coug
Lead engaging camp activities that help young people build confidence, teamwork, and new skills.
About Cougs 4 Kids
Cougs 4 Kids, an initiative of Believe in Me, connects Washington State University alumni, student-athletes, and volunteers to programs that help marginalized youth build confidence, character, community, and opportunity.
Role Overview
Lead engaging camp activities that help young people build confidence, teamwork, and new skills. This role includes weekly virtual planning before activities and in-person participation at Camp Coug or other program events as scheduled.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate age-appropriate recreational, educational, and leadership activities.
- Explain instructions clearly, encourage participation, and adapt activities for varied abilities.
- Monitor group safety, behavior, supplies, timing, and transitions.
- Coordinate with mentors, coaches, and camp leadership; share observations and improvement ideas.
Qualifications
- Experience leading youth activities, education, recreation, coaching, or community programs.
- Energetic, encouraging communication and strong group-management skills.
- Creativity, flexibility, patience, and inclusive facilitation.
- Comfort supporting youth from diverse and marginalized communities.
Volunteer Requirements
- Commit to active participation for at least one year and at least 10 hours per month.
- Complete orientation, a background check, and required youth-safety steps.
- Hold a valid driver’s license and travel occasionally for program activities.
- Complete training in trauma-informed practices, cultural sensitivity, resilient youth development, DEI, and mentorship.
Location & Schedule
Hybrid: virtual planning plus in-person activities at Washington State University and other Washington locations. Some evening, weekend, or event-based availability may be required.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and tell us about your relevant experience and motivation to support Cougs 4 Kids.
Apply NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is this role paid?
No. This is a volunteer opportunity.
Is it remote?
Planning is generally virtual; in-person participation is required for assigned events.
Is screening required?
Yes. Youth-facing volunteers complete background checks, orientation, and safety training.
Activity Leader opportunity: Role Impact
First, you will learn the program goals and team priorities. Next, you will coordinate with program leaders, volunteers, and community partners. In addition, you will document decisions and complete follow-up tasks. Therefore, participants and families will receive dependable support.
What Success Looks Like
Successful volunteers communicate clearly and finish agreed tasks on time. Moreover, they protect participant privacy and raise concerns promptly. They also welcome feedback and improve future activities. As a result, Camp Coug can offer safer and more consistent experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Apply if you have relevant professional, volunteer, academic, or lived experience. For example, experience from education, business, community service, or student leadership may transfer well.
Activity Leader opportunity: Schedule and Location
Planning may happen virtually. However, some assignments require in-person participation at WSU or other Washington locations. Before each activity, your team will confirm expectations.
Why volunteer?
Ultimately, your service can help marginalized youth build confidence, connection, character, and opportunity. At the same time, you will strengthen a caring network of WSU alumni, students, families, and partners.
Why This Volunteer Role Matters
Turn program goals into engaging activities where campers can try something new, connect with others, and feel successful. Your contribution will strengthen programs designed to help marginalized youth build confidence, character, belonging, and opportunity.
What You Will Own
- Prepare and lead age-appropriate activities with clear instructions and materials.
- Adapt pacing and participation options for different needs and confidence levels.
- Coordinate transitions, cleanup, safety, and feedback with the camp team.
You May Be a Great Fit If You Bring
- Teaching, facilitation, camps, recreation, arts, STEM, athletics, or youth-program experience.
- Energy, patience, creativity, and clear group communication.
- Ability to plan inclusively and respond constructively when an activity needs to change.
You do not need to match every preference to contribute. We welcome candidates whose professional experience, volunteer service, education, or lived experience prepares them to support this work.
What You Can Expect From Cougs 4 Kids
- A clear orientation, role expectations, and a primary team contact.
- Templates, program context, and practical tools for your assignment.
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where questions and ideas are welcome.
- Feedback and recognition that connect your work to visible community impact.
Commitment, Location, and Safety
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Scheduling is coordinated around program needs and volunteer availability. Planning may happen virtually, while some assignments require participation in Pullman or another Washington community. Before placement, the team will confirm the expected schedule, location, and deliverables. Roles involving youth may require orientation, a background check, and applicable safety training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does success look like for the Activity Leader?
Success means communicating early, completing agreed work reliably, protecting participant privacy, and helping teammates deliver a welcoming experience. The team will establish practical priorities so you know what to focus on first.
Will I receive support?
Yes. A program leader will share context, answer questions, and provide the tools needed for the assignment. Volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
Why volunteer with Cougs 4 Kids?
You can use skills you already have, grow through meaningful service, and join WSU alumni, students, families, and community partners working together for young people.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role feels meaningful, we encourage you to apply even if your experience does not follow a traditional path. Tell us what draws you to the mission and how your strengths could help.
Apply to volunteer with Cougs 4 Kids. You can also learn more about Cougs 4 Kids and explore other volunteer opportunities.