A mentor is not a “counselor” or an “entertainer.” This is an adult whom one child trusts for the entire camp session — and who remains in their life afterward. We are not looking for “helpers” — we are looking for people ready to take responsibility.
A professional psychologist meets with the child 2–3 times per camp session. A mentor — every day. Morning, lunch, evening, an air raid alert at night, the first laugh. It is this sustained presence that makes the program effective — and that is exactly why a volunteer mentor is just as essential a specialist on the team as a psychologist.
We do not have a “universal” profile. We are looking for people with different backgrounds — but with one shared attitude: a child, not a “checkbox.”
Senior psychology students, early-career practitioners. You will gain experience working with trauma under supervision.
Teachers, coaches, club leaders. People who know how to be with a child in different emotional states.
Artists, musicians, actors, dancers. For art therapy blocks and evening activities.
Not “office work” — but presence, care for the group’s health, and individual situations.
Before each season, all mentors complete a 3-day training: program methodology, working with PTSD in children, safety protocols, supervision. Without the orientation, we do not allow anyone to work with children.
“A mentor who has not completed the orientation can cause harm — even with the best intentions.”
7 days from start to finish. Not “show up for the weekend” — that breaks a child’s trust.
Minimum age for a mentor. For some roles (psychology intern) — from 19 with screening.
Required for everyone who will work with children. We verify it personally.
The mentor stays in touch with the child and family after the camp session as well. This is part of the protocol.
You meet them, get them settled, and host the first evening together. You learn the names of all 8–10 children.
You assist the art therapist, notice whose work is “crying out.” You document it.
You lead the group on the trail and through active outdoor activities. Safety comes first.
You prepare the child for the session and support them afterward. You do not dig into the content — you hold the space.
You lead group trust exercises, notice who is “dropping out.” You bring them back in.
Conversations about “what it will be like at home,” addresses, phone numbers, a letter to themselves.
Contacts with the family. The first call — one week later.
I saw a real transformation. One boy started drawing again after several months of silence. This is not work — it’s something worth living for.
We hold 2 briefings a year — in April and August. We respond within 5 business days.
Volunteering is one form of involvement. Donating is another, no less important. Both change a child’s life.