Volunteer camp counselor surrounded by children.

Volunteer Camp Counselors are part of the backbone to Tumalo Day Camp's unique success!

For over 35 years, Tumalo Day Camp has been a Central Oregon summer tradition—filled with incredible campers, laughter, songs, hikes, campfires, silly costumes, and unforgettable moments. But what really keeps the magic alive isn’t just the activities or the camp’s breathtaking locale along the Deschutes River at Tumalo State Park—it’s the volunteers who come to connect with youth and lead this Camp Fire Central Oregon program.

Every summer, more than 70 volunteers pitch in to make camp possible, with approximately 30 volunteers serving at one or more of the three unique camp sessions, taking place in June, July and August. About half these folks are adults “turned” camp counselors while half are Counselors in Training (CITs) who have signed up through one of Camp Fire’s summer service and leadership programs for teens.

Volunteer counselor leads a trust exercise.

Volunteer Camp Counselor Heather Loeffler leads a trust exercise on a hike.

Along with a volunteer camp nurse at each session, this amounts to a huge, heartfelt crew, all of whom are collaborating to create an action-packed week that’s safe, exciting, and filled with discovery for nearly 175 campers (ages Pre-K thru 7) per camp.

More Than Just Helping Hands
What sets Tumalo Day Camp apart is that volunteers aren’t just there to help—they lead. Each counselor is responsible for a group of 10 campers, with a CIT by their side. (Read the full volunteer description here.) Serving a small-group leader isn’t just a support role either; it’s an opportunity to step up and step in—mentoring teens, guiding children, and building lasting connections. You’re not standing in the background; you are sparking their experiences and becoming part of each camper’s journey.

CITs are learning, too—how to take responsibility, how to lead by example, and how to grow into full-fledged counselors themselves. And the support system is real. From the moment you sign up, you’re never alone. There’s hands-on training, resources, coaching, and a whole community cheering you on. Camp Fire staff give you all the guidance you need and are onsite at camp to assist, provide ideas, and navigate any concerns.

CITs standing in front of a group of campers.

CITs help youth thrive while learning vital leadership skills themselves!

Who Makes a Great Volunteer?
You don’t have to be an outdoor expert, a crafting genius, or a lifelong camper by any means. The ideal volunteer is someone who shows up—rain or shine, cranky kids or joyful chaos—ready to be flexible, reliable and present.

“We’re looking for someone who enjoys the company of children and teens, who’s willing to lead and to learn,” says Cece Valceschini, Tumalo Day Camp's director for over 30 years.  “Maybe you’re a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a college student, or someone who just wants to spend a week unplugged, outside, and making a difference.”

If you’ve ever thought, “I love kids, but I’ve never led anything,” this could be your moment, Cece says. “Tumalo Day Camp gives you the tools, the curriculum, and the freedom to grow your leadership style—plus plenty of room to bring in your own passions.” 

Love bugs and snakes? Teach a session on critters. Obsessed with outdoor cooking? Fire up the Dutch oven and share your skills. Your experience might be exactly what sparks a child’s lifelong love of the outdoors, not to mention so many other activities.

Woman showing youth hand warmers.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler volunteers, leading a small group at Tumalo Day Camp that includes her child, a camper. Kebler is a Camp Fire alum!

As Cece says, “I’ve seen volunteers bring such an array of interests and sparks to the table…it’s pretty much all up to you, which is what makes this volunteer experience so impactful for the kids and volunteers alike!”

A Legacy of Leadership
Many of our volunteers have been with us for decades. Some started as campers, became CITs, returned as counselors, and now bring their own children to camp. Both veteran Camp Fire Central Oregon participants as well as newbies alike—they are ALL the heartbeat of this unique decades-old camp tradition—reminders that one week at camp can turn into a lifelong journey of leadership, community, and joy.

Woman showing a youth first aid supplies.

Volunteer Nurse and Camp Fire Alum Cheryl McCoy talks to a camper about her first aid kit.

Not Always Easy—But Always Worth It
Let’s be real—volunteering at camp is a commitment. It’s five full days from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., plus prep time, a required volunteering training (Sunday, June 8 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.), and other little things, like planning ahead for costumes, perhaps outdoor cooking, or the overnight campout should you be leading an older group. And yes, it can be exhausting—especially if you’re also parenting young kids at camp. But the support is there. Fellow volunteers jump in, share tips, swap supplies, and lift each other up, which is part of the whole experience of everyone volunteering and being in the same boat. But the reward?

“It’s huge—massive!” Cece says. “You’ll grow as a leader, get better at organizing, and maybe even discover that mentoring kids and teens is your true calling. You’ll laugh. You’ll sing. You’ll probably get dirty. And at the end of the week, you’ll hear yourself say, “That flew by. I wish I could do another one. That was fun! I hear it every year from volunteers … really all the time!”

Large group of teen camp counselors.

Ready to Join the Tradition?
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer counselor, the next steps are to apply, complete a background check, and do a few quick online trainings. After that, we’ll connect and get you set for an unforgettable summer. All the info you need to get started is located on the Tumalo Day Camp webpage.

CITs can apply and sign up through Camp Fire Central Oregon’s webpage devoted entirely to Teen Service & Leadership.

And here’s a little bonus—dependents of volunteers attend camp for free, as do CITs who are siblings of young-adult volunteer counselors. Plus, you just might find yourself becoming part of something bigger than you imagined. How's that? Because at Tumalo Day Camp, you don’t just volunteer. You inspire. You lead. You become part of the Camp Fire journey that’s been offered for over three decades—and will remain available and accessible, because of people like you!Woman sitting at a hiring booth.

Got Questions? Connect With Cece!
At the upcoming Earth Day Fair & Celebration, taking place at Troy Field in Bend from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., on Saturday, April 26, Cece will be available to talk in person with anyone who'd like to learn about what it’s like to be a Tumalo Day Camp group leader and answer questions. Or, call/text Cece directly at: 541-419-2277.