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A few times a year, we open up our program to new applicants (ages 18 and older). We ask that these volunteers complete one three-hour shift per week for the duration of one year. If you are interested in a particular session, please check this page two to three months before the start of your chosen program for instructions on how to apply.

Placements will be made on an individual basis. Additionally, the volunteer will assist their supervisor with any other needs, such as unit programming, preparing materials for special events, and helping to organize and maintain a safe, clean environment while assisting with toy washing.

  • Location: Main Campus, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115
  • Deadline: Your reference form is due within one week of submitting the online application. We will follow up with all applicants via email within three to four weeks of our recruitment date.

How to apply

Our next recruitment period will be OPEN from 9 am Monday, March 30, to 9 am Wednesday, April 1. Please consider applying if you can begin active service in June 2026 and complete the commitment of one calendar year (June 2026 to June 2027). Please revisit this page during recruitment to find the application link.

Due to the large patient and unit needs throughout the summertime, applicants starting their volunteer service in June must be available throughout the summer. If you plan to be away for three weeks or more during the summer months (June 1-Sept. 1), we would ask you to revisit our website at a later time for future opportunities. If you are unsure of your summer plans, we would ask that you revisit our website in July 2026 for information about fall volunteer opportunities. Please keep in mind that our volunteer needs are generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and we ask volunteers to maintain a weekday, daytime volunteer shift throughout the calendar year.

Please keep in mind that Boston Children’s Hospital requires all volunteers to be vaccinated against flu.

  • One Year Program Volunteer Application
  • Reference Form
  • Please have your reference submitted by the end of Wednesday, April 8th.
  • We recommend using email. Please have your reference send the form to volunteer@childrens.harvard.edu.
  • Be sure to follow up with your reference, as we will not be accepting reference forms more than one week after enrollment is closed.
  • We only require 1 reference for a complete application.
  • Applicants will receive an update about their application by Wednesday, May 6th.