Volunteer With Us!

At North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE), we believe in the power of a legacy crafted by many hands. Volunteering at NFSSE provides you with an opportunity to help shape the future of our students, and fulfill an important role as a change agent in our community. As a volunteer, NFSSE has many ways for you to give of your time throughout the year, from helping out with a fundraising project, to lending your talents in our extracurricular activities, to sharing your leadership with an after-school club. We hope that you will build lasting friendships with our students and staff and learn something new along the way.

Summer Camp

NFSSE has many summer volunteering opportunities throughout our Activity & Specialty camps.

Activity vs. Specialty Camps

Activity: Students rotate through art, PE, culinary, yoga/karate, and more fun activities. Activity camps volunteer shifts: Volunteers in the activity camps MUST commit to an entire week! Split into morning and afternoon shifts; 9AM – 12PM and 12:30PM – 3PM

Specialty: A variety of specialized week-long activities for students interested in certain areas like Barkin’ Biscuits, horses/barn, biking, golf, excursions, etc. Specialty camps volunteer shifts: Specialty camps run on half days; morning or afternoon. Volunteers can select individual days of the week in specialty camps. 30 minutes before and after are added to the volunteer shifts for setup and cleanup assistance: 8:30 – 12:30 and 12:30-4:30. If you are completing a whole day by signing up for a morning AND afternoon camp, you would take your lunch between 12:00 and 1:00PM.

After Care: Volunteers will be asked to support our activities. This may include helping instructors/teachers, getting supplies, or being a peer with our students. After Care is from 3:00PM – 6:00PM.

Step One: Fill out this form: Summer Camp Enrichment 2026 Volunteer Agreement

Step Two: You will receive the Summer Camp Volunteer sign-up via email from Eden Resnik at EResnik@northfloridschool.org

Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center: Therapeutic Riding

We need lead walkers, side walkers, and enthusiastic individuals with a passion for horses and our riders. No prior riding experience required to volunteer! Must be ages 14 and older to volunteer independently.

Winter Session 2: February 1 – March 21 : REGISTER

Spring Session 1: March 22 – May 2: REGISTER

Art with Soul

Assist our Art With Soul artists as they complete art work. Volunteers may assist artists with their projects, or assist with finishing up final details of art projects independently. We are currently looking for volunteers with previous art experience or a passion for art.

January – May: REGISTER

Berry Good Farms

Berry Good Farms welcomes volunteer groups who would be interested in completing a project on the Farm. This could include helping to harvest, plant, or clean up certain areas of our ever-expanding farm.

January – May: REGISTER

Berry Good Blooms

Berry Good Blooms needs volunteers to assist with preparing, cutting and moving flowers to and from buildings. This program has a flexible schedule depending on when events pop up.

January – May: REGISTER

Barkin’ Biscuits

Barkin’ Biscuits is welcoming volunteers to help in our pet bakery! At Barkin’ Biscuits, dance and sing the day away with our students as you help to roll out dog treats and assist with packaging. This is one of our more popular volunteer sites and can accommodate large groups.

January – May: REGISTER

Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center: Project SADDLE

Assist our Project SADDLE students as they complete various projects and clean our barn (cleaning stalls, pastures, grooming horses, etc.). You do not need to have horse/barn experience! The Project SADDLE program is held during weekday mornings: REGISTER

Please email Eden Resnik at EResnik@northfloridaschool.org to schedule a group session.

People Like Us Theatre Program

Our People Like Us theatre students are rehearsing for a Finding Nemo Jr. play in May 2026! Assist students practicing lines, learning a dance, by reviewing songs with our actors, etc. This volunteer opportunity is from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays: REGISTER

Extended Day/Enrichments

Volunteers for our Extended Day/Enrichments will be asked to support our programs depending on the day of the week they sign up. This may include helping instructors/teachers, getting supplies, or being a peer with our students.

January – May: REGISTER

Volunteer FAQ

Q: What days and times are available to volunteer?

A. We have a variety of days and times during the school day, after the school day, and on weekends available. We also have a variety of special events during the school year and summer where we rely on volunteers.

Q: I am skilled at “x”. Am I able to share it with the school?

A. Of course! We are always looking for new opportunities to bring to our students and their families. Please reach out to the Volunteer and Marketing Manager to discuss further.

Q: Do I need to have experience with individuals with differences to volunteer at your school?

A. You do not! We just ask that you have an open heart and recognize that we are all more alike than different.

Q: What kind of volunteering could I be doing?

A. We try and match people’s skills to an area on campus.

Q: What should I wear and bring with me?

A. We recommend dressing for the environment you will be helping in. If there are any specific requirements for what to wear, we will be sure to communicate those with you. Please make sure to always bring a water bottle and wearing closed-toe shoes when volunteering, whether inside or outside.

Q: Who do I contact?

A. If you are a community volunteer and not affiliated with the school, please contact Eden Resnik, Volunteer and Marketing Manager, at EResnik@northfloridaschool.org. If you are a parent volunteer and affiliated with the school, please contact Stacy Santiago, Director of Family and Student Activities, at SSantiago@northfloridaschool.org.

Thank you for supporting our cause! We look forward to connecting with you!