Our goal is to create environments where families impacted by childhood cancer can be served to experience rest and a hope in God. This is made possible by our volunteers who reflect the love of God through their service and presence. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to serve in meaningful and practical ways, including:

• Facilitating daily children’s and student activities while parents are in a small group

• Setting up and tearing down environments for meals, gatherings, and activities

• Helping with serving meals and clean-up

• Tidying up the housing each day so families return to a peaceful, welcoming place (a great opportunity for volunteers of all ages!)

• Building friendships—whether that’s at the pool, over a game of 9 Square, or just sharing stories and laughter throughout the day

Being on the waitlist doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance—spots do open up from time to time, and we’ll keep you updated if that happens. While we can’t guarantee a spot will become available, we’ll reach out right away if one does. In the meantime, we encourage you to apply for another retreat date if your schedule allows, as this increases your chances of being able to serve this season. We truly appreciate your flexibility and willingness to support where needed!

These are the fundraising minimums to attend the retreat once your application is approved:

• Weeklong: $1,700 per adult 18 and older $575 per child

• Weekend: $750 per adult 18 and older $325 per child

On Sunrise Retreats, volunteers have the honor of supporting families who have lost a child to cancer, helping them make new memories and find healing together. Each retreat includes a special night of remembrance and celebration, where retreat families share stories, songs, and memories of their child. Volunteers will serve meals, tidy up, and spend time with retreat families—offering encouragement and hope along the way. These retreats hold space for both grief and joy; they are filled with laughter, connection, and renewal. Serving on a Sunrise Retreat is a deeply meaningful experience that reminds families they are loved and allows volunteers to witness incredible restoration.

We understand—it’s normal to wonder if the retreat will feel sad. But the truth? It’s filled with joy. Families laugh, play, and create meaningful memories together. Many volunteers and families we serve leave saying it was one of the happiest times of their lives, and they can't wait to come back!