VOLUNTEER FAQ

Grey Fox would not be possible without the many volunteers who help us to put on one of the premiere music festivals in the USA. The majority of our volunteers return year after year, but we are always looking for a few new folks to add to our volunteer family. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering at Grey Fox.

What do Grey Fox volunteers do?
Volunteers assist our dedicated staff accomplish a variety of tasks that not only make Grey Fox possible, but also earn us the reputation as one of the friendliest festivals around. Volunteers park cars and direct traffic, take tickets and issue wristbands, keep our site clean, cook and prepare food for patrons and volunteers, and provide information and assistance to festival-goers.

Click here to see Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Crew descriptions.

What do I receive in return for volunteering at Grey Fox?
Volunteers receive a full festival camping ticket, meals beginning on Wednesday evening, a Grey Fox Volunteer t-shirt, and the satisfaction of being a part of one of the finest bluegrass festivals in the land. Volunteering is also an opportunity to meet others with similar interests, and make new and lasting friendships. You’ll also learn from the inside, what makes the festival tick.

If I am accepted as a volunteer, when should I arrive at the festival site?
Volunteers should begin to arrive the Tuesday prior to festival weekend, and check-in beginning  on Tuesday. Once checked-in, volunteers are then allowed to set up their campsite in the designated area. All volunteers need to be checked-in and ready to work by Thursday morning at the latest! If you can’t arrive by Thursday, then volunteering is not for you.

Can I work before the festival begins, fulfilling my commitment early?
The festival is four (4) days (Thu-Sun) and volunteers are required to work four (4) days or shifts. Most volunteers work 4 or 5 hours each day for a total commitment between 16 and 20 hours. Some crews have early setup shifts. Early arrival helps you get scheduled early. Check with your Crew Chief upon acceptance, for availability of early shifts.

When can I apply to volunteer?
Applications are taken online, beginning April 1st. We will confirm volunteers till all crews are filled, to cover the work that needs to be done. Volunteer applications will be accepted through June; or until all available positions are filled. As crews fill we may place you on a waiting list. Then, you may be placed as a volunteer if a last minute cancellation occurs.

Once I’ve sent in my online application what happens next?
You will receive an auto reply e-mail verifying that we have received your application. This message is to let you know we have received your application for consideration.

How will I know if I have been accepted as a volunteer?
All applicants will get the confirmation e-mail that lets you know we have received your application. You’ll know you’ve been accepted, when you receive a second confirmation e-mail, indicating your crew assignment.
Past or “veteran” volunteers in good standing are confirmed when they receive a second e-mail from the volunteer coordinator, usually within a week or two, confirming your place a crew.
New applicants will receive the confirmation that their application has arrived at Volunteer Central. They will then be contacted by phone for an interview, if they meet minimum criteria. Following the interview, new applicants who are accepted will receive a second, confirmation e-mail containing crew assignment and contact information for your Crew Chief.

What about my volunteer work schedule?
Crew chiefs schedule your hours, but most won’t assign shifts till they see your smiling face on the festival site. Contact your crew chief for how this applies to your crew, and with any other scheduling issues. Report to your Crew Chief immediately after you have checked in, so they’ll know you are ready to be scheduled.

What about the Grey Fox Volunteer T-shirt?
Your Grey Fox Volunteer T-shirt identifies you as a volunteer to our patrons, and is for you to wear while on your shift. The shirt is yours to keep -another way we thank you for your efforts.

Is food provided for volunteers?
Meals for volunteers are provided beginning Wednesday evening. Food is only provided for working volunteers, so your family and/or friends will need to find other means of sustenance. Meals run through Sunday at noon, when you’ll be on your own again. Another great way we say thank you for your help, dedication, and hard work.

Where do volunteers camp?
We prefer that volunteers camp in “Volunteer Camping” (see map) though you may set up your camp elsewhere after 6pm on Wednesday, the day we open festival gates. Prior to opening, volunteers may only set up in the designated volunteer area. Ask Brian at the Traffic & Safety Tent, if you are unsure about your campsite location before you unpack and setup.

I'm under 18 can I volunteer?
Most crews have a minimum age of 18 to volunteer. 16 and 17 year-olds may volunteer on the Concession, Trash & Recycling, Family Stage & Teen Crew, and Traffic & Safety. At volunteer check-in, the adult parent or guardian must sign our parental release form, and must work on the same crew and shift with the teen volunteer.

I want to bring my kids, can they volunteer with me?
We do not allow small children to accompany working volunteers during their shift due to safety issues, and it may be a distraction to fulfilling volunteer duties. We suggest family members or friends watch little ones while you are on shift. Some couples with small children buy a ticket for one spouse, while the other one volunteers, keeping an eye on the kids during volunteer time. We do accept children teens 16 & 17 as volunteers, with parental consent. See above.

What if I have to cancel?
Contact your assigned crew chief and the volunteer coordinator ASAP, should you have to cancel for reasons beyond your control, or if an emergency arises. An email and/or phone call with explanation is very important. In this case we will mark your record so you remain in good standing, and you will be clear to volunteer the next year. If you do not contact us or just don’t show up for your shifts, you will not be invited back to volunteer for future Grey Fox Festivals.

Can I bring my pet if I’m a volunteer?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the festival site, even those owned by volunteers. Please leave your pet at home with family or friends, or board at a kennel.

What if I want to volunteer before the festival opens?
We have a small, limited number of pre-festival volunteer positions within the listed crews. Returning (veteran) volunteers usually fill most of these positions, but some may be available. Upon your confirmation, contact your crew chief for availability of early shifts on your crew.

My favorite act performs on the main stage at 7pm on Friday. Do I have to work then?
All scheduling is done through your Crew Chief. Crew Chiefs try to accommodate volunteers shift requests, but sometimes it is not possible. However, Volunteer crews are filled with wonderful people like you who are willing to trade scheduled time with you. Work with your crew chief and fellow crew members, to get the times off that you want.

What if I want to know my schedule before I arrive?
All scheduling, arrival times and working specific questions should be directed to your Crew Chief. You will find Crew Chief contact information in your confirmation e-mail. All other crew assignments and general questions should be directed to the Volunteer Coordinator.

I'd love to volunteer, but I can't arrive till Friday.
Due to the large number of volunteers it takes to make Grey Fox work, we are not able to accept volunteers for less than the full four-day commitment. If this is not possible for you, there is a place for you among our ticket-buying patrons…come and enjoy the festival.

How do I sign up?
We have an online application that must be filled out in its entirety. You can also download and print the application. Fill out the form completely, and mail it to us at the address at the bottom of the page.
We are always looking for a few new volunteers. Volunteering with friends and family is fun!
Volunteers are encouraged to use e-mail to contact us at: volunteer@greyfoxbluegrass.com
or call Brian at Grey Fox Volunteer Central: (802) 862-6881 between 9am and 9pm
Always leave a message, and don’t forget your phone #!

MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have additional questions, or need more information, contact:
Brian Hadley, Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@GreyFoxBluegrass.com or at
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival Volunteer Central
P.O. Box 64961, Burlington, VT 05406
or phone 802-862-6881 * 802-233-6372 cell

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