Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I sign up to be a summer volunteer, mentor or tutor?
2. Are there age requirements for volunteers?
3. Where is TYM camp located?
4. What kind of training does TYM provide their volunteers?
5. Will I have to pay anything?
6. Do I have to have backpacking experience to come on a backpacking trip?
7. What age group of kids does TYM serve?

1. How do I sign up to be a volunteer, mentor or tutor?
If you are interested in volunteering for TYM, complete a volunteer application on-line. If you have any questions regarding becoming a volunteer, contact Marilyn Siden at info@tymkids.org or 408-719-9125.

2. Are there age requirements for volunteers?
All our volunteers must be 16 years of age or older if working at TYM camp. For our backpacking program, we prefer our volunteers to be 18 years of age or older, but exceptions can be made.

3. Where is TYM camp located?
2012 Summer camps will take place at Camp Rancho Los Mochos, located in the hills of Livormore. TYM operates a camp for kids 8–12 years. We offer several 5-day sessions during the summer months. Click here for directions to Rancho Los Mochos.

4. What kind of training does TYM provide their volunteers?
We require all our volunteers attend volunteer training that prepares them to handle potential difficult situations. We require an in class one day training, as well as an overnight training at our camp facility. For dates of our next volunteer training, please see click here. Our 2012 volunteers must also participate in our 2012 Walk For Their Future.

5. Will I have to pay anything?
For over 20 years TYM has been providing the unique service leadership experience that takes place at TYM Camp. Each year the TYM Camp volunteers combine their efforts to raise funds that help defray their own costs for training & meals as well as helping fund the scholarships that allow vulnerable children to attend camp. This year's commitment is for each volunteer to raise or donate $350.00. There are a number of ways to raise these funds (including our annual walkathon noted below) and we are committed to helping you find the way that is the best match and gets you the most energized. Should you be selected, part of your welcome package will include creative ideas for meeting or exceeding the commitment goal. Past team members have been pleasantly surprised by how pleased their friends and family are to support them in helping send vulnerable kids to camp.

The registration fee to sign up for Walk For Their Future is $25.

6. Do I have to have back packing experience to come on a backpacking trip?
TYM welcomes all volunteers with a passion for children and a passion for Jesus Christ. We do not require our volunteers to have prior backpacking experience.

7. What age group of kids does TYM serve?
TYM serves children ages 8-18 years. Our 8-12 year olds attend a 5-day camp. Our teens participate in a 5-day backpacking trip, which take place in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All camps and back packing trips are gender specific.