Community Corner

Virtual Volunteer Camp Returns In July

Camp Vollo is a free, two-week virtual volunteer camp for young people.

A group of Camp Vollo youth with food donations they collected to support the critical local food insecurity crisis that reached record highs during the pandemic.
A group of Camp Vollo youth with food donations they collected to support the critical local food insecurity crisis that reached record highs during the pandemic. (Volunteer New York!)

TARRYTOWN, NY — A two-week virtual volunteer camp for young people will return in July.

Volunteer New York! announced Thursday that its local civic engagement program “Camp Vollo” will return July 12 as a free two-week virtual volunteer camp for youth ages 11-18, organizers said though younger students are also welcome. Advanced registration is now available online.

Volunteer New York! spokesman Tony Fasciano said Camp Vollo is made for the members of Generation-Z who are not waiting to grow up to change the world.

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"This is an inspired program, for an inspired generation,” he said. “Every camper gets to choose and customize their camp experience, based on what they’re most passionate about. No two camp journeys will be the same.”

Camp Vollo — a blend of the words “volunteer” and “locally” — can be completed in just two weeks or across any 10 days of the camper’s choosing from July 12 through August 27.

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Organizers said the program offers a series of custom DIY volunteer assignments to choose from, each including unique goals to create positive local community impact. These projects introduce campers to a variety of local nonprofits and create greater awareness about the current issues facing our community.

2021 Camp Vollo issue areas include community building, social justice, saving the planet, mental health and civic engagement.

“This is one of the most exciting programs we have offered in our over 70-year history,” said Katie Pfeifer, Senior Director of Programs for Volunteer New York!. “It’s what parents and youth are asking for — even after many completed Camp Vollo last year. They want a way to get involved and get off the sidelines and use their voices to create change.”

Camp Vollo is free to all community members. A "donate what you wish" option will be available for those interested in supporting future programming by Volunteer New York!

What You Need to Know

Volunteer Recognition:

Campers who successfully complete Camp Vollo by August 27, 2021, will receive a Changemaker Certificate, community service letter, and an exclusive invite to a Volunteer Project at a later date

How to Register for Camp Vollo:

Register online today for Camp Vollo 2021 at www.volunteernewyork.org/camp to be notified as soon as camp opens July 12. For all questions, please email Katie Pfeifer or call her at 914-227-9303.

Free Papercraft Camp Vollo Bus:

Participants will always have a seat on the bus to Camp Vollo. Campers are invited to download and have fun building a special commemorative Camp Vollo keepsake at this link.

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