"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they have heart"
-Elizabeth Andrew

Get the details!

VIP food and beverage volunteers will serve food and beverages to thousands of WE Fest VIP guests each day of the festival at Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota! This is one of the best volunteer opportunities at WE Fest. Here's what you should know:

• Earn a complimentary one-day, general admission music pass by working one volunteer shift (6 hours).
• Earn a complimentary three-day, general admission music pass by working at least three festival shifts (2 evenings & 1 day shift) totaling 18-22 hours.
• Volunteers living within a 25-mile radius of Detroit Lakes will receive complimentary employee parking passes and/or shuttle service passes from the Becker County Fairgrounds.
• Volunteers living outside of a 25-mile radius of Detroit Lakes who are scheduled to earn three-day music passes will receive complimentary festival camping passes.
• All volunteers will receive proper volunteer identification *this may be different than past years - if shirt sizes run out, other identification will be provided
• Shifts will be considered based on previous WE Fest volunteer experience and application timeliness
• Keep in mind not everyone receives the same credentials because they differ for each individual depending on shift, days working, transportation, past WE Fest volunteering, etc.

I have volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club with this WeFest event for 4 years. And every time it has be very fun and terrific. In working with that event, I found the Boys and Girls Club staff to be organized and determined to provide the best service while maintaining the high standards that the organization displays. It is my pleasure to work with this organization on any event.

Mike S

Lakeshirts

MEET YOUR CREW

Volunteer Coordinators
SUE & LISA

WE Fest ​Weekend Crew
​MIKE & BRETT

FAQs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Detroit Lakes and Perham care deeply for their mission and reputation, and volunteers should conduct themselves in a manner that represents the Clubs in a positive and professional way when both completing volunteer duties and wearing the Boys & Girls Club brand. Please read through FAQs prior to signing up and contact Lisa with any questions: Lisa McLeod – 218.204.0494 – [email protected].

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY WE FEST VIP VOLUNTEER SERVICE?​

• Lisa McLeod – 218.204.0494 – [email protected]

​WHAT KIND OF CREDENTIALS WILL I RECEIVE FROM WE FEST?​

RETURNING 3-Day volunteer

• You will receive a wristband activated for all days you're working - 3-day volunteers only need to check-in for credentials ONCE with Boys and Girls Club VIP Staff

NEW 3-Day volunteers

• You will receive a wristband activated for all days you're working - first-time volunteers will need to check in with Boys and Girls Club VIP Staff each day before your shift for credentials

DAILY volunteer 

• You will receive a wristband activated for the day(s) you're working and a parking pass for your FIRST DAY only - Daily staff must check-in with Boys and Girls Club Staff EACH DAY to receive a new DAILY staff credential and parking pass

Volunteers not showing up to shifts and not communicating with Lisa will have their wristbands deactivated remotely and all pass privileges will be revoked.
​
Keep in mind that not everyone receives the same credentials because they differ for each individual depending on shift, days working, transportation, etc. Lisa have requested the specific credentials you need for your individual situation. If you have any questions about the credentials you receive, please contact Lisa. You must meet with Lisa or Sue before your first shift to sign verify completion of a volunteer waiver and receive the volunteer identification you will wear to your volunteer shifts. If you requested a shuttle pass instead of a parking pass, Lisa or Sue will provide you with your shuttle pass when you check in with them.​

​ONCE I GET MY CREDENTIALS, THEN WHAT?​

Once you've received your credentials, parking pass, and you've confirmed signature on your waiver, you are all set until it's time to report for your first shift! Daily volunteers must check-in 10 minutes before each of their shifts to receive their daily wristbands/parking passes. Please give yourself ample time to park your car and arrive at your shift on time.

If you ARE camping at WE Fest, once you have received your weekend staff wristband and weekend camping pass, you can proceed to Oatfield Campground on 130th Ave. Campground staff will check your credentials when you arrive there and lead you to our volunteer camping area. Your vehicle camping pass must be displayed in your vehicle at all times and you must be wearing your staff wristband.

Credentials, camping, and parking are in exchange for your volunteer service. If you do not complete your volunteer obligations, your credentials will be deactivated remotely and all pass privileges revoked.​

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY SHIFTS?​

• Comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for the entirety of your shift - If you are working in dining, please wear closed-toed shoes
• Volunteer Identification (whatever you receive at check in: T-shirt/bandana or sticker) - All volunteers must wear either the Boys & Girls Club identification issued at check-in OR your business-approved t-shirts plus a sticker if representing a business to their shifts. Please remember that you are representing the Boys and Girls Club, so attire must be respectable, which will be at the discretion of the Boys and Girls Club Volunteer Coordinators *Shirts must cover your stomach, back, and chest/Bottoms must be no shorter than fingertip length if your arms are hanging at your sides 
• I.D. should be with you at ALL times

You will be supplied with everything you need to succeed during your shift. You will have access to soft drinks and water while you work, so there is no need for you to bring anything along to drink. If you think you might need a snack during your shift, feel free to bring along a ready-to-eat item like a granola bar, a piece of fruit, etc. If you must bring a clear/transparent purse or bag with you, be sure it is something you can manage because we do not have a secure locker or area to store things for you. Please do not bring lawn chairs to your shift because there is nowhere for them to be stored while you work.

WHY DO I NEED TO SIGN IN AND OUT FOR MY SHIFTS?

All volunteers must sign both IN and OUT with a shift lead because all hours need to be accounted for - remember that the club is paid for each volunteer hour so we need to make sure records are accurate!​

Excited?

Awesome! We are too!

WILL I RECEIVE MEALS OR DRINKS?

Volunteers WILL receive a meal after their shift is completed (or as scheduled by Volunteer Coordinators). We strongly encourage volunteers to eat before their shifts or to bring along a small snack in case you become hungry during your shift. All volunteers are expected to report for their shifts sober and ready to work. Alcohol is strictly prohibited while you are working. Volunteers are not allowed to hang out in the VIP Hospitality area when they are not working.

BEVERAGE SERVICE: Where do the tips go?​

Tips received at point-of-service or in the tip buckets are used by Boys & Girls Clubs of Detroit Lakes to support afterschool and summer programs for 500+ local kids. Periodically, a representative of the Boys & Girls Club will empty the tip jars. Make some noise to thank patrons when they leave a tip – let them know their support for kids is appreciated! At no time do volunteers keep any tips - tips are property of the Boys and Girls Club.​

WHERE DO I CHECK IN TO GET MY FESTIVAL AND CAMPING OR PARKING CREDENTIALS?​

Check-in will be on Wednesday, July 31 between 12pm-8pm. If you arrive outside of the hours or day listed above, you will need to contact one of the staff listed above directly AHEAD of time to schedule a time to pick up your credentials.

To get your festival and camping/parking credentials, you must check in with Boys and Girls Club WE Fest staff. If you are a minor that does not have a photo I.D., please check in with the adult who will be responsible for you at WE Fest.

Volunteer check in is located immediately inside the east entrance to WE Fest off of County Highway 22. When you turn into WE Fest from County Highway 22. A Boy’s and Girls Club tent with a banner will be visible.

At check you will:
● Get volunteer identification (t-shirt, bandana, or sticker depending on your shifts) If you are able to wash and re-wear previous WE Fest volunteer shirts, please do so!
● Sign needed waivers, if not already completed online
● Receive wrist band and parking/camping/shuttle credentials
​● Verify shifts you are working - If you are coming from out of town and are running slightly late to make it before credential distribution, please call Lisa or Mike.​

​CAN I VOLUNTEER WITH SOMEONE I KNOW?​

​Absolutely! Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join you in supporting local youth. When signing up, please indicate who you were hoping to share the same volunteer shift as.
​

WHERE IS WE FEST AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

WE Fest is held at the Soo Pass Ranch located at 25526 County Highway 22, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. During the festival, Highway 59 bordering the west side of the concert grounds will be two-way traffic – but County Road 22 bordering the east side of the concert bowl is one-way traffic, southbound only beginning on Thursday, August 3. Roads will be marked and law enforcement will be directing traffic.

​WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WE FEST STAFF/VOLUNTEER PARKING?​

Parking info will be updated closer to the event.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FREE SHUTTLE?

Shuttle passes will be distributed at check-in. The shuttle begins running from the Becker County Fairgrounds (or any other shuttle locations) at Noon on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You may park your car in the fairgrounds parking lot for free. If your volunteer shifts at WE Fest begin earlier than 1:00pm, you should request a parking pass from Lisa and drive to WE Fest instead.

If you are riding the shuttle, please give yourself plenty of time to ride, de-board, and walk to your check-in/work areas so you can begin your shift on time. The shuttle stops running each day after the concerts are over. If you miss the last shuttle back to the Becker County Fairgrounds, you will be on your own to get back to town.

WHERE DO I REPORT FOR MY VOLUNTEER SHIFT?​

For FOOD SERVICE and BEVERAGE shifts go directly to your work area and report to the Boys and Girls Club Shift lead in that location. You must check-in when you arrive and check-out when your shift is completed. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your shift.
● VIP Food & Beverage is located to the east of the stage in a big white tent. Enter the area just to the south of the VIP Hospitality tent. Security may ask to see your credentials – so just be sure to have your staff wristband ready to show them. VIP Hospitality volunteers please look for the Boys and Girls Club shift lead in the bright yellow shirt.
● Staff Dining is located in red saloon building at the top of the hill. ​

AM I ALLOWED TO USE MY CELL PHONE DURING MY SHIFT?​

​Cell phones are permitted, but please keep use to a minimum. You will be busy during your shifts. Please take care of phone calls, texts, etc. before or after your shift.​

WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO LEAVE MY SHIFT EARLY OR CAN’T WORK MY SHIFT AT ALL?

​When you committed to volunteering, we placed you on a schedule that WE Fest caterers and beverage managers are counting on being fulfilled. We – and your fellow volunteers – need you to show up for your shifts on time and work until you are dismissed at the end of your shift. Please make every effort to do so. However, we do understand that emergencies occur – so if something happens to prevent you from working some or all of your shift, call Lisa or Sue immediately to talk it over with them.

WILL I RECEIVE A BREAK? WHAT IF I HAVE TO USE THE RESTROOM?

​You will receive short breaks during your shift, if needed. If you need to use the restroom or leave your work area, please let the manager know before leaving your area.

CAN I KEEP MY VOLUNTEER T-SHIRTS?

​Yes. You are welcome to keep them – however, Boys & Girls Club staff will collect t-shirts that volunteers do not wish to keep so that they can be washed and put away for next year. If you do not wish to keep your t-shirts, returning them will help our Club save money when we do this again next year.

WHEN CAN I ARRIVE AT WE FEST?

If you are camping, you can begin arriving at WE Fest on Tuesday, July 30 at 8:00am. If you wish to arrive on Tuesday, make arrangements ahead of time with Lisa. ​​

IS OUR VOLUNTEER GROUP CAMPING ALTOGETHER? WHO ELSE IS IN OUR CAMPGROUND? IS THERE ELECTRICITY? WHAT ABOUT SHOWERS AND BATHROOMS? HOW SECURE ARE MY THINGS?

Our group will be camping in the same general vicinity near the entrance to Oatfield Campground. Campground staff will request that you park in a specified area. Oatfield Campground will also be home to other festival goers - please be respectful of your neighbors. There is no electricity in any Wefest Campgrounds. If you require electricity, you must provide your own generator. A portable shower trailer will be available and it is our understanding that access to the shower will be available round the clock. Porta Potties are also available, Boys and Girls Club is trying to secure a private porta potty for our volunteer camping area. As for security, keep in mind that there will be many people in the campground at all hours of the day. Be sure to secure your items by locking them in your vehicle or camper.

IF I AM CAMPING, CAN I GO INTO TOWN?

​Yes. If you’d like to go into Detroit Lakes, you can drive your car there. If you do leave the campground with your car, be sure that your camping/vehicle credentials are on your vehicle before you leave or you will not be able to get back into the campground. If you don’t have access to a vehicle to drive into town, talk to the Volunteer Coordinators about a shuttle pass. ​

WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO LEAVE THE CAMPGROUND ON SUNDAY?

Soo Pass Ranch closes at noon on Sunday.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DETROIT LAKES?

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Detroit Lakes & Perham is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

WHAT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS? 

Club programming is focused on three areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Our professional, caring staff seek to help children develop competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence in order to enhance their self-esteem – ultimately helping them achieve their full potential as young men and women. Through fun, engaging programs and activities, kids attending our Clubs can be successful at home, at school, and in all areas of their lives.

During the school year, our Club arrange transportation from our local schools to our Club each day. We offer a healthy afternoon snack, as well as a full, nutritious dinner each evening. During the summer, our Club provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack to all children each day.

​In addition, our Club supports families and children through a before-school program, preschool, teen nights, a  mentoring program, family engagement activities and partnerships with community support agencies. Our Club also encourage older members and families to get involved in volunteer opportunities at our Club and throughout the community.

WHO CAN ATTEND BOYS & GIRLS CLUB? IS THE CLUB ONLY FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH?

Any child between the ages of Kindergarten and 6th grade is welcome to attend Boys & Girls Club. Our Clubs do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, disability, or immigration status in admission to our educational programs or activities.

It is a common misconception that Boys & Girls Clubs only serve children who come from low-income families. While many Clubs have a higher percentage of members who come from low-income families, single-parent homes, other various backgrounds, all kinds of kids and families make use of Club afterschool and summer programs.

​The phrase in our mission “especially those who need us most” should be interpreted broadly – in fact, we believe that every child needs us most. Some kids may need a safe place and a meal, while others may need a mentor, a tutor, or a friend. Every child can benefit from the Boys & Girls Club experience, and every child is welcome at our Clubs.

WHEN IS THE CLUB OPEN? 

​During the school year, our Club is open weekdays afterschool. During the summer, our Club is open Monday through Friday from early morning until late afternoon. Our Club is also open on some school days out (e.g., school holiday breaks), but if school is closed due to bad weather, our Clubs are also closed.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A CHILD TO ATTEND BOYS & GIRLS CLUB? IS ANY FINANCIAL HELP AVAILABLE?

Each child who attends Boys & Girls Club must be a member. The annual membership fee is $75 per child. There is a small additional daily fee for attending but scholarships are available and childcare assistance is accepted to help families cover the cost of membership fees and daily fees.​

Can i earn camping passes for volunteering?

Volunteers who are scheduled to earn three-day music passes can qualify to receive complimentary festival camping passes.