What is Camp Kaleidoscope?
Camp Kaleidoscope will host a week-long overnight camp and year-round community for children aged 6-18 who have a parent who is currently suffering from, in remission from, or has died of cancer. These children are undergoing extreme hardship, but are often overlooked and underserved. Camp Kaleidoscope will provide these children with the unique opportunity to build friendships and gain strength from peers facing similar challenges, in addition to enjoying a week of fun made especially for them. Despite the underlying hardship that will bring our campers to Kaleidoscope, a typical week at camp will consist of arts and crafts, sports, talent shows, s'mores, and endless other fun. In short, we are not a grief camp.
What is the week of camp like as a counselor?
As a counselor, you will work with kids for the entire week---starting on Monday morning during camper drop-off and ending the following Sunday when we return to campus. Each day, campers (and their counselors) will rotate through different stations including arts and crafts, adventure-nature, and swimming to name a few. After dinner each night, there will be a different evening programming activity that all counselors and campers attend together. At camp, Wednesday night will be dedicated to Roots, an all-camp event designed to give campers and counselors the opportunity to reflect and remember their parent(s) who has suffered from cancer. In this safe and supportive space we foster a feeling of community that sets a powerful tone for the week.
Can I apply if one of my own parents has not been affected by cancer?
Absolutely. Many of our volunteers have not been personally touched by a parent's cancer and our campers understand this. While volunteers may not be able to understand exactly how their campers feel, they can still provide unwavering support and love during the week of camp.
What is the pay?
Camp Kaleidoscope is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a California public benefit nonprofit corporation. All counselors volunteer their time at camp for no monetary compensation. Food and lodging are provided at no cost.
Where would I live?
Counselors live in gender-segregated cabins with their campers. This means you will be living with 7-8 campers and 3 other counselors but don't fret---these close quarters make for memorable cabin chats each evening where counselors and campers reflect on the day and connect. All cabins have shared bathrooms nearby.
Where does camp take place?
Tucked away in the woods, our campsite is located an hour off campus in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Yes, this means you should bring bug spray!
What is food like at camp?
The YMCA will provide us with 3 meals a day. Meals are served buffet style and there are always plenty of different options for all dietary needs. Mealtimes offer an incredible opportunity for staffers to socialize with guests. Guests will love getting to know staffers and staffers will have the opportunity to make valuable alumni connections.
Would I have to work the whole summer?
Nope. Camp Kaleidoscope is only a week-long summer camp that happens the first week after graduation, June 16-22 (including debrief). This means you can be a counselor and also do an internship in the same summer!
What is counselor retreat like?
All counselors must attend a mandatory retreat February 14-16th of Winter Quarter. Throughout Winter and Spring Quarters, we will provide other trainings to adequately prepare our counselors for the week of camp!
How does the application process work?
Information about the application process can be on the “Apply” page.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to volunteer at Camp Kaleidoscope, you must be on campus as a enrolled Stanford student the two quarters before Camp (Winter and Spring) and be over 18 years old. International students without U.S. citizenship are welcome and encouraged to apply, too!
What qualities do you look for in Camp Kaleidoscope counselors?
As cliche as it sounds, we have no "ideal" counselor that we're looking for. People of any ages, personalities, majors, racial and ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, and nationalities can join our community and help us make camp special. The unique contributions of each individual counselor will help define the love at Camp Kaleidoscope so as long as you are hardworking, passionate and excited to contribute, you can thrive at Camp Kaleidoscope.
Do you still have a burning question that has not been answered?
Submit any other questions in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.