Share Your Passion

Inspire visitors to slow down and connect to Yosemite’s natural beauty through beginner art classes (taught Monday – Friday). As a volunteer art instructor, you’ll provide crucial support to the Conservancy’s Happy Isles Art and Nature Center programs, working hand in hand with our expert staff.

Our volunteer art instructors live in the park for a minimum of one week, maximum of two weeks, and work a 32-hour week with time off to explore the park. They enjoy free entrance into the park and camping in a private campsite. They also receive a 30% discount on art supplies, books and educational materials sold at Yosemite Conservancy bookstores, as well as discounts from the park concessioner in various park locations.

We invite you to review the following resources to better understand the program and determine if it is a good fit for you:

We typically recruit volunteers one year in advance (e.g. we recruit in 2024 for 2025). Please see timeline below for details:

February: Application period begins
May: Application period ends
June: Applications are reviewed; candidates are interviewed
August: Candidates are selected and season schedule is finalized

Please direct any questions to [email protected].

OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Work Week Crews

Enjoy a week in the park while working on trail repairs, habitat rehabilitation and other projects

Corporate Work Projects

Build camaraderie with coworkers while supporting the park during a weekend of restoration work.

Visitor Information Assistants

Spend a month sharing your Yosemite knowledge to help visitors navigate and enjoy the park.

Youth Art Teacher Volunteer

Help Yosemite’s youngest visitors connect with the park through art during the summer season.