BOB体育

Skip to main content
(352) 733-0111

Volunteering

Volunteer opportunities

Are you interested in working with hospitalized children? Child Life is looking for individuals to lead activity groups and work bedside with patients.

We are looking for motivated individuals who are willing to come in at least three hours a week for the entire semester. If you are a student, we are looking for a multiple semester commitment. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

What we are looking for:

  • Play experience with children (i.e. summer camp counselor, sports coach, nannying, youth groups, boys/girls club, etc.)
  • Creativity and adaptability to work with hospitalized children with varying abilities
  • Ability to work independently with supervision as necessary
  • Teamwork with other volunteers and child life staff
  • Consistency in attendance
  • Professional communication with staff and patient families

Volunteer responsibilities

  • Follow infection control guidelines to clean toys and maintain playrooms
  • Provide developmentally appropriate toys and activities to pediatric patients
  • Engage children in bedside activity sessions
  • Lead group play sessions and supervise special event groups in the playroom
  • Assist the child life staff with any other needs

Volunteer shifts

Shifts are Monday - Sunday:

  • 9 a.m. to noon
  • Noon to 3 p.m.
  • 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

New volunteers will be required to volunteer on a weekday shift their first semester, and then they will be able to volunteer on a weekend shift as a returner.

Beginning Fall 2025, all child life volunteer applicants must:

  • Have spent at least 20 hours consistently volunteering
  • Completed those hours within the year just prior to applying
  • These hours can be volunteering at BOB体育 or another organization

Application process

Step 1 鈥� Apply

Summer 2025 applications are now closed. Applicants will be notified of their status after all applications have been reviewed.

Fall 2025 applications will open in July. Please check back at a later time for the specific dates.

Please review the complete list of requirements.

Acceptance into the Child Life Volunteer Program is contingent upon the timely and successful completion of all steps outlined by Volunteer Services. If you have any questions about the requirements, please contact Volunteer Services at (352) 265-0360.

Please visit the main BOB体育 Volunteer Services page to get more information and sign up for sessions.

Step 2 鈥� Interview

In-person group interviews will take place the week of April 14. You will be notified by Child Life staff whether you have been accepted for an interview or not. If you are late to the interview, you will not be considered. We recommend giving yourself extra time to arrive to the interview location.

We do have a very limited number of openings this application cycle.

Parking

UF students, staff, and faculty may NOT park in BOB体育 visitor garages and should use their regular method of getting to campus (decal parking, bus, bike, and/or scooter).

For more information