Youth Leader volunteers support our youth programs by setting up activities, gathering supplies, assisting with crafts, and acting as mentors to our program attendees. They also model positive behavior, engage with campers, and help create a positive experience for our attendees – all while having fun here at the Wisconsin Humane Society!
Qualifications
Youth Leaders must:
- Be 13 to 17 years of age
- Be enthusiastic about volunteering with youth ages 6-12
- Commit to a full week of camp (Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.)
- Have reliable transportation to and from camp each day
- Submit application by the due date (summer deadline: April 15, 2026)
– Applicants will be notified via email regarding their acceptance into the program
– If selected for the program, attend the required training and orientation on Friday, June 19
Interested teens must complete an application with the support of a parent/guardian to be considered for the program. We encourage young people of all backgrounds to apply. Please note this opportunity has limited enrollment, and there is a possibility that not all applicants will be accepted.
Program Info & FAQs
Youth Leaders support our youth programs by setting up activities, gathering supplies, assisting with crafts, and acting as mentors to our program attendees. They also model positive behavior, engage with campers, and help create a positive experience for our attendees – all while having fun here at the Wisconsin Humane Society!
During the summer, Youth Leaders volunteer to help with our summer camps (Monday – Friday, 8:45am – 3:15pm). Applicants provide a list of camp weeks they are available to volunteer and will be assigned a week from their list if accepted into the program.
During the school year, Youth Leaders choose their own schedule and can volunteer during:
– Kids Night Out
– Scout Nights
– One-day camps during school breaks
Youth Leaders are not responsible for supervising groups of children alone nor addressing behavior issues; they will have the support of WHS staff. Youth Leaders are also not responsible for handling first aid, injuries, or other emergencies.
While Youth Leaders interact with animals on a limited basis alongside our campers, the primary focus of the role is interacting with our youth program attendees. Youth Leaders will not be walking dogs, cleaning kennels, or interacting with animals outside of experiences during the camp day. For more information on animal care-related volunteer positions, please click here.
Recruitment for Youth Leaders to support summer camps begins in January, and selected participants will be notified in April or May. As needed, recruitment for the school year begins in late-summer, with selected participants notified in September.
Youth Leaders who have successfully completed the program during the school year or the previous summer are given the first opportunity to return for the following summer. The remaining spots are then filled with new applicants.
Summer Youth Leaders are required to commit to one full week of camp, Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. School-year Youth Leaders are asked to commit to at least two volunteer shifts throughout the school year. There may be opportunities to volunteer more frequently as needed.
We would love it if you encouraged your friends to apply! However, please note that enrollment is limited, so we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be accepted or be assigned to volunteer during the same camp week as a friend. School-year Youth Leaders have more flexibility in scheduling and may choose to sign up for shifts with another Youth Leader.