Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog?

We love having your best friends along! We will require a short introduction on your pup - size, age, if they’ve been in group settings, especially in the backcountry, and anything else you’d like to add. This information will be shared to the rest of the volunteer group and as long as the group is comfortable with a furry friend joining us, then you can plan to bring them along! Unfortunately, the only projects we do not allow pets to attend are GSEP backpacking projects and Dry Fork Graffiti Remediation projects.

I’m over 70 years old, can I still volunteer?

You know what they say, you’re only as young as you feel! Experts suggest the best way to thrive in life is to live it to the fullest and never stop moving. We encourage all age ranges to attend a volunteer project. On the GSEP volunteer website, you can find project descriptions with expected physicality and exertion levels. 

I’m under 18, can I still volunteer?

Yes! We love seeing young people get involved. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to come with a parent or legal guardian. Depending on the project, there may be specific age requirements, so it’s best to reach out to confirm that the project is a good fit.

What is the bathroom situation?

We've got the bathroom situation 💩 well covered! When we’re camping near our cars, we set up a portable toilet system. If we’re out in the field, we use wag bags (lightweight kits that make it easy to pack out human waste). If pit toilets are available, we’ll use those. During campsite orientation, we will give a thorough demonstration on how to use a wag bag and portable toilet.

We will walk you through everything you need to know and provide all the supplies you need, so no stress if it’s your first time!

Do you feed me?

It depends! For non-backpacking multi-day projects, we cook every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and provide snacks to keep you going throughout the day!

For single-day or backpacking projects, you’ll need to bring your own food.

*For projects where we provide food, we’ll ask about any dietary needs when you sign up. We do our best to accommodate everyone, though keep in mind our kitchen is outdoors and shared. If you have severe allergies, we might ask you to bring your own food just to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Do you have camping equipment?

Yes, we’ve got you covered! We have tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, liners, chairs, and even things like cups, plates, utensils, or water bottles you can borrow. Just let us know what you need ahead of time, and we’ll do our best to get you set up.

We’ll also send you a packing list before the trip so you know exactly what to bring.

I can only volunteer for a part of the project, is that okay?

Maybe! Some trips are flexible, but others require full participation due to location or timing. Just check in with us first and we’ll let you know what’s possible.

Do I have to pay to volunteer?

For first-time volunteers on overnight projects, we ask for a $100 refundable deposit to hold your spot. You’ll get it back after the project, or you can choose to donate it to support the meals, logistics, and coordination that go into making it all happen.

But we don’t want the deposit to be a barrier: each project has two sponsored spots you can request in your application.

Returning volunteers don’t need to pay a deposit, though donations are always appreciated to help cover project costs!

Single day projects are FREE! 

Deposit policy

Volunteers who sign up for their first multi-day project with GSEP will need to submit a $100 deposit to secure their spot on the project. Once volunteers are notified that they are confirmed for a project, they will also be sent instructions to submit the deposit (if applicable). The $100 deposit will be returned to the volunteer once the trip is completed. The volunteer will also be able to donate the deposit. 

To secure a spot on a volunteer trip, volunteers must submit the deposit at least two weeks after receiving their confirmation email. If the deposit is not submitted within the two weeks, their registration will be canceled.

Deposits will be kept by GSEP if:

• Volunteers cancel their registration within two weeks of the project start date without a legitimate reason (listed below).

• Volunteers don't show up to the project on the start date without notification of a legitimate reason. 

Deposits will be returned to volunteers if:

• They notify GSEP staff of their cancellation at least 2 weeks before the start date of the project.

• If canceled later than two weeks before the start date, but there is a legitimate reason such as:

  • Sickness (Covid, flu, cold, etc.)

  • Injury 

  • Family emergency

• Volunteers request a deposit return at the end of an attended project. 

We do not want this deposit policy to be a barrier to attend one of our projects. Each multi day project will have two "sponsored" spots in which two volunteers will not need to submit a deposit. Volunteers can indicate if they would like to be considered for one of these spots on the application form.

Deposits will be returned to volunteers immediately if the event is canceled by GSEP for any reason.

Do I need to bring any tools?

No tools needed! We’ve got it all covered, including work gloves. If you have a special pair of gloves, safety glasses or any other PPE that you prefer to use, please feel free to bring them along.

Before the project, we’ll send you a list of what to bring. Usually it means sturdy shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, hat, and your glasses (prescription, sunglasses, or safety glasses). We’ve got the rest covered!

I have health issues, can I still volunteer?

Yes! When you sign up, we ask that you share any health conditions that might be relevant. This helps us plan ahead, ensure your safety, and be prepared in case something comes up during the project. 

Some projects are more physically demanding than others, and we’re happy to help you find one that works for you. Contact us!

I have ability limitations, can I still volunteer?

Absolutely. We want our projects to be as inclusive as possible. While some projects involve bending, lifting, digging, and hauling, others may have roles that can be adjusted to your abilities. Reach out to us! we’re happy to chat and see if we can work something out to match your abilities with the right opportunity.

Do I need any special skills or training?

Not at all! You don’t need any prior experience: just a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty! At the start of each project, we take time to walk through safety basics and will teach you all the skills you need, whether it’s how to use a tool or a wag bag!

What should I do if I have to cancel my registration?

Life happens... If something comes up and you can’t make it, just let us know as soon as you can. If you’re a first-time volunteer on a multi-day project, we ask for at least two weeks' notice of your cancellation in order to return your deposit unless you fall ill, receive an injury or a family emergency. Please refer to the Deposit Policy.

Can I have adult beverages on overnight trips?

We appreciate having a couple drinks after a long, hard day's work, however, we’re not at the club and ask that you know your limits. Please keep in mind, marijuana is not legal in the state of Utah. Safety is our number one priority, so help us help you stay safe! 

*Have a question we haven’t covered? Please feel free to email us at volunteer@gsenm.org and we will get back to you as soon as we can! Thank you for considering volunteering with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners!