Volunteer

CRC thrives because of its dedicated volunteers—from shaping camp policies and operations to hands-on projects that keep CRC running smoothly, our volunteers make it all possible.

If you love CRC and want to give back, we’d love to have you on board! No special background is required—just a willingness to pitch in and be part of this incredible community. Whether it’s volunteering for the CRC Committee (a group of volunteers who oversee operation of CRC), Opening or Closing Weekends, lending a hand with maintenance, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here.

Fill out the form below, and let’s find the perfect way for you to get involved!

Volunteer Form

Please provide your contact information and indicate your areas of interest. Volunteer opportunity descriptions are below the form.

Camp Opening (May) and Closing (October), and Work Weekends

Want to give back to CRC while enjoying time outdoors with a great community? Join us for Opening, Closing, or Work Weekends! Tasks typically include opening/closing all the cabins and the lodge and kitchen, grounds and cabin site maintenance, storing/unpacking outdoor furniture, carpentry, cleaning, and painting. It’s hard work, but it’s also fun, rewarding, and a great way to connect with fellow volunteers! Come lend a hand and be part of the tradition.

CRC Committee

Behind the scenes, the CRC Committee (CRCC) and its five teams—made up of dedicated volunteers—set policies and oversee the property, operations, and overall camp experience. Their efforts ensure CRC remains a special place for both present and future guests. If you're passionate about CRC and want to get involved, consider joining the CRCC and contributing to its legacy.

Extension Season Crew and Off-Season Weekend Crews

During the Extension season, the dining room, and common areas (the Lodge, bathrooms, Recreation Hall, and Library), are maintained by volunteers. The volunteer crew also assists the kitchen staff with some meal preparation, and after meal cleanup. Similarly, volunteer crew are essential during off-season weekends (spring weekends prior to the start of the summer season and fall weekends after the end of Extension, when CRC is regularly booked for exclusive use by AMC groups and chapters, other organizations, or families for reunions and celebrations). There is ample time after morning chores and before evening chores to enjoy hiking or other activities. Meals and lodging are provided at no charge to the volunteer crew, who can volunteer for just an Off Season weekend, an Extension weekend, or for up to two weeks during Extension. Come join our crew!

Facility Maintenance

Keeping CRC's buildings and grounds in top shape is an ongoing effort, and our dedicated volunteers make it possible. Join us for one of our CRC Work Weekends in the spring or fall, where we tackle essential maintenance while sharing plenty of fun along the way! Whether you're skilled in plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry—or simply ready to paint, landscape, prune, or lend a hand with various tasks, there’s a place for you. Every contribution helps preserve the camp we all love, and we’d love to have you be part of the team!

Flower Garden Maintenance

Help care for CRC’s beautiful native plant gardens in front of Conant Lodge and the Recreation Hall during Opening and Closing Weekends, Work Weekends, or during your summer stay. Join us in keeping these spaces vibrant and welcoming by raking, pruning, dividing, weeding, deadheading, and mulching. Your efforts help preserve the natural beauty of CRC—come get your hands in the dirt and make a difference!

Trip Leaders

Do you enjoy exploring the outdoors and sharing your passion for nature? Consider becoming a Trip Leader (Hike Leader or Naturalist) at CRC. Folks who are already AMC leader certified can easily transfer those skills to leading at CRC, while other prospective leaders needing more experience and training can participate in the Cold River Camp Leader Intern Program to become leaders. Leaders are encouraged to stay sharp by participating in periodic “refresher” sessions and reviewing supplemental material, which includes the CRC Leader Program, Leader Supplement, and AMC Handbook. While experience and a background in hiking or natural history is a plus, what really matters are people skills, common sense and a commitment to making every guest’s experience fun and rewarding. If you’re excited about leading adventures and helping others connect with the natural world, we’d love to have you on the team!

Land Management and Planning

Stewardship of Cold River Camp’s 86 acres of land, balancing the needs of Camp and the ecology of the area. Areas of focus include forest management, blueberry field maintenance, and nature trail.

Publicity and Communications

Keep the Camp community up-to-date, and get the word out so other people find out what a great place it is.

Trail Work Weekends

Work with Chatham Trails Association to keep nearly 40 miles of trails around Cold River Camp free and clear for all to enjoy.