Ways to Help | Volunteer in Boston

Volunteer at Boston Children's Hospital!

Thank you for your interest in joining Boston Children's Hospital Volunteer Services!

One-year program

General information

A few times a year, we open up our program to new applicants (ages 18 and older). We ask that these volunteers complete one four-hour shift per week for the duration of one year. We review applications on a first-come, first-serve basis, and keep a wait list for those who are eligible but beyond our current capacity needs. 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.

Placement 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 Avenue, Boston

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

Recruitment for our spring 2022 start is now closed, but we will be posting more recruitment information in March 2022 for our next session. Please visit this page periodically to stay updated.

Please keep in mind that:

  • Our biggest needs will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with very limited recruitment for evening and weekend positions.
  • Due to the large patient and unit needs throughout the summertime, applicants must be available throughout the summer. If you plan to be away for three weeks or more during the summer months (May 1 to September 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 2022 for information about fall volunteer opportunities.
  • Boston Children's Hospital requires all volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.