FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's it like to give back with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado? Learn about our  volunteer experience who can volunteer registration & cancellations other ways to get involved   and  more!

REGISTRATION & CANCELLATIONS

  • Do I need to register for VOC volunteer projects, or can I just show up?

    You must register so that we can effectively plan for the number of volunteers expected with regard to tools, volunteer leaders, food, etc. 

  • I am new to VOC. How do I register for a project?

    Create a new account at www.volunteervoc.org and then register for projects!


    Step By Step:

    1. Visit www.volunteervoc.org.
    2. Click 'Sign Up' and create a new account. (Remember your login credentials - this will allow you to edit your registrations in the future.)
    3. Select 'Opportunities' on the left navigation bar to search for projects. (You can filter projects based on different qualifications)
    4. Once you have reached a project page that you are interested in, select the red 'Register' button to sign up.
    5. You will receive a confirmation email and follow-up communications regarding the project as the project date gets closer.
    6. Login to your account at any time to adjust your profile, project registration information, etc.

    For help registering, email outreach@voc.org or call 303-715-1010 ext. 111

  • I have volunteered with VOC in the past but I am having troubling logging into my account. How do I fix this?

    You may need to reset your password to access your existing account. To do so, follow these steps:


    1. Visit www.volunteervoc.org.
    2. Click 'Login'
    3. Click 'Forgot password?' and enter the email you have used for project sign-ups in the past.
    4. Retrieve the email to reset your password and create a new password.
    5. Return to the Login page
    6. Use your new credentials to login
    7. Select 'Opportunities' on the left navigation bar to search for projects. (You can filter projects based on different qualifications)
    8. Once you have reached a project page that you are interested in, select the red 'Register' button to sign up.
    9. You will receive a confirmation email and follow-up communications regarding the project as the project date gets closer.
    10. Login to your account at any time to adjust your profile, project registration information, etc.

    For help registering, email outreach@voc.org or call 303-715-1010 ext. 111

  • I keep getting waitlisted. Why don't you close registration when a project is full?

    Our projects rely on a set number of volunteers to be successful. We always receive cancellations, so there is a good chance that you will be pulled off the waitlist! If you want to know where you stand on the waitlist, contact us at 303-715-1010 ext. 111. We can tell you the status of the waitlist and/or help you find an open project.

  • What happens after I register for a VOC volunteer project?

    Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Please read this for important post-registration instructions; you will also receive a reminder email approximately 4 weeks before the project. 


    You will then receive detailed project information approximately 10 days prior to the project, including directions to the project, a map of the project site, when to arrive, what to bring, what meals will be provided, where to park, and information on overnight accommodations, if applicable.

  • What if I can’t make it to a project that I’m registered for?

    Please cancel your registration if you are confident you can't make it as soon as possible.


    To cancel a registration:

    • Sign in to your account on volunteervoc.org
    • In the top navigation, select the icon with your initials on the far right. It will open a dropdown menu. Select 'Opportunity Responses'.
    • Under 'Volunteer Responses,' find the project you want to cancel. Under the 'Options' column, click the dropdown 'Select an action'
    • Select 'Unregister' and confirm that you are sure you want to cancel.

    View our visual guide on how to cancel.


    If you have trouble canceling, please email outreach@voc.org or call 303-715-1010 ext. 111.

  • Are projects ever canceled due to inclement weather?

    Projects are generally not canceled because of rain or light snow showers — weather conditions must be severe before we cancel or reschedule a project. If this happens, we will inform all registered volunteers as soon as possible. You may also call our Weather Cancellation Hotline at 303-715-1010 ext. 131 prior to any project.

Returning Volunteers: How to Activate & Update Your Volunteer Account

How to View & Register for VOC Projects

THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

  • What kind of work is done on VOC volunteer projects?

    All of our volunteer projects are designed to protect, enhance, restore, and preserve Colorado’s natural places. Specific types of work may include trail construction and maintenance, gardening and planting, wildfire and flood restoration, invasive weed removal, ecological and habitat restoration, forestry management, and preservation of historic structures.

  • What should I bring?

    Please bring work gloves and click the appropriate link to find our full packing list required and recommended items for single-day projects, weekend camping projects, and multi-day backcountry projects.

  • Where and when do VOC volunteer projects take place?

    Our volunteer projects take place April through October, with each year's project calendar announced in February. The majority of our projects take place on weekends, but we have several weekday and weeklong options as well.


    These projects take place across the state of Colorado, often on public lands including national forests, state parks, and city- and county-managed open spaces. Some projects are in the city, while some are high in the mountains, in wilderness areas, or on the rural plains. To view upcoming project locations, visit our volunteer project calendar.

  • How long do VOC volunteer projects last?

    Some projects are only a half-day or a few hours in the evening; most are a full day or take place over a weekend or several days. Project durations are noted within the project descriptions.

  • How difficult is the work on VOC volunteer projects?

    • VOC offers projects for people of all ages and abilities. To help you find projects that fit your desired level of physical activity, each project is rated as easy, moderate, or difficult:
    • Easy – These projects are great for youth and people looking for a lower physical effort. They typically have minimal physical demand and worksites that are easy to access. Easy volunteer activities include tree plantings, pulling weeds, or spreading gravel on trails. 
    • Moderate – These projects require greater physical activity, such as lifting and digging, and access to worksites may include longer distances and/or require hiking. Projects are typically a full day or longer with a minimum age of 12 to 14 years, though this can vary depending on the project.
    • Difficult – These projects are physically demanding with worksites that are often difficult to access and/or take place at high altitude. Tasks are often more technical, such as building rock walls or constructing trail steps. Volunteers are typically required to be 16 or older on Difficult projects. 

    Click here to view our full difficulty rating criteria sheet.

  • How many volunteers typically participate in a VOC project?

    Some projects can have as few as a dozen volunteers, while others can have more than a hundred! If you have questions about a specific project, email outreach@voc.org or call 303-715-1010 ext. 111.

  • Will food be provided at the project?

    Meals are not be provided on single-day projects unless specified otherwise. Breakfast and dinner will be provided on overnight projects by our volunteer Crew Chefs, but volunteers are asked to provide their own lunch.

  • Can I volunteer for just part of a project?

    Volunteers are expected to stay for the duration of the entire project. However, some multi-day projects offer the opportunity to select the day(s) you wish to volunteer.

  • Where do I stay during overnight or multi-day volunteer projects?

    VOC provides campsites for all volunteers on overnight projects, though volunteers must bring their own tent and other camping supplies. You are also welcome to find alternate accommodations if you wish.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER

  • Do I need any experience to volunteer?

    No. We offer volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities! On each project, you will work on a small crew led by an experienced VOC volunteer crew leader who will teach you all you need to know and help you have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience.

  • I'm not 100% sure I'm well suited to volunteer on a VOC project. How can I learn more?

    Please review VOC's Essential Eligibility Criteria for more information on the mental and physical requirements needed to ensure safety on VOC projects. These criteria are inteded to be helpful and constructive for all participants who are considering attending our programs, however they do not encompass every criteria or function of the various activities you may encounter on a given program. Please read individual project descriptions prior to registering to help you determine if you are eligible to volunteer.


    During VOC's PPE (Pandemic Project Era), we encourage you to consider your own comfort level in participating during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as if you are in a high-risk population as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

  • Can I volunteer with a group?

    Yes! We can accommodate groups on most volunteer projects, though the group size may vary depending on the project. Please contact us at outreach@voc.org or 303-715-1010 ext. 111 to learn more about group volunteering.


    For groups of 15+ people, VOC offers custom Team Stewardship Day volunteer opportunities. Learn more about Team Stewardship Days.

  • Can I bring my kids?

    The minimum age varies by project, based on the nature of the work and safety considerations. Volunteer opportunities are available for children as young as 6 years old; we recommend using the filters on our volunteer calendar to find appropriate volunteer opportunities.


    Please note that youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on single-day projects. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on overnight projects.  

  • Can I bring my pets?

    No. While we love our pets, we unfortunately cannot allow them on projects due to safety considerations, their impact on wildlife, and other risks involved. 

  • Can I complete my community service hours through VOC?

    Yes! Whether you’re a student in need of community service hours or need to complete court-ordered community service for a non-violent offense, you can earn your hours on a VOC project. Learn more here.


    Register for any project on our volunteer calendar and bring any paperwork you need signed to your project; a VOC project manager will sign off on your hours at the end of the project. Click here to learn more about the process. 


    Please note: youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult on single-day projects (16 & 17-year-olds must have signed adult permission), and minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on overnight projects.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

  • Are there other ways for me to help on a project?

    Yes. We are often in need of people to assist with tool organization and transport, take photographs, or blog about projects! Check out our Volunteer Leadership & Project Support options here.

  • What are volunteer leaders and how do I become one?

    VOC projects rely on dedicated volunteers to serve as:

    • Crew Leaders –  Guide other volunteers in small groups of 8-10 people throughout each project; teaching them what they need to know and ensuring everyone has a safe, fun and rewarding experience;
    • Crew Chefs – Keep volunteers happy and well-fed by planning and preparing snacks and meals on all VOC projects, including single-day and multi-day trips;
    • Tool Managers – Ensure volunteer crews are well-equipped by organizing and transporting the necessary tools.

    All volunteer leaders must undergo the proper training. Click here or contact Ben Kromash to learn more about these opportunities.

  • I am unable to attend VOC projects. Are there other ways to help?

    Yes! If you are unable to make our scheduled projects, you can help care for Colorado by:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ready to volunteer? View the 2024 Spring Projects and register for a project today!

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