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Specialty Volunteer Program

The Specialty Volunteer Program is intended for individuals looking for specific, niche opportunities that may be affiliated with their profession or require a certification. If accepted into this program, volunteers will be directly supervised by the manager of the specific department they are supporting.

Explore Our Program

    Pet Visitation

    Volunteers with the Pet Visitation program are community members who have pet companions that hold active registration within a nationally recognized therapy animal organization. Therapy animals must be fully vaccinated, over the age of two, and comfortable around children. Duties include, but are not limited to:

    • Engaging patients in unit playrooms
    • Providing therapeutic bedside visits
    • Participating in special events
    • Providing opportunities for staff wellness

    Pet Visitation volunteers must be 18 and older. Volunteer teams are required to provide a minimum of two visits per month. Priority scheduling will be given to volunteer teams who are available weekly, during a set day and time. These volunteer teams are directly supervised by the Pet Visitation program staff. 

    CTAS volunteer opportunities include:

    Only Make Believe Volunteer

    Only Make Believe (OMB) Volunteers create and perform live and interactive theater for children in the hospital, including in Seacrest Studios and inpatient areas.

    Musicians On Call (MOC) Volunteers 

    Musicians On Call (MOC) Volunteers help spread the healing power of music to those who need it most. Volunteer Musicians perform acoustically room to room for patients, families and caregivers. Volunteer Guides escort the volunteer musicians and remain with the artist for the duration of their volunteer shift. To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, please visit Get Involved - Musicians On Call or reach out to us. 

    Art Program Support

    Art Program Support volunteers assist the art therapy team with art activities and projects, prepare and distribute art project materials to patients, and assist with additional programmatic and administrative duties as needed.
    The age and time commitment requirements for CTAS volunteers vary based on assignment.

    Activity Enrichment Volunteer

    The Healing Garden at Children’s National is looking for individuals who can contribute their creative skills and talents and host activities on the Healing Garden on a regular basis for our patients and families. Activity Enrichment Volunteers must be age 18+ and able to commit to volunteering on a monthly basis.

    Project Knitwell Volunteer

    Project Knitwell Volunteers provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community among those we serve. PK Volunteers at Children’s National work with patients and caregivers on our inpatient units.

    Sunrise on Wheels Volunteer

    Sunrise on Wheels is an in-hospital program that brings the joys of childhood to patients undergoing treatment in pediatric oncology units. Sunrise on Wheels Volunteers at Children’s National engage with children, play games, and assist with arts and crafts activities on our Hematology & Oncology Unit.

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Explore more of our volunteer opportunities and make a lasting impact on children who need it most.