DAC Summer Arts Camp Teen Volunteer Application 2026

Summer Arts Camp provides volunteers the opportunity to assist camp instructors, work with DAC admin staff, and get creative with kids while painting, sculpting, crafting, performing, and more!

This opportunity also provides you with valuable resume building experience and can count towards volunteer requirements that your school or membership organization may have. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please complete this application as soon as possible.

You must be at least 15 years old and a rising 10th-12th grader by August 31, 2026. When your application is received, you may be emailed to set up a virtual interview time. 

If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Leigh, Arts Education Assistant Manager at wleigh@durhamarts.org.

Application Deadline: May 3, 2026 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and do not guarantee that every applicant will receive a volunteer position.

NOTE: DAC treats volunteers with the level of respect equivalent to a job. As such, all communication regarding this program is the responsibility of the volunteer. 

List two non-family member references who can speak about your qualifications for this volunteer position. This may include teachers, coaches, youth ministers, employers, school group activity leaders or sponsors, etc. Your application is incomplete without these two references.

Thank you for applying to be a Summer Arts Camp Volunteer. When your application is received, you may be emailed to set up a virtual interview time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and do not guarantee that every applicant will receive a volunteer position.

If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Leigh, Arts Education Assistant Manager, at wleigh@durhamarts.org.

Teen Volunteer Expectations Agreement

Thank you for your interest in dedication to volunteering with DAC Summer Arts Camps. Please review the following guidelines and sign in agreement to uphold expectations for volunteers if you are accepted into the program.

Teen Volunteers Agree to:

Uphold DAC Camp Values: Aim, Respect, Trust (ART). Aim to do your best and Aim to do right. Respect yourself, others, and the space. Trust in yourself and in your ability to learn. 

Check in/out with DAC School Admin. You must sign in/out with an administrator in the Education Office every day you are at camp. Never arrive or leave without School Admin knowing where you are. Volunteers must follow their schedule as assigned and may not leave early nor stay past their scheduled time without direct permission from Admin.

Remain with your assigned teacher or group. Do not wander outside the classroom or around the building, and do not linger in the halls. You should only leave your assigned teacher/group when directly asked to run an errand by a teacher or DAC staff, and you should return from that errand promptly upon completion. You must notify the teacher if you need to leave the room, identify where you are going, and then return immediately afterwards.

Participate in all activities. Participation with campers is required and expected at all times. Always sit among the campers and take part in lessons, snack/lunch, and free time. Do not sit out to the side. Show campers how to do things and encourage their participation, but do NOT do it for them.

Present yourself as a role model. Volunteers follow the teacher’s lead, and in turn the campers will follow your lead. Model positivity and appropriate behavior. Remind campers of camp rules (Aim. Respect. Trust. (ART)) and expectations as needed. Keep conversations focused on camp activities and child-friendly topics / language.

Always focus your attention on campers. Although it may be tempting to socialize with other volunteers, this is neither the time nor place. You are putting the campers at risk when your attention is elsewhere.

Engage campers to help them feel comfortable and encouraged. Be proactive - if you see a child in need, don’t wait for a teacher to tell you to go and help the child. It is your job to be on the lookout for any child who needs assistance. Do your best to make campers feel successful in at least trying things out. Foster friendships and inclusion among campers.

If there is a disagreement among students, the teachers will resolve the issue. Any conflicts between volunteers, teachers, and/or parents should be reported directly to Wendy Leigh, Arts Education Assistant Manager, or to Amanda Miller, School Director, so that they may be immediately resolved.

Be proactive about clean-up. All volunteers will assist with cleaning up in their classroom and should do so without having to be asked. Get kids to clean up for themselves and encourage this behavior by pitching in. Never leave messes behind. You may also be assigned other duties by a teacher or DAC staff member.

No phones or ear buds/headphones allowed during the time you are working in camp. While volunteering, cell phones and other electronic devices must be away and turned off until the end of the day. If there is an emergency and you need to make a phone call, please inform a teacher or DAC staff member and excuse yourself directly to the Education Office at a convenient time.