Thank you for stepping up to volunteer with us. The Celtic Festival depends on people like you to make it happen. Before we put you on the schedule, please read through the policies below. Submitting your volunteer registration confirms that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of them.

1. Who Can Volunteer

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers ages 16 and 17 require written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and must be paired with an adult volunteer during their shift. Volunteers under 16 may participate only when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also a registered volunteer.

Some roles are restricted to volunteers 18 and older, including gate and admissions, parking, athletic field marshals, VIP hospitality, and any role involving cash handling or alcohol-adjacent areas.

2. Commitment and Attendance

When you sign up for a shift, AHC builds the festival schedule around you. We ask that you treat your commitment seriously.

If you cannot make your scheduled shift, contact your team lead as soon as possible so we can find coverage. No-shows without notice make it harder for the volunteers who do show up, and may affect your eligibility to volunteer with AHC in the future.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your shift begins. Check in at the Volunteer Tent each day you serve.

3. Code of Conduct

AHC is a community organization, and the festival is a family event. We expect every volunteer to treat attendees, vendors, performers, clan representatives, sponsors, fellow volunteers, and staff with respect and courtesy.

The following are grounds for immediate dismissal from your volunteer role:

• Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind, including based on race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or age

• Threats, physical aggression, or violence

• Theft or damage to property

• Possession of illegal substances on festival grounds

• Reporting to a shift under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Disruptive behavior that interferes with the festival or other volunteers

AHC follows the same nondiscrimination standards in its volunteer program that it follows in its membership program.

4. Alcohol Policy

Volunteers may not consume alcohol before or during their assigned shift. This applies even if alcohol is being served at the festival. Once your shift ends and you have checked out at the Volunteer Tent, you are welcome to enjoy the festival as an attendee.

Volunteers assigned to roles involving alcohol service or beverage areas must be 21 or older and may be required to complete additional briefing.

5. Dress and Appearance

Volunteers will receive a festival t-shirt at check-in on their first shift. Please wear the volunteer t-shirt during all scheduled shifts. This is not required, but will make it  so attendees and staff can identify you easily.

If you are volunteering in a role that will have you walking the grounds, you must wear closed-toe shoes appropriate for walking on grass and uneven ground. Bring layers, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. The festival takes place outdoors in early September, and conditions can range from hot sun to evening cool.

Highland attire (kilts, sashes, clan colors) is welcome and encouraged when paired with the volunteer t-shirt.

6. Safety and Reporting

If you witness an emergency, an injury, or a safety concern, contact your team lead or role contact immediately or report to the Information Booth or First Aid Station. Do not attempt to resolve serious incidents on your own.

If you feel unsafe, harassed, or uncomfortable at any point during your shift, you may step away and report the concern to any board member or to the Volunteer Coordinator without consequence to your standing as a volunteer.

The Celtic Festival is held outdoors on historic grounds. Watch your footing, stay hydrated, and pace yourself.

7. Photo and Media Release

By volunteering at the Celtic Festival, you understand that AHC and its authorized representatives may photograph or record video at the event. These images may be used in AHC's promotional materials, including the website, social media, printed materials, sponsor reports, and future event marketing.

If you do not wish to appear in promotional photography or video, please indicate that on your volunteer form and notify your team lead at check-in. We will do our best to honor that preference, though we cannot guarantee that you will not appear in wide crowd shots.

8. Liability and Assumption of Risk

The Celtic Festival involves outdoor activity, athletic events, large crowds, and historic grounds. By volunteering, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and assume the ordinary risks associated with the event, including uneven terrain, weather, physical exertion, and exposure to sun and heat.

You agree to release AHC, the Appalachian Highland Celts board of directors, Tipton-Haynes Historic Site, and the festival's sponsors, partners, and affiliated organizations from liability for any injury, illness, loss, or damage incurred during your volunteer service, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign this acknowledgment on your behalf.

9. Confidentiality

Some volunteer roles may give you access to sensitive information, including attendee data, member contact information, financial transactions, or board communications. You agree to keep that information confidential during and after your volunteer service.

Do not photograph or share images of credit card readers, ticket scanners, cash boxes, or any document containing personal information.

10. Property and Equipment

AHC will provide the equipment and supplies needed for your role. Treat all festival equipment, including radios, signage, tents, tables, and tools, with care. Report damage or loss to your team lead promptly.

Personal belongings are your responsibility. AHC is not liable for lost or stolen personal items. We recommend leaving valuables at home or locked in your vehicle.

11. Volunteer Benefits

In appreciation for your time, volunteers receive:

• Free festival entry for all days you serve

• A festival t-shirt

• Lunch provided

Benefits are intended for the registered volunteer only and may not be transferred to family or friends who are not also registered volunteers.

12. Changes to Roles or Schedule

AHC reserves the right to adjust roles, shifts, and assignments as needed to meet the operational needs of the festival. We will do our best to honor your preferences, but flexibility is appreciated and often required.

If you are reassigned, your team lead will brief you on the new role.

13. Concerns and Feedback

If you have concerns during your shift, talk to your team lead first. If your concern is not resolved, or if it involves your team lead, contact the Volunteer Coordinator or any board member directly.

After the festival, we will send a short volunteer survey. Your feedback shapes how we plan and run future events. Please take a few minutes to share your honest experience.

14. Acknowledgment

By submitting your volunteer registration, you confirm that:

• You have read and understood the volunteer rules and policies above

• You agree to abide by them throughout your volunteer service with AHC

• The information you have provided on the volunteer form is accurate

• If you are under 18, your parent or guardian has reviewed and approved your participation

• You understand that AHC may remove you from the volunteer program for failure to follow these policies