Volunteer

Serving Children Since 1896

Volunteer at the Children’s Fresh Air Home

Make a Difference — One Beach Day at a Time

For more than 130 years, the Children’s Fresh Air Home has given children facing hardship the gift of summer: fresh air, friendship, and the kind of joy that can change a life. Founded in 1896 by Ida Dukes and carried forward by generations of volunteers, CFAH welcomes children ages 7–13 for no-cost day and sponsored overnight programs rooted in play, creativity, faith, and the healing power of the ocean.
Become a Volunteer

What Volunteers Do

Volunteers support our signature If Just For A Day program, welcoming groups of children for a full day of beach fun, creativity, and community.

Your role may include:

  • Greeting children and group leaders as they arrive
  • Helping prepare for beach time (umbrellas, chairs, toys, sunscreen)
  • Joining children on the beach alongside our dedicated beach leader
  • Assisting with lunch setup, grilling, and serving
  • Encouraging kindness, teamwork, and joy throughout the day
Become a Volunteer

A Typical Day at the Beach

Morning Crew
(9:00–10:15 AM)

Volunteers arrive to set up tables, chairs, umbrellas, cooking equipment, and activity areas.

Welcome & Introductions (10:30–11:00 AM)

Buses and vans arrive at the Home. Volunteers greet campers, meet group leaders, and help prepare children for the beach. A few chaperones accompany the group to the water.

Beach Crew
(11:00 AM–2:00 PM)

Children enjoy supervised beach play with lifeguards assigned specifically to our group. Volunteers help with sunscreen, beach toys, hydration, and safe boundaries.

Lunch & Cleanup
(12:00–2:30 PM)

While children play, volunteers pick up food and begin grilling burgers and hot dogs. After beach time, the group returns to the Home for showers, a BBQ lunch, and fun games on the property.

Departure
(2:30–3:30 PM)

Volunteers help children prepare to leave, then assist with cleanup and storing equipment for the next group.

Join Us This Summer

Your time and kindness can make a child’s entire year. Whether you can give one day or many, your presence helps create the joy, safety, and sense of belonging that define the Children’s Fresh Air Home.

If you’re ready to make a difference:
Volunteer Now