Augusta Volunteer Collective 2025
Are you interested in participating in the Augusta Volunteer Collective program? Please read the general volunteer collective program information and FAQ below before applying. Email Volunteer Coordinator Ty Wilson (tyler.w@augustaartsandculture.org) with any questions!
Not interested in taking classes, but love our mission and want to volunteer your time and skills? We’d love to have you and you don’t need to go through the regular Volunteer Collective application process. Please email tyler.w@augustaartsandculture.org with the subject line ‘Volunteer’ and let us know that you aren’t interested in taking classes, but would be interested in volunteering. Also tell us a little about your skills and interests, as well as your availability. We are always happy to welcome more volunteers into our programs! We can use your help throughout the year but can especially use it before, during, and after our summer programming in July (the whole month of July) and most especially on the day of the Augusta Festival: July 26th, 2025!
About volunteering at Augusta:
The Augusta Heritage Center would not be able to offer such robust summer programs and evening activities without the generosity and dedication of members of the Augusta Volunteer Collective. In 2024 more than 50 volunteers donated their time towards ensuring another successful summer of programming in exchange for no cost classes and access to all of our various evening concerts and dances. We have various crews that specialize and help with administrative/office duties, hospitality, concerts, and logistical operations. With any large-scale event such as Augusta’s summer programs, there are many moving parts and a lot of last-minute details that need to be completed behind the scenes. For the majority of the year Augusta has a very limited office staff, which is why we need lots of additional support before, during, and after our summer programs. This is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the magic of Augusta while learning more about how it all comes together and getting to meet and connect with lots of awesome folks!
We will accept volunteer collective applications to our office/inbox but we do prefer that you apply through the application link provided at the top of this page.
What Augusta Volunteer Collective participants will receive:
In exchange for volunteering with the Augusta Volunteer Collective, members can participate in a variety of Augusta programs. As a rule of thumb, members of the Volunteer Collective can expect to receive no cost attendance for one week of classes in exchange for 20 hours of volunteering during summer programming. Volunteer Collective members can also choose to volunteer for fewer hours to receive reduced cost tuition. Volunteers who will only be in Elkins for the week they wish to attend will be able to volunteer for 20 hours while attending classes, but can expect a busy week. Some critical positions require fewer hours of volunteering each week to receive tuition for one week of classes. Tuition exchange can carry over to other programs throughout the year if it is arranged in advance. For example, if you volunteer for 20+ hours and do not use your tuition exchange during the summer program, you would be able to use it during other programs such as the October Old-Time Retreat, Spring Sing, or the Augusta Irish Retreat.
Volunteer Collective members will also be able to participate in all Augusta evening events. Please see individual volunteer descriptions for more details. Volunteers will need to pay for their own transportation and personal expenses, as well as any applicable housing, meal, or craft materials fees.
Volunteer position details:
We have five volunteer crews that help make our summer program run. You will indicate which crew(s) best suit your skills and interests when you apply:
— Administrative: Love being a friendly face? Administrative volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring our operations run smoothly. Duties include assembling registration packets, working the registration table to welcome attendees during Sunday check-in, answering questions with a smile, and assisting office staff with administrative tasks. This is a great fit for those who enjoy interacting with people and being part of a team.
— Logistics: Be the backbone of our events! Volunteers on the Logistics Crew assist with setting up and maintaining a welcoming environment for participants. Tasks include helping attendees move into dorms, moving and organizing items needed for classes and performances, and ensuring everything is in its place for smooth operations. This role is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on work and keeping things organized.
— Evening Crew: Be part of the excitement at Augusta’s lively concerts and dances! Evening crew volunteers assist by taking tickets, ushering attendees to their seats, assisting with the Augusta Store and ensuring events run smoothly. This role is perfect for those who enjoy being part of the action and contributing to the energy and joy of these unforgettable evenings.
— Prep and Teardown: Be a critical part in ensuring all participants arrive to a campus that is setup and ready to host. This crew helps with setting up campus before programming begins (July 5-6, 2025) and resetting the campus after programming ends (July 27-29, 2025).
— Technical Crew: Be apart of the backstage team that makes our series of concerts and dances a reality. Volunteer roles include stagehands, technical assistance, and many other opportunities. This crew requires the most prior experience and specialized knowledge. If you think you are a good candidate please select this position when you are applying, and expect a follow up from our technical director to gauge your specific skills and knowledge.
Length: Each of our weeks is 7 days in length, operating Sunday through Saturday. Email Ty if you have questions about a specific position.
The Ideal Augusta Volunteer Collective Member:
Joining our team as a Volunteer Collective member is a major commitment, and at times is hard work. It is, however very rewarding opportunity and can be fun too! You will be an ideal candidate if:
- You are at least 18 years of age (as of July 1 of the applicable year)
- You are willing to volunteer for multiple shifts in between your classes and in the evenings
- You don’t mind occasional manual labor and getting dirty (if the need arises)
- You are punctual, responsible and trustworthy
- You love Augusta and want to contribute to its success
To join us, please read over the various volunteer crews and choose the position that is the best fit for your skills and interests and then submit your application.
Augusta Volunteer Collective FAQ
Q: Do I need to register if I have applied for a volunteer position?
A: You do not need to register or pay until you have received notification of your acceptance into the volunteer collective. At the time of your acceptance, Ty will reach out with further instructions about registration. The only exception to this rule is to please let Ty know if you are interested in taking a craft class.
Q: How do I apply to be a Volunteer?
A: Click the application link HERE and complete the online application. If you are having any difficulties, you can email tyler.w@augustaartsandculture.org
Q: Are there any fees required to submit the application?
A: There is no fee or deposit required to apply to be a volunteer collective participant.
Q: How many Volunteer Collective participants are accepted each year?
A: We have a variety of positional needs that fluctuate but typically need around 15-20 volunteers per week and many additional hands during the Augusta Festival.
Q: What is the acceptance process?
A: Priority is given to those who send in their application by May 1st but we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis. If you are concerned about position availability near the beginning of programming please reach out to Ty by email at tyler.w@augustaartsandculture.org. We look for folks with previous experience with Augusta but are also very receptive to first-timers. For each week we try to have a diverse set of volunteers with varying degrees of Augusta experience.
Q: Who does the scheduling?
A: Volunteer Coordinator Ty Wilson will do the initial scheduling but for specific positions such as the logistics crew Ty will put you into contact with the appropriate staff member. The range of hours required for each position is flexible and Ty will work with you to find a schedule that is mutually beneficial to both you and Augusta. If something does come up and you are no longer able to attend or volunteer please contact us as soon as possible so that we can fill your position or remove your application.
Q: When do I get my schedule?
A: Acceptance and scheduling will go hand in hand. If you are a good fit for the volunteer collective Ty will reach out and work with you to create a schedule. If you aren’t able to volunteer for 20 hours we can still offer reduced tuition. As positions are filled scheduling becomes increasingly complex so apply early!
Q: Is there an age limit for Volunteer Collective participants?
A: Applicants must be 18 years of age by July 6th (the first day of our programming).
Q: Can I apply for more than one week a summer?
A: Yes, you can apply for more than one week of the summer. (You can also volunteer during the summer and later attend a different Augusta camp or conference). However, we prefer to share the opportunities with as many people as possible so if we receive a higher volume of applications than normal it may not be possible to do multiple weeks. Lastly, please keep in mind that volunteers will still need to pay for any housing, meals, and any other non-tuition fees.
Q: Can I volunteer during one week and take classes in another?
A: Yes! This makes scheduling much simpler and allows volunteers more time to enjoy the week they attend classes. This is a great option for local volunteers. However, please keep in mind that volunteers will still need to pay for any housing, meals, and any other non-tuition fees in any week that they are on campus.
Q: Can I volunteer in exchange for someone else’s tuition?
A: We are always working to find ways to reduce the cost of attending Augusta. In addition to our volunteer program, we also offer scholarships through our Augusta Scholarship Program. Often parents want to volunteer in exchange for their child’s tuition. We strongly prefer that the volunteer collective positions be filled directly by the student who will be taking classes. However, if you would like to inquire about this possibility, please contact us before applying.
Q: What if my availability changes?
A: Please email Ty Wilson (contact info at the top of this page) or call 304-637-1209 Ext. 2 as soon as you know there is a change in your schedule. We appreciate your timeliness on this issue, and appreciate your consideration.
Q: When do I check in?
A: Most of the volunteer collective positions start with registration on the Sunday of your week, but you will be receiving an email in the weeks leading up to programming with more details.
Q: Who supervises the Volunteer Collective Crews?
A: We have a Volunteer Coordinator (Ty Wilson) who is responsible for coordinating shifts, delegating tasks, and being on hand to problem-solve any issues that arise within the crew. A few specific positions will be coordinated directly with other supervisors that Ty will introduce you to. Ty will work directly with the rest of the Administrative Team to ensure that all needs are met each day.