Volunteer FAQs

Volunteer information for each Games can be found on their respective pages.  Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions about volunteering for the BC Games.

How do I volunteer for the Games? There is a separate online volunteer registration site for each Games.  Each Host Society will also release a paper form that can be completed.  See Games-specific information: BC Winter Games  -  BC Summer Games or use the links to the right to register for a specific Games.
What volunteer positions are available? As many as 3,200 volunteers are needed to stage the Games.  Positions are divided into planning areas and volunteer are assigned to specific tasks.  The online volunteer registration site and the paper form will show the positions available.  When you register, you indicate up to two areas of interest for you volunteer work for the Games.
What happens after I register? After your registration is received (via the online system or paper form) you will be contacted by a Volunteer Management Chair (who is also a volunteer) to discuss the positions available within the selected area(s) of interest.  The Volunteer Management Chair will provide you with an overview of the tasks available within your selected area(s) of interest and help you select a task that you will be assigned to.  You will then be contacted (likely in the last month or before the Games, depending on the position) by the Chair responsible for their area you will be working in.  The Chair will schedule you for your volunteer shifts and will provide details about your specific role/duties and any necessary training.
How long can I volunteer for? Generally volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one 4 hour shift.  Many volunteers want to do more and that is greatly appreciated.  The length of the shifts and the timing of shifts will depend on the position.  The Volunteer Management Chair will provide you with an overview when she/he connects with you (after you have registered).
What do I get as a volunteer? All volunteers will receive an accreditation badge so that they are easily identifiable and a Volunteer Appreciation Event will be held after the Games (see Games-specific information: BC Winter Games - BC Summer Games).
Will training be provided? A Gamestime session, conducted by WorldHost, will be available for all Games volunteers.  Sessions will be scheduled throughout the months leading up to the Games and will be posted on the website (See Games-specific information: BC Winter Games - BC Summer Games).  See more information about the Gamestime session.  Specific training, if necessary for the position you are assigned to, will be coordinated by the Chair responsible for the respective area.
Can I attend Games events when I am not volunteering? All competitions are open to the public and are free of charge.  Tickets are not needed to watch.  When you are not volunteering you are welcome and encouraged to watch some of the action.  The Games feature some of the best athletes in the province, so you are bound to see some exciting competition.  The Opening Ceremony, which is held on the Thursday of the Games, is also open to the public and free of charge.  Depending on the venue, seating may be limited; therefore a ticketing system may be in place.  The Closing Ceremony, held on Sunday in the early afternoon, is also open to the public.  See Games-specific information: BC Winter Games - BC Summer Games for details (which will be available closer to the Games).

About 3 months out from the Games a Torchlighting Ceremony is held.  This begins the official countdown to the Games.  All volunteers and the public are encouraged to attend.  Look for details on the Games-specific pages BC Winter Games - BC Summer Games.

Do I have to undergo a criminal records check? Some positions will require volunteers to undergo a criminal records check.  If you are assigned to a task that requires a criminal records check to be completed you will be contacted with details about how to proceed.
When will training take place? The Gamestime sessions, conducted by WorldHost, will be scheduled throughout the months leading up to the Games and will be posted on the website (See Games-specific information: BC Winter Games - BC Summer Games).  Specific training, if necessary for the position you are assigned to will be coordinated closer to the Games, likely in the few weeks leading up to the Games.
Who do I contact for questions? When you are contacted by the Volunteer Management Chair, she/he will provide you with her/his contact information and will also provide you with the contact information for the Chair responsible for the area you will be volunteering in.

Volunteer for Upcoming Games

BC Games Society - 200 - 990 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3K2