Make a difference for kids and teens
More children and teens are facing the challenges of a parent’s cancer diagnosis. Pickles Group provides free peer-to-peer support and resources for young people and families affected by parental cancer.
Pickles Group is recruiting students and other qualified applicants age 21 and older to become volunteer Youth Program Facilitators. This unpaid opportunity includes high-quality training, professional development and the chance to support kids through youth-oriented, whole-family mental health and health care programming.
Half-year and full-year volunteer opportunities are available to help participants meet their professional and educational goals.
How to apply
To become a Youth Program Facilitator for the Winter 2027 session, complete and submit the Pickles Group volunteer application by Friday, December 18, 2026.
Required virtual training
All new volunteers must attend one training session before beginning their volunteer service. Choose from the following options:
- Wednesday, December 9, 5 – 7 p.m. CT
- Sunday, December 13, noon – 2 p.m. CT
What you’ll do
- Co-lead and participate in virtual or in-person activities, games and structured programming for school-aged children and teens affected by parental cancer.
- Support age- and developmentally appropriate groups based on participants’ circumstances.
- Review curriculum and materials provided by Pickles Group’s Chief Clinical Officer, Kelsey Mora, CCLS, LCPC.
- Adapt activities and support the experience to meet the needs of your group.
- Communicate with families about attendance and absences during each session.
Additional professional development opportunities
- Receive professional development from the Chief Clinical Officer.
- Support and facilitate Pickles Group signature events.
- Attend industry-related conferences as a Pickles Group representative.
- Develop relationships with hospital systems.
- Support family outreach, including new-family referrals and intake calls.
Qualifications
- Graduate-level students studying child life, nursing, oncology, social work, psychology or a related field are encouraged to apply. Similarly qualified applicants are also welcome.
- At least one year of direct experience working with children and families.
- At least 21 years of age.
- Ability to pass a background check.
- Must be located in the United States.
For more information about Pickles Group programming and volunteer time commitments for the 2026-2027 academic year, review the flyer and visit the Pickles Group volunteer opportunities webpage.