Crew Details
All Shambhala Workers are called “Crew”
2013 Applications
are now available! Please read all the information on this page carefully before proceeding to the application.
ATTN: Returning 2012 Crew
Invites to re-register to work this year have gone out by email, please be sure to check your junk folder if you have not seen yours yet. Please email hr@shambhalamusicfestival.com if you haven’t received an email from us.
If you proceed through this page without a code, the system will charge you a deposit fee.
Benefits
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Free Admittance to festival (upon completion of scheduled shifts, your volunteer Deposit is returned)
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Arrive early and watch the festival come to life
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2 great locations for Staff Camping
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Free Parking within designated Staff Camping areas (Limited availability, overflow in Free Parking Lot. If you choose to Park & Camp in Starlight or Sunshine Camp Zones, regular parking rates apply.)
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One meal per 8.5 hr working shift for volunteers, two meals per 12 hr working shift for staff
What our Crew Says:
- Meeting all of the amazing people and making friends across B.C. and even across the world. – Seeruh Lautner via FB
- That great glowing feeling you get in your gut for giving back. – Blue Walker via FB
- Selfless service and being a part of the magical co-creative experience that is Shambhala.. - Gabriel Sawan McCay via FB
- Using my skills to help people when they need it most. Letting them know that the festival cares about their wellbeing. I am very proud of that. – June Bug via FB, First Aid
- Getting behind the scenes info and meeting the leadership team is definitely a huge plus for me. – Tanner McQuarrie via FB
- Always seeing the Love. Being a guest you don’t always see how hard the people of Shambhala are working to make this a beautiful place and to improve it every year. Love coming back and seeing the improvements and witnessing the change for the better and being a part of that change. Hearing suggestions and seeing those suggestions come to Life! – Lindsey Paige Fairweather via FB
Deposit
If you are a first time worker you must submit a REFUNDABLE $300 deposit with your application. This also applies if more than three years have passed since you last worked with us.
If you don’t already have a Paypal account and want more info, please CLICK HERE. Sorry, we don’t accept deposits via mail.
Expectations
Arrive to Your Shift on Time and Well Rested
Make sure you get enough rest. Photo by Cody Puckett.
We encourage festival workers to pack and use an alarm clock; there are no charging outlets available on the ranch so battery operated is best – they’re way more reliable than cell phones. Need a quiet(er) place to camp? We have a crew camping area tucked away from the showsite and stages.
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Pack Camp-Friendly Food
Drink plenty of water! Photo by Charlotte Dobre
Make sure you eat regularly, especially before the start of a shift – skipping a meal could make you cranky and that sucks – for you and our guests. We want to leave a positive impression on everyone we talk to throughout the festival keeping yourself fueled helps!
Remember: THERE IS NO POWER for refrigerators or hot-plates and campfires are banned (Propane stoves at campsites are OK).
Our Crew Kitchen is cafeteria style. We feed workers during shift and have a limited menu.
If you have allergies, sensitivities, additional needs or are just plain picky, we recommend that you plan to provide most meals for yourself – we can only accomodate standard meat or vegetarian meals, without variation.
You should start your shift with food and snacks in a backpack or bag to take to your post – the farm is large and there won’t be enough time for you to go back to your camp, even when you’re on a break. If you have a “bottomless stomach”, make sure you plan for extra snacks and meals – our Kitchen serves one meal per on-shift worker.
Above all, please think ahead to make sure you have the nourishment your body needs while you’re on shift.
What to Bring
Sometimes, you’ve gotta make your own shade. Umbrellas or parasols recommended! Photo by Keri Knapp
Whether it’s the scorching heat of mid-day or the to-the-bone chilliness at night and the wee hrs of the morn, temperatures are know to wildly fluctuate and change weather systems can quickly. Pack for all types of weather including warm water-proof shoes, extra socks, sunscreen, and a good hat for sun or rain. Comfort is the key to staying happy and healthy on the farm.
For more info on what to pack, check out Britz’s Guide to Festival Essentials.
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Limitations
We cannot accept workers who:
- Are under the age of 19
- Cannot legally work in Canada*
Non-Canadian citizens who are in Canada with a valid Canadian work visa, or have permanent resident status may work with us. Documentation must be provided in these cases.
Time Commitments
Minimum # Hours Required:
*Some workers will be scheduled for more than the minimum commitment depending on their role and availability; minimum hours provide a basic idea of expected commitment.
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SHOWTIME:
Showtime Volunteers:
- 34 hour time commitment = 4 x 8.5 hour shifts
- 2 of your shifts will fall on the four days that the stages are open (between Thurs evening to Monday noon)
- Most shifts are as follows: Early Morning – 6am-2:30pm. Afternoon – 2pm-10:30pm, and Overnight – 10pm-6:30am. Shift Preference will be given to returning volunteers.
- One meal* per shift is provided to showtime volunteers. Coffee, water, and snacks* are also provided. (*May not be suitable for those with allergies or special diets)
- See “Job List” for available Volunteer positions.
Showtime Staff (Paid):
- minimum 60 hour time commitment
- Staff typically work 12 hour shifts daily for the duration of the festival.
- These positions are filled by seasoned, dedicated staff who come to the festival for the work experience and the satisfaction of working hard and enjoying the festival with their crew.
- Wages are position-based.
- 2 meals per working shift are provided by our Crew Kitchen
- Shifts are split between Day and Night shifts and typically run 6:00-6:00 or 8:00-8:00.
- See “Job List” for available Crew positions.
PRE-SHOW:
What is “Pre-Show”? Any position that operates for 2 weeks of the year or more.
Lots of our pre-show peeps come back year after year (it’s addicting), so there aren’t usually many open pre-show spots. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t apply! If you have skills you that fit with one of our Pre-Show crews and have some free time this summer, please apply!
Some positions begin as early as May (Labourers, Gardeners, Office Admin, etc.). These are usually filled by locals within commuting distance who have reliable transportation.
There are two primary Pre-Show work locations: the Salmo River Ranch in Salmo, BC (festival site) and our operations base, Shambhala Studios in Nelson, BC.
Pre-Show Volunteers:
- 50 hour time commitment
- Preshow – work must be completed during the 4 weeks of July preceeding the opening of the gates. Typically, a volunteer will stay on site (camping) and work one of the 4 weeks to complete his or her hours. These positions are mainly filled by skilled workers and those with previous volunteer experience at the festival are preferred.
- Postshow – work is for 5 days after the gates close to the public (Wed-Mon)
- 3 meals per day are provided to pre/post show workers by our crew kitchen.
- Once volunteer hours have been completed, preshow volunteers leave the farm and may return after the gates have opened to the public. For this reason, these positions are mostly filled by local workers.
- Volunteers may only work off one ticket – subsequent tickets cannot be earned. The ticket earned may be picked up at Will Call after gates open to the public.
- Positions available Preshow: Site, Garden, Reception, Kitchen, Shambhalodging.
- Positions available Postshow: Kitchen, Environment Crew, Site, Shambhalodging.
- See “Job List” for details on Pre & Post show crews.
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Training & Arrival to the Farm
What are past crew members saying about working with Shambhala?
“For 3 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at Shamabhala, and it is the job I’m most proud of on my resume.
I’ve learned better management skills than any textbook could teach from the amazing and strong leaders in the office, site and production. My fellow HR co-workers always share with me their uniqueness and successful approaches to customer service and interaction, and seeing the commitment from the sweetest volunteers is life changing. I feel like my work in the office allows me to maximize my potential and be my best self. It is a job I love to do and feel loved doing. Giving back as best I can to something that has given me so much is why I want to work at Shambhala.”
“My third at Shambhala was my first helping out.
I have to say, of the three years, the one where I volunteered was, without a doubt also the most fun…
Festivals like Shambhala are important not just for the music being played, but also as a space where people feel comfortable enough to do their “thing” — whether that be through dancing, hooping, engaging in drum circles, dressing up or whatever. If you’re reading this and are either at a loss as to what your “thing” may be, or already have a “thing” and want to give back even more, I’d highly suggest volunteering. Not only are you given the freedom to still enjoy the festival (largely) how you wish, but you also meet fantastic people and really do feel good walking back to your tent after a long night’s shift.”
“I love volunteering at Sham – it helps hugely with my budget, it gives me a great opportunity to meet people, make friends, and I love knowing that I’ve supported such a great festival. It’s fun to greet all the crew that comes in while working at Human Resources. It’s fast-paced and a tiny bit stressful in the most fun way imaginable.
I really enjoy working the pre-show days right before the festival. This gives me the chance to settle in, get to know all the volunteers and help out before the craziness starts.“
“I LOVE SHAMBHALA! that’s why.
I have had a really amazing time both years, and I would love to keep that going! Volunteering for the first time last year was such a neat experience, I felt more connected with the festival. It was a pleasure to be able to contribute and give back rather then just reap all the benefits. It gave me more appreciation for the staff, so much hard work!“
“I have so much more to offer Shambhala than money.”
“My first year at Shambhala last year uncovered alleys of love and acceptance previously unknown to me. It was a temple of receptivity, a garden fertilized with compliments, a sustainable setting on a family farm. Not only do the portals leading to these higher vibrations of humanity run rare, farms of this breed are key to our sustenance on earth. We are at a critical stage in existence where sustainable agriculture is crucial. An off the grid family farm resembles just this and I want to be a part of it. I want to learn, to grow, to exchange knowledge and create lasting friendships. To carry forth a blessed tradition that changed my life, I want to contribute to the Shambhalove.”
