Be Something Greater! Become a Volunteer! Earn cool stuff!
We need you! We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that uses our event to benefit other charities like the Mary S. Roberts Animal Adoption Center and Feeding America Riverside. We’re in GREAT need of helping hands to help us build something amazing! It doesn’t matter if you have no experience, we can teach you everything you need to know! Plus, now you can earn cool stuff just for helping out with our new Milestone Rewards Program!
Step 1: Register Here Step 2: Download Volunteer Guide Step 3: Visit VolunteerHub
The first step is to click the yellow button above to register as a volunteer. This will add you to our contact list so you can stay informed as a volunteer. Once you’ve done that, make sure you click the purple button to visit your VolunteerHub where you can see and sign up for volunteer days and track your milestones! Finally, we recommend joining our private volunteer Facebook group to make sure you know what’s going on.
Opportunities:
You do not need to possess any skills to help. We’ll teach you what you need to know, like:
- Set construction (Carpentry, scenic painting, fabrication)
- Set decoration (Placing props, applying decor)
- Tech Installation (Lights, sound, A/V, special effects)
- Haunt Operation (Crowd control, tech crew, actors)
- Setup/Strike (On location setup and disassembly)
For additional details of each phase and role on our team, click here.
All volunteers (or their guardian) will need to sign a liability waiver.
Our Season
Halloween Haunting Preparation:
3 weekends a month Sept-Oct
Halloween Haunting:
Thu-Sun nights Oct 15-30, & Oct 31st.
Certain seasons we exhibit our haunt at the huge Halloween convention Midsummer Scream in July. On these seasons we usually begin building in March.
Volunteers 17 or under will need a guardian’s permission to participate. Volunteers under 14 will need a guardian to be present and volunteer along side them.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with Gothic Hills Cemetery comes with perks! These can include:
- Meals during most workdays 6+ hours long
- Commemorative Volunteer T-Shirt when you reach your 2o hour milestone!
- Earn great awards with our volunteer milestone program!
- Access to the incredible Midsummer Scream convention in July.
- Awesome camaraderie while making incredible things!
- Learning production and creative skills!
- Helping Gothic Hills Foundation fulfill its mission of community enrichment and support
- Group gatherings and parties in the works!
Here are some common questions and answers:
How often do I need to work?
As often as you are able/willing. Generally, we do not require a minimum commitment. But during the convention or other events we do ask that volunteers who enjoy the perks of the event (tickets, etc), to put in at least 40 hours of work during the year.
What kind of work will be expected of me?
For events, you’ll be in charge of crowd control, technical crew, and informational staff. For building and setup, you’ll likely encounter tasks like scenery painting, foam carving/sculpting, set dressing, construction, special effects and audio setup are all part of the project. Don’t worry. If you can hold a paintbrush, you can help. We’ll teach you anything you need to know.
For additional details of each phase and role on our team, click here.
What about the heat?
Unfortunately, it’s a part of the build season. We do work through it, but provide plenty of shade, and also use industrial misting fans to help cool us down.
Do you feed us? What do I get for volunteering?
We do provide meals on most days where we’re working more than 6 hours. On days when we don’t provide a meal, you’re welcome to bring your own or contribute (voluntarily) $10 to the take-out order. We’ll let you know ahead of time if you need to bring lunch/dinner/etc. Be sure to let us know if you have any dietary needs.
Our volunteers are vital to our organization and highly appreciated. Aside from feeding you when you work, we have monthly drawings for Amazon gift cards, volunteer t-shirts, tickets to theme parks and more. If you help with Midsummer Scream, you’ll get in to see the convention for free, and a special T-Shirt. We also put your name “in the credits” on the haunted house, as well as provide VIP access to the haunt for your family and friends.
Can my children help? What is the minimum age?
Volunteers must be 16 or older to attend by themselves. Anyone ages 12-15 are welcome to lend a hand too, but a guardian be present by their side at all times and are fully responsible for their safety and behavior. Much of the work we do wouldn’t be appropriate for young children, and the build area can be dangerous.
Will there be a party?
Probably. We do like parties.
What is the schedule?
See Above. The schedule is subject to change depending on weather and production needs. Please make sure to stay tuned to the Facebook group (also above) for the latest details.