Meaningful Work

The pay may be modest. The work is important. The satisfaction is incredible. Whether working in soup kitchens or family shelters, teaching and inspiring at-risk or disadvantaged youth, empowering the mentally ill, building houses for the poor, assisting the elderly or helping the fight against hunger, you'll find your options in this channel.

Your efforts may not immediately change the world or solve deep-rooted problems, but will serve as an ongoing commitment to helping others in need while promoting the integrity of creation. If you have a passion for service and are willing to go the extra mile to help a good cause, it's time to start making a difference—the world needs you!

More to Explore
• Check out the Camp Jobs or Wilderness Therapy Jobs channels for more meaningful work programs!

Spend a year developing yourself — discover your deeper purpose and share your life and gifts in a thriving intentional community with Camphill!

Camphill is dedicated to creating communities where the recognition of each individual’s gifts and contributions offer a model of renewal for the wider society. Live-in Volunteers live and work alongside children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one of twelve rural communities throughout the U.S. (California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont) and Canada (British Columbia). Work life may mean providing human support and caregiving, learning or teaching an artisan craft, working on the farm or garden, cooking wholesome food, engaging in the healing arts, or celebrating seasonal festivals together.

Volunteers grow faster than they imagined possible, build deep, lasting relationships, and develop practical and creative skills that open doors for the rest of their lives. Begin to master new skills and carry them forward into your future. Biodynamic farming. Artisan baking. Woodworking. Leadership and cooperative collaboration. Mindfulness. Through a mix of structured training and hands-on practice under the guidance of mentors, you dive right in, and by the end of your year, you're not only comfortable with them, but you’re also leading others in learning. In addition to college loan support program, the community ensures that every volunteer's basic living needs are covered. This means you receive a monthly stipend, a private room in a beautiful environment, wholesome, mostly organic meals, medical insurance, and other essentials—from toiletries to use of community cars.

Unpause Your Life. A one minute peak into Camphill life.

• Learn more about a Camphill Communities California Volunteer who found his place to help, change, and influence the lives of others while being submerged in a culture of genuine acceptance, love, caring, thought, idea and action.

Situated on nearly two thousand acres in rural New Hampshire, Hampshire Country School is a one-of-a-kind school for twice-exceptional boys who need a place to discover possibilities despite characteristics and behaviors that have limited their success and access in traditional school settings. Through the power of lightheartedness, understanding, structure, and a family-style environment, students experience growth, self-fulfillment, and the power of humanistic relationships over the average three years they spend here.

Serving as caregiver and mentor, Dorm Parents will get to know every student in this small school community and create a family-style living space in the dorm and at meals. In addition, Dorm Parents will lead educational activities typically during the evening and weekends that socially engage students in fun, curiosity, movement, and confidence. Dorm Parents typically work four weekdays and one weekend day from after school through the end of breakfast the next day, which amounts to 35-48 hours/week. School year contracts run from late August through mid-June; summer camp work is available from late June to early August. Compensation starts at $18/hour (including daily rate paid during 6 weeks of school year breaks) and includes housing, utilities (electric, water, WiFi), most meals, health, dental & retirement benefits, at least $500 in professional development funds, and coverage of moving expenses and tuition reimbursement up to $1,500/year. Outdoor and camp professionals, graduate students, and individuals committed to meaningful work with neuro-different individuals will thrive in this environment. Bonus points for people who enjoy games like MTG or D&D. Students are very black and white thinkers, so ideal applicants are able to remain flexible and fluid. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Beth Venable.

• Did you know that Hampshire Country School has a working farm that includes cattle, sheet, pigs, goats, chicken, and rabbits? Students learn the values of responsibility, patience, fortitude, working with others, and the joys (and pains) of physical labor. The fruits of these learned skills are immediately and tangibly evident to students in the form of delicious meats, eggs, and produce on their plates from late spring to fall; happy and healthy animals on the farm; and thriving gardens and pastures.

Join a team of engaging and empowering individuals ready to create a nourishing learning environment inside and outside the classroom for students!

With five campuses across south central Pennsylvania, Yellow Breeches Educational Center offers an innovative approach to education that seamlessly integrates experiential learning with adventure. By tailoring teaching methods, dedicated educators actively engage, encourage, and empower students. This approach fosters their academic, social, and personal growth both within and beyond the classroom walls.

• Adventure Specialists collaborate with other program teachers to develop and execute an adventure education curriculum and imparts essential skills in the core adventure disciplines (multi-pitch rock climbing, white water canoeing, skiing and snowboarding, or scuba diving) through a blend of classroom instruction and weekly adventure trips.
• Through a blend of classroom instruction and adventure education, Experiential Teachers instruct a core subject 3-4 days per week as well as assist with weekly adventure/experiential trip and high-end adventure trips throughout the school year.
• Additional positions include Student Support Counselors who build rapport with students throughout various aspects of programming and Vocational Instructors who prepare students for technical field careers through large-scale construction projects.

Positions follow a typical school year schedule from mid-August through early June. All staff enjoy traditional school holidays and a paid summer break. Compensation starts at $40,000/year plus a comprehensive benefits package and a fun and engaging work environment with opportunities for growth. If you have a passion for experiential/adventure education, a desire to make a difference, and are ready to work collaboratively to shape the lives every student, learn more at YellowBreeches.org.

• Yellow Breeches Educational Center is a unique blend of in class instruction and adventure activities in an effort to help students with emotional support needs thrive and meet their fullest potential. Join a team of engaging and empowering individuals ready to create a nourishing learning environment.

Located in Texas between Houston and Austin, Camp For All works in partnership with other non-profits to enrich the lives of children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs and their families throughout the year. From wide, wheelchair friendly sidewalks to a zero entry pool to a tree house anyone can enter, Camp For All turns can't do into CAN DO with their barrier free approach to the camp site, facilities and programming.

Program Instructors play a vital role in helping campers discover life through effective and fun programs. Job tasks include hosting campers, volunteers, guests and groups, teaching a wide variety of program activities, planning and implementing programs in team building & challenge courses, facilitating epic night activities, maintaining program areas and equipment, and supporting the Program Leadership team. A primo Instructor staff training covers a variety of topics and activities, including Lifeguard certification, challenge courses, team building, fishing, canoeing, archery, nature, sports and photography. Positions are available during the spring (February to May), summer (May to August), and fall (September to mid-November). Instructors will typically work 5 days on and 2 days off. Compensation starts at $350-$375/week, plus housing, meals when groups are onsite, and WiFi access. If you have a desire to work with the special needs population, previous experience working with children in a camp environment, at least 18 years of age, and are hardworking, outgoing, creative, self-directed, and an all-around rad individual, view current job openings or contact the Program Manager for more info.

Why work at Camp For All? See what campers & program staff have to say about the experience!

• More than 11,000 campers come to Camp For All each year to enjoy a wide array of activities that are universal in design and provide many opportunities for the growth in self-confidence. It is a unique place where there is understanding and acceptance.
• Working as a staff member is fun, challenging, a learning opportunity, and life-changing for you and the campers.

As a Program Coordinator you'll gain experience in a wide variety of outdoor work, support the strengths and resiliency of others, and see yourself grow and develop in a collaborative vibrant community.

Located on 700 acres in Vermont's Green Mountains, Spring Lake Ranch is a long-term residential therapeutic community and farm with the mission to support and empower people with mental health and substance abuse challenges to grow and thrive. Through shared experience, meaningful work, and active participation in an accepting community, the Ranch helps each person to develop the confidence and skills to recover.

Program Coordinators (House Advisor/Crew Leader) serve as mentors to help residents in their recovery of esteem, direction, and well-being. Responsibilities include living and working alongside residents and leading a wide variety of tasks that keep the Ranch running through every season of the year. This may include caring for the farm animals, working in the garden, bringing in hay, shoveling snow, chopping wood, pressing apple cider, building furniture, producing maple syrup, clearing trails, and more. Compensation includes $15/hour, private room within a resident house, access to three meals/day, full health, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, and use of all Ranch amenities including laundry, linen service, woodshop, art and pottery studio, sewing room, gym, tennis court, hiking/ski trails and equipment, and lake front access with a private dock, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards—as well as the many less tangible benefits that come from living and working in a close-knit community. Program Coordinators are hired on a rolling basis for an initial one-year period. Explore all employment opportunities at SpringLakeRanch.org.

• Engage in the lives of others and the life of the land. Share your skills, talents and warmth with a diverse community of people trying to lead more fulfilling lives. Play in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Read how the team contributes a steady stream of energy, creativity and enthusiasm for residents at Spring Lake Ranch.

Innisfree Residential Volunteers are motivated, passionate, and conscientious individuals seeking a new way of life in service to others and dedicated to community living with adults with intellectual disabilities.

Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Charlottesville, Virginia, Innisfree Village is a residential, lifesharing community with adults with intellectual disabilities. Residents (known as coworkers in the village), volunteers, and staff live, work, and play together on a 550-acre therapeutic farm emphasizing empowerment, interdependence, and mutual respect of all community members.

As a Residential Volunteer, individuals will experience the joys and challenges of a lifesharing community. At the core of the volunteer experience is the building of genuine connections with the coworkers as well as other community members. Volunteers live with coworkers in family-style homes, providing support for their daily personal care, overall health, and emotional needs. Engagement in the therapeutic workstations is a part of daily community life. In the art studio, bakery, community kitchen, farm, herb and vegetable gardens, pottery, weavery, and woodshop, volunteers provide guidance and support, encouraging coworkers to pursue their creative passions and skill development, while having the unique opportunity to develop and learn new practical and creative skills for themselves. With a broad demographic of life experiences, personal backgrounds, and cultural traditions, volunteers enrich the community through their gifts, talents, and individuality. Fully participating in the events of daily life, along with special gatherings and social events, offers unique opportunities to develop connections that can last a lifetime. A monthly stipend, private room, meals, and plentiful benefits are provided. Applicants must be patient, empathetic, flexible, and positive, at least 18 years of age, and able to commit to a year of service. To learn more, explore InnisfreeVillage.org.

People from all over the world come to Innisfree Village to share their time and talents. Get to know current Innisfree Village volunteers and staff and the experiences that make their time at Innisfree so special.

Are you interested in rural community living with the opportunity for meaningful service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Residential Volunteers experience the give and take of a home and work environment, sharing life alongside other volunteers, staff, and residents with disabilities.
Read more about the volunteer experience at Innisfree Village.

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders?

YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) is an innovative youth-led program that empowers students to take a hands-on role in creating a healthier environment in their schools, communities and region while nurturing a respect for diversity within the natural world.

Based at the Cascade People’s Center in Seattle, Program Instructors serve with 5-6 middle or high school environmental service clubs over the course of the school year by facilitating environmental and service experiences, mentoring youth, fostering relationships, connecting with volunteer Club Advisors, and recruiting teen participants. Responsibilities also include planning and facilitating regional environmental projects (habitat restoration and outdoor activities such as day hikes, snowshoeing, and kayaking as well as educational field trips that foster strong connections between youth and the natural world) and collaborating to plan four large-scale regional events including two 150+ person environmental conferences and two overnight eco-retreats. YESC is seeking to fill multiple AmeriCorps community service positions from September 3rd, 2024 through July 15th, 2025. Compensation includes extensive paid training, experience and professional development, a living stipend of $2,276/month, student loan forbearance, monthly food assistance, health insurance, transit pass/mileage reimbursement, YMCA membership, and a $7,395 AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of service. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen to qualify. If you are passionate about youth agency and voice, advocating for environmental justice, and willing to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate the needs of youth, fill out the online application or contact Chelsey Wheeler for more information.

• Working with over 30 school-based environmental clubs in the Greater Seattle area (and 1,400 youth each year!), YESC programs range from short-term projects like making beeswax wraps or upcycling t-shirts to long-term projects like starting a composting or recycling program at their school, advocating for environmental legislation, or getting solar panels installed at their school.
• Leadership through environmental service. View the YESC experience »

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