VolunTeen Program

The 2026 VolunTeen Application is now closed, and late submissions will not be accepted.
The application for the 2027 program will open on January 1, 2027.

If you have questions or would like additional information in the meantime, please contact Volunteer Services at (865) 541-8136.

The VolunTeen Program empowers high school students to make a meaningful impact within Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital and is the only internal pathway for high school students to volunteer directly with the hospital. Through service, care, and mentorship, students develop empathy, leadership, and a strong spirit of volunteerism. Our goal is to inspire compassionate leaders while creating positive experiences for patients, families, and staff. The VolunTeen Program offers a multifaceted, educational experience designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare and community leaders.

The summer VolunTeen Program provides high school students the chance to volunteer for a 5-day session at Camp Eagle’s Nest, a one-week session at our Camp Cure Diabetes Camp, or a two-week session at either Children’s Hospital or the Donald M. Gally Summer Camp for patients from the Children's Hospital's Rehabilitation Center. Eligible students are those who will be in 11th grade or 12th grade next school year, current 12th graders who will graduate in May before the program begins, and students who will be at least 16 years old before June 1, 2026.

Application and Onboarding Timeline

Application Window (January 1^st – March 1^st)
Application Decision Notifications Sent (Early March)
Interview Session Selection Deadline (Mid-March)
Interviews Take Place (Late March)
Final Program Decisions Delivered (Mid-April)
Orientation for Sessions Begin (Mid-May)
Sessions take place (Late May – Early August)

Opportunities

Hospital

The VolunTeen Program provides a comprehensive two-week experience within a hospital setting, allowing participants to explore a range of service areas. During the program, students participate in patient-focused care, collaborating with various hospital departments in their roles as VolunTeens. This opportunity helps students develop a deeper understanding of volunteer work while making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients.

Hospital Setting
Various Service Areas
Patient-Oriented
Two weeks

Activities:

Child Life
Movie Cart
Friends and Family Cart
Book Cart
Arts and Crafts Cart
Gift Shop
Information Desk
Specialty Clinic Desk
Surgery Desk
Wayfinding
HABIT Escort

Camp Cure

Camp Cure provides a one-week, all-day camp counselor experience at an offsite facility, specifically designed for patients with diabetes. VolunTeens engage in one-on-one interactions with campers, providing personalized support and fostering meaningful connections in a mix of indoor and outdoor settings. This opportunity helps students develop a deeper understanding of volunteer work while making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients.

Outside, Kiwanis Fresh Air Camp
Camp Counselor Experience
Patient-Oriented
More one-on-one
One week

Activities:

Arts & Crafts
Pool Monitor
Pool Companion
Game Organizer
Safety Patrol
Registration
Companionship

Rehab Camp

The Donald M. Gally Rehabilitation Camp provides a two-week, all-day camp counselor experience designed for individuals with special needs. VolunTeens engage in more one-on-one interactions with campers, providing personalized support and fostering meaningful connections in a mix of indoor and outdoor settings. This opportunity helps students develop a deeper understanding of volunteer work while making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients.

Outside, Kiwanis Fresh Air Camp
Camp Counselor Experience
Patient-Oriented
More one-on-one
Two weeks

Activities:

Arts & Crafts
Pool Monitor
Pool Companion
Game Organizer
Safety Patrol
Registration
Companionship

Eagle's Nest

Camp Eagle's Nest offers a five-day overnight camp experience designed for hematology and oncology clinic patients. VolunTeens engage in one-on-one interactions with campers, offering personalized support and fostering meaningful connections in a mix of indoor and outdoor settings. This opportunity helps students develop a deeper understanding of volunteer work while making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients.

Outside, Camp Wesley Woods
Camp Counselor Experience
Patient-Oriented
More one-on-one
Overnight (4 Nights)

Activities:

Arts & Crafts
Pool Monitor
Pool Companion
Game Organizer
Safety Patrol
Companionship
Canoeing
Ropes Corse
Horseback riding

We encourage applicants to contact us directly with any questions. While parents and guardians may reach out with general concerns, all application-related inquiries must come from the applicant and should continue to do so after acceptance. Parental involvement in application matters may affect an applicant’s chances. For questions, please contact Landyn Ford, Volunteer Programs Manager, at 865-541-8525.

2025 VolunTeen Program

Since its inception, the VolunTeen Program has supported over a thousand students. Many past participants have pursued careers as doctors, nurses, surgeons, lawyers, business owners, and in various other fields. The program prides itself on its inclusivity, welcoming students from all high school backgrounds and with diverse professional interests and aspirations.

In 2025, 126 VolunTeens participated in the program, dedicating a remarkable 7,513 hours of service across the hospital and associated camps. These students came from 35 different high schools, including public, private, and home schools, reflecting the diversity of our community. Additionally, 50 VolunTeens received CPR certification, equipping them with critical lifesaving skills to use within their communities.

What schools* do our VolunTeens attend? Check out this map to find out where our VolunTeens are from, and how many come from each school.

* Not pictured: 4 Homeschooled Students

Get Children’s Hospitalucated with Anna. a Children's Hospital VolunTeen!