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Volunteer

Become a Play Ranger

Due to COVID-19, Playtime is temporarily halting the onboarding of new volunteers. We will begin accepting new volunteers when our programs reopen. You can support our work with your ongoing support to help provide play kits sent directly to children in our four partner shelter sites.

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"I was looking to volunteer consistently at an organization that made a true impact—Playtime is a community, where we build relationships with kids along with their families. I have a blast volunteering. It’s a great place to play and pretend you’re a kid again. You can escape for a couple of hours and put some of life’s pressures in perspective." 
— Tara, volunteer Play Ranger

 

 

Running our weekly programs wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous commitment of our Playtime volunteers. Play Rangers interact firsthand with the children and youth we are fortunate to serve. They commit to two hours per week for at least three months in one of our play programs. This is a perfect opportunity if you’re looking to make a meaningful and sustained difference in your community and in the life of a child.

Become a Play Ranger in just three easy steps:

  • 1. Complete trainings
    1. Complete trainings

    Our two volunteer onboarding trainings (Info Session: Part One and Play Ranger Orientation: Part Two) are designed to give you important context about family homelessness in D.C., introduce you to the mission and work of Playtime, and teach you the basics of trauma-informed care so you can make an impact as a volunteer right away! 

  • 2. Submit application and background check
    2. Submit application and background check

    After you attend an Info Session, we'll send an email inviting you to complete our application and submit a background check.

  • 3. Start Volunteering
    3. Start Volunteering

    Once all your materials have been received, we'll contact you with your placement, and you can begin volunteering. Yay!

Because of the need for consistency and relationship building in the lives of children in transition, Play Rangers are expected to make a two-hour weekly commitment for at least three months. (And we feel confident that once you get started, you'll want to stick around much longer!) We look for individuals who will take initiative in planning and leading arts and crafts projects, ball games, reading, games, and imaginary play activities for children of various ages. Play Ranger volunteers should also be comfortable setting appropriate boundaries to maintain order, safety, structure, and respect for others and Playtime rules.

Learn more about the sites where our volunteers serve.

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