Choose Joy Volunteers old

 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CHOOSE JOY AND FOR CHOOSING JOY TODAY AND EVERY DAY!

This is the registration form for volunteers! You can use this group to volunteer individually, as a group, musical act, or as another charity! Just be sure to include the number of registrants in your form. Our events are some of the best ways to fundraise that we have- and without volunteers, they'd be impossible.  

Volunteering at a festival can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some rules and benefits. First and foremost, volunteers are expected to be punctual, reliable, and professional. They may be assigned tasks such as ticket scanning, crowd control, or artist assistance. In exchange for their time and effort, volunteers often receive perks such as free admission to the festival, access to exclusive areas, and even opportunities to meet some of the performers. Additionally, volunteering at a festival can give individuals a sense of fulfillment and purpose, as they are contributing to the smooth operation of a highly anticipated event that brings joy and entertainment to many people. We do our best to provide snacks, water, and free event admission to our volunteers, and love welcoming new people to the Choose Joy family. 

We host many events throughout the year and volunteer at even more events. Some events you could expect to see Choose JOY associated with include music and culture festivals like Weedstock and the Delafaire Renaissance Fair, Murder Mystery dinners, plus clothing and Toy drives during the winter to benefit local families and those who are being serviced by Crozer-Chester Medical Center's Burn Unit. As always, Choose JOY is a charity serving victims of house fires. Any profits and donations made to us go directly to help local families get back on track. 

Currently, we are accepting volunteer applications for event staffing as well as administration and organization. We are a small team and welcome helping hands. 

These are the events we have coming up this year so far: 

Philly Faire 

Fort Mifflin, Philadelphia, PA 

May 24 - 27 (3-day weekend)

Afterfly 

Dover, DE

May 30- June 3

TnT Firework Stand 

Camden, DE 

June 11th- July 5th

Delafaire (Weekend 1)

Townsend, DE 

October 25 - 27

Delafaire (Weekend 2) 

Townsend, DE

November 1-3

Townsend, DE

November 8-11 (3 days!!) 

Kent County, DE

October 15-Dec 24

Chillin’ in the Sticks 

TBA

Mini Barrens
Hartly, DE
October TBA

-How much do I get paid?

You get paid in epic adventures and experiences of a lifetime, but no, there is no cash pay for volunteering! You are raising funds to assist Choose Joy in giving a hand up to our neighbors after house fires. In exchange for your time and effort, you receive entrance to the event, camping, snacks, and drinks, plus the knowledge that you're helping families rebuild after facing devastating losses. 

-Are there any age restrictions for volunteering at festivals?

Age restrictions for volunteering at festivals vary depending on the festival. Ren Faire has specific roles suitable for younger volunteers (14+) under direct supervision with parental consent.

-What are the typical time commitments for festival volunteers?

Shifts generally run 3-6 hours so that you can enjoy the festival as well! The more volunteers we have, the smaller the shifts will be, so bring your friends!

-Will I receive any training or orientation before starting my volunteer work at a festival?

Yes, but most volunteer spots are pretty easy and won't require more than a few minutes of training. Our supervisors are always ready for anything so don't be afraid to ask questions!

-Do festival volunteers get any perks or benefits, such as free admission or food vouchers?

YES, YES, YES!! You will get free camping, snacks, and drinks provided at all events and some vendors will provide food vouchers at their discretion. If you volunteer for just one shift at any event, you get free entry for the entire weekend! Our team does its best to make sure all who attend make epic memories, and we usually throw a staff & volunteer appreciation party when everything wraps up.

-Can I choose which area or tasks I want to volunteer for at a festival?

We do our best to ensure that everyone has an epic adventure. To do so, we will attempt to assign you to a task that you will enjoy whenever possible. We will consider any limitations you may have so please let us know if you have any health issues, disabilities, or accommodations you need met. 

-What should I wear when volunteering at a festival?

Typically our events and festivals will be outdoors, so the suggested dress code is “casual hiking”.  Closed-toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, plain black, plain white, or a Choose Joy T-shirt can be worn. Jeans and khakis are going to be the safest pant options, but dressing for comfort is truly key. 

-What should I bring with me when volunteering at a festival?

That's a personal list, but here are some basics to help you get started! 

Sunblock, a water bottle, any needed medications, something to sit on, snacks, drinks, a bandanna, a flashlight, a hoodie, clothes for as many days as the festival is plus one spare set, shower shoes, a portable battery for your electronics, bug spray, bandaids, and anything else you need or want for the weekend-pillows, a backpack, headphones, etc.  Choose Joy has a volunteer area with forgotten supplies and snacks, as well as water, and a fully stocked first aid kit. Our teepee is a communal camping tent when not in use as our Gypsy Tent if necessary as well.

-Are there any specific skills or qualifications required to volunteer at festivals?

Nope! The biggest quality we look for in volunteers is enthusiasm. We will show you everything you need to know. At some events, we do staff Bar/Food areas, and current state certifications are required for those positions, however, they generally run longer shifts and you receive cash tips. Let us know upon registration if you'd be a good fit for our tipped team. 

-Can we bring our pets?

Licensed Service Animals are permitted, to the best of Choose Joy's knowledge, at all our venues. However, please let us know if you plan to bring a Service Animal via direct email so that we can ensure proper accommodations. You are solely responsible for your animal and its cleanup, interaction with other guests, and care while at any event affiliated with Choose Joy.

If you are not camping we will park you in day parking with the guest at most events for free. Parking instructions for camping volunteers will be disclosed per event as they are determined.  

Credentialing:

 Credentials will be provided for admittance to the event each day at the designated check-in location and again for camping. You must have a valid ID. 

For most of our events, you can tent camp. During Philly Faire at Fort Mifflin you can bunk in the soldier's Barracks, but bring a sleeping bag; their "beds" are wooden platforms.  Unless you want the real historic experience we recommend a mattress of some kind as well! Our Teepee is available for folks to sleep in when not in use as the Gypsy tent.