Make a difference in the community while learning valuable skills and meeting new friends in Tempe’s Summer Youth Volunteer Program (SYVP). Volunteers will have fun assisting in a variety of classes, camps and activities. SYVP is open to middle and high school students.
The program includes:
- Adaptive Recreation – Camp Adventure
- Community Arts - Summer Camps & Programs
- Escalante Multi-Gen Center – Kamp Kool
- Tempe History Museum – Tempe Time Machine
- Tempe Public Library - Summer Reading Program
Kiwanis, Escalante, McClintock and Clark – Jr. Lifeguards -- FULL, Thank you!
Opportunities are for June and July of 2026
How to apply:
All volunteers will need to fill out a 2026 Summer Youth Application.
First time volunteers are required to attend an interview prior to placement.
Returning volunteers can email their completed application, vacation schedule and note the program of interest to volunteer@tempe.gov.
Questions? Email us at volunteer@tempe.gov or call 480.350.5190.
Camp Adventure (formerly Camp Challenge)
Camp Adventure is a day camp for youth and young adults ages 5-21 (who have finished kindergarten) with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Volunteers assist Campers in arts & crafts, games, music, and many other activities!
Volunteer Shifts:
June 8 – July 2; Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
**Volunteers must be age 14 or older.
Community Arts at Edna Vihel Arts Center
Volunteer in a creative environment and give back to your community while supporting the arts by joining the Community Arts team! Help with organization, preparing material and assisting instructors with in-person tots and youth arts programming including theater, music, and visual arts.
Volunteer Shifts:
June 1 – July 17; Monday – Friday: 12 – 4 p.m. (no shifts June 19, July 3)
**Volunteers must be age 12 or older.
Kamp Kool at Escalante Multi-Generational Center
Volunteers assist with activities for youth, ages 5-13. Arts & crafts, sports, computers, cooking, science and swimming are some of the planned activities.
Volunteer Shifts:
June 8 – July 17; Monday – Thursday: 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Friday: 8:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.
**Volunteers must be age 14 or older.
Tempe Time Machine at the Tempe History Museum
Summer Youth Volunteers build valuable skills at the museum while meeting new people and having fun. And there are more opportunities when summer is done! Museum Youth Volunteers can put their experience to work at fun events and in youth leadership roles all year long.
Volunteer Shifts:
June 3 – July 15; Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Additional Prep Shifts:
June 5 – July 10; Friday mornings
Orientation: Sunday, May 31 or Tuesday, June 2
**Volunteers must complete 7th Grade or be 13 years old by June 2026.
Tempe Library Summer Reading Program
Join our team of volunteers and acquire volunteer service hours while providing customer service to families and lead fun and meaningful activities with children, teens and library staff.
Volunteer Shifts:
June 1 – July 20; Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Orientation: Saturday, May 16
**Volunteers must be age 12 or older.