Volunteer

The contribution of a strong corps of volunteers makes it possible for Star to bridge the gap between great needs and limited resources. Indeed volunteerism accounts for as much as one fourth of our labor needs throughout the year, from island facilities projects to administrative office tasks and from committee participation to the donation of professional expertise. Together it is an impressive display of dedication from a caring and talented community.

On-Island Volunteering Opportunities

For those interested in contributing to the work that goes into running the island, there are opportunities for volunteering alongside our island staff. You provide the elbow grease, and we’ll provide the boat transportation, a bed, hearty and delicious meals, and the wonderful community of our friendly hard-working staff.

  • Spring Volunteer Weekends

    Come help reawaken Star Island from its winter slumber and spend a beautiful spring weekend on the island! We have five spring work weekends in May and early June. Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to: kitchen staff, housekeeping, painting, gardening, and grounds/landscaping.

    Learn more about our spring volunteer weekends.

  • Spring volunteer weekends go from Friday evening to Sunday evening. An exception is Memorial Day weekend, which goes from Friday evening through either Sunday or Monday evening.
  • Summer Season Island Volunteering

    Come out and see the other side of the island! There is always more than enough work to do, and we welcome conference season volunteers whenever we have room to accommodate them. Conference season volunteers work in all areas of the island including housekeeping, kitchen staff, painting, and grounds. Many volunteers come out to the island for a few days and some even work for a few weeks.

    If you have any questions, please email Summer Volunteer Coordinator at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

  • Gift Shop and Bookstore Volunteering

    The Isles of Shoals Association operates both the Gift Shop and Bookstore on Star Island. If you are interested in volunteering in either of these shops during the conference season please contact the Isles of Shoals Association by clicking here.

Office Volunteering

Office volunteers assist in large mailings, filing, data entry, and errands throughout the year. If you live locally and are interested in being one of our invaluable office volunteers, please email Volunteer Services Administrator Athena Steinkraus at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Ambassador Program – Spreading the Word about Star

Star Island is always looking for volunteers willing to help spread the word about the myriad of conferences we offer in their local communities. If you would like to help on this front, please visit our Star Island Ambassadors page. For questions or comments about being an Ambassador, please contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

We welcome offers of volunteer help outside of our island and office. If you are a professional or an expert in a certain field (fundraising, engineering or food service for example) and would like to lend your expertise to our committees or staff, please email our office at email hidden; JavaScript is required.


Star Island is one of the rocky, wind-swept Isles of Shoals, located off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire. For over 100 years, summers here have provided individuals and families with a welcome respite from their busy mainland lives.

Star Island Corporation is a nonprofit organization which maintains the island and its facilities and provides hospitality services for visitors.

Contact Star Island

Phone: (603) 430-6272
Fax: (603) 430-6270
Island Phone: (603) 601-0832
Staff Email Address List

Star Island Corporation
Morton-Benedict House
30 Middle Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Get directions to the office

Content © 1999–2013 Star Island Corporation. Clouds photo © Axel Rouvin.
Other photos © their respective owners.