Make a real difference in the lives of kids in your community.
A few hours a week. A lasting impact.
Are you someone who:
Wants to keep contributing to your community as you move into this next chapter of life — without going back to full-time?
Loves being around young children?
Believes that character matters — and wants to do something real about it?
If so, read on. Character Camp was built with you in mind.
Character Camp is an 8-week character development program for 2nd and 3rd graders,
delivered through local after-school programs by volunteer coaches — people just like you.
Learn more about Character Camp →
WHAT COACHING LOOKS LIKE
Where it happens
You’ll work with an after-school program at a local elementary school — one
you find yourself, with guidance from the Coach’s Manual. Most coaches start with a school they
already have a connection to: a grandchild’s school, a neighborhood school, a place they’ve
volunteered before.
Your weekly commitment
One session per week for 8 weeks — about 45–60 minutes with the
kids, plus a little time to prepare. Most coaches put in 2–3 hours a week total.
What a session looks like
Every session follows the same simple, satisfying structure:
A group activity
hands-on and fun, designed to get kids thinking about the week’s
character strength
A read-aloud
a picture book chosen for that theme
Small-group discussion
coaches help kids think through how they might use this
week’s character strength; the Manual gives you everything you need
A closing reflection
kids write or draw on a paper “leaf” for the Character Tree, a
visual that grows all term long
No grading. No lesson plans. No homework to assign.
Character Camp covers one character strength per week:
Teamwork
Kindness
Patience
Appreciation
Curiosity
Fairness
Courage
The Coach's Manual
Your complete guide to every session — written in plain language, step
by step. Developed by experienced teachers and child development professionals. Free license
to use. Most coaches tell us they feel comfortable leading their first session after reading it
once.
You won't be going it alone
Keith and experienced coaches hold open office hours each week
— no appointment needed. If something comes up before a session, or you just want to think
something through, someone’s there.
(The Coach’s Portal — a full online community for
coaches — launches Fall 2026.)
What a session looks like
Every session follows the same simple, satisfying structure:
A group activity
hands-on and fun, designed to get kids thinking about the week’s
character strength
A read-aloud
a picture book chosen for that theme
Small-group discussion
coaches help kids think through how they might use this
week’s character strength; the Manual gives you everything you need
A closing reflection
kids write or draw on a paper “leaf” for the Character Tree, a
visual that grows all term long
No grading. No lesson plans. No homework to assign.
Character Camp covers one character strength per week:
Teamwork
Kindness
Patience
Appreciation
Curiosity
Fairness
Courage
The Coach's Manual
Your complete guide to every session — written in plain language, step
by step. Developed by experienced teachers and child development professionals. Free license
to use. Most coaches tell us they feel comfortable leading their first session after reading it
once.
You won't be going it alone
Keith and experienced coaches hold open office hours each week
— no appointment needed. If something comes up before a session, or you just want to think
something through, someone’s there.
(The Coach’s Portal — a full online community for
coaches — launches Fall 2026.)
WHO MAKES A GREAT COACH
You don’t need a teaching degree, a curriculum background, or any experience running a kids’
program. The Manual takes care of all of that.
What you do need is simpler:
- A genuine love for young children
- A desire to give something back to your community
- The initiative to reach out to a local school and make it happen
- A co-coach — someone to work alongside you
(don’t have one in mind yet? think about
recently retired teachers or others in your community who love kids — they’re often a
natural fit. The after-school director you approach may know someone too.)
A note on pairs :
Character Camp is designed for two coaches working together. It makes the
sessions richer, gives the kids two adults to connect with, and gives you someone to debrief
with after each class. One of you having some classroom experience is helpful — but between a
good pair, it’s rarely essential.
Our coaches come from all walks of life — former teachers and principals, yes, but also lawyers,
healthcare workers, business people, and community volunteers. What they share isn’t a
résumé. It’s a belief that how kids grow up matters, and a willingness to show up for it.
Is This Right for You?
Take a moment to see if Character Camp is a good fit. Check any that feel like you:
I genuinely love spending time with 7–9 year olds
I can commit to one session per week for 8 consecutive weeks
I’m comfortable reading aloud to a group of kids
I’m active enough to be on my feet and engaged for about an hour
I work well with a partner — or have someone in mind to coach with
I have the initiative to reach out to a local school or after-school program
I’m looking for something meaningful and ongoing — not just a one-time volunteer
experience
If most of these feel like you, you’re likely a great fit. Request the Coach Preview Pack
below and see for yourself — no commitment required.
If you checked most but have questions about a few, we’d love to hear from you. There’s rarely
a reason not to have a conversation.
HEAR FROM OUR COACHES
"I've been retired for two years and kept saying I wanted to do something
meaningful. Character Camp is the first thing I've found that actually fits my life."
"I've been retired for two years and kept saying I wanted to do something
meaningful. Character Camp is the first thing I've found that actually fits my life."
[Video testimonials from our pilot coaches — coming soon.]
A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS
Do I need teaching experience?
No. The Manual is designed for anyone who cares about kids
— no classroom background required. Many coaches are former teachers and find it familiar,
but plenty aren’t, and they do just as well.
Do I need a co-coach before I apply?
It helps to have someone in mind, but it’s not required to
take the first step. If you’re still looking, think about recently retired teachers, former colleagues,
or others in your community who love kids. The after-school director you approach may also
know someone — they often do. Reach out and let us know where you are; we’re happy to think
it through with you.
How do I find a school to work with?
The Manual guides you through this. Most coaches start
with a school they know — a grandchild’s school, a neighborhood school, somewhere they’ve
already been. The approach is low-pressure and the Manual gives you the words.
Is there any cost?
No cost to you. The Manual is freely licensed. Families in the program pay a
$40 materials fee to cover the student kit.
What if I have questions while the program is running?
Weekly office hours are open to any
coach — no appointment needed. The Coach’s Portal (launching Fall 2026) will be your
longer-term resource: a searchable FAQ, community board, and resource library.
Ready to learn more?
Request the Coach Preview Pack — a free look at what Character Camp is and what a typical
coaching week actually looks like. No commitment, no pressure.
We’ll send it to your inbox within 24 hours.