Volunteers

Helpful links

Roles

Help educate close to 5,000 students about respecting and conserving valuable water resources. We have different opportunities and roles for you.

  • Join our Organizing Committee. Help us plan and organize the festival.
  • Be a facilitator. Bring an activity centre to the event and engage students in your own water-related activities.
  • Volunteer in person during the festival. Deliver exciting activities and other related duties.

If you require any further information, please contact Beatriz Gomez at:

waterfestival@wwcgf.com or 289-834-3730

Register to Volunteer

What to expect during the festival

Example agenda

If you are volunteering during the in-person festival we ask for a minimum of one full day commitment (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

8:30 a.m.
Arrive at the festival’s location. Follow the instructions received during registration and the enclosed site map. Please meet at the volunteer tent. After registration and introductions you will be taken to your activity centre for “hands-on” training.

9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Over 800 elementary school students arrive to learn at the 50 activity centres – including yours!

Between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. you will have a short break to eat and rest. We provide a free lunch for volunteers, including a sandwich, fruit, drink, and dessert. If you have a large appetite, please feel free to bring you own snacks.

1:45 to 2 p.m.
Clean up your station and take inventory. Return to the Volunteer tent for a 10-minute wrap up session. Head back to school/home. The kids thank you!

Quick facts

When?

The 2026 Festival takes place on school days from Friday, May 22 to Thursday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. on the day you are helping out.

Where?

The 2026 festival will be held at Marden Park, (7384 Marden Road, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2).

Tips!

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you will spend most of the day standing.
  • To identify that you are an activity leader, you will receive a Children’s Groundwater Festival apron (provided for the day) when you arrive. Consider this when choosing what to wear.
  • Activities run rain or shine – so please dress accordingly. Chances are, you will be outside most of the day. Please wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty or wet.
  • Read through your training manual. It is short but will give you all the information you need to run your centre.