Thank you for your interest in exploring volunteer opportunities at Children's National Hospital, an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome your interest to apply!

Please review program description and requirements featured below and on our website prior to completing this application. Submission of this application is the first step in the volunteer application and selection process. Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, specific requirements of our programs, and limited openings, we are unable to place every applicant.

The Child Life Services team at Children's National will review all applications received and select candidates to continue to the next step in the onboarding process. Next steps may vary depending on each volunteer assignment and will include an interview with your prospective supervisor. The Volunteer Services team will communicate via email regarding final decisions and will provide instructions regarding required paperwork.

Individuals who are selected to become a Summer Child Life Volunteer must adhere to the onboarding and training requirements of the program which includes a background investigation performed by an outside agency, submission of a comprehensive medical packet for medical clearance, and in­ person training.

*Please Note: The Volunteer Services Department reserves the right to amend the scope and/or specifications of its programs at any time.

Pre-Screening Questions

Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities at Children's National Hospital. Unfortunately, your availability does not align with the requirements of this volunteer program.

For additional volunteer opportunities, please visit https://www.childrensnational.org/make-a-difference/volunteer 

Please note that you will not be able to submit this application going forward.

 

 

 

 

Summer Child Life Volunteer Program

The Summer Child Life Volunteer Program is intended for individuals who are looking to pursue a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist. 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.

The 2026 Summer Child Life Volunteer Program will take place from June 1 - August 14, 2026. All participants must attend a mandatory in-person orientation session on June 1 and a mandatory in-person seminar on July 21. All Summer Child Life Volunteers must commit to 12 hours of service per week (via 2-3 volunteer shifts per week) for a minimum total of 100 hours of service. Volunteer shifts will vary based on availability and need, and will take place during the hours of 9am-5pm.

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

 

Summer Child Life Volunteer Shifts

All Summer Child Life Volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of service per week. This can be completed through 2-3 volunteer shifts per week (shifts can range from 4 hours - 8 hours per day). Please select your availability below (choose any available times):
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Volunteer Information

Do not call
Interest in Child Life
Interest in Program
Relevant Experience
Education Requirements
Referral/Source

Emergency Contact

Criminal Background
Optional Information: Demographics
The below section is optional. Volunteer Services at times is asked for periodic reports pertaining to factors such as race, sex, and citizenship. Information provided will be used solely for statistical purposes and to track diversity trends. This information will not have any effect on the selection process. Children's National does not discriminate against its employees or volunteers or applicants for employment or service because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status or any other protected group status.

Volunteer and Program Commitment Agreement

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