Forms
Volunteer Info » Why Volunteer? : FAQs : Stay Connected : Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
I have been on the website and read through the awesome trip schedule. Now what? Thank you for interest in our program! Please fill out the application page with your contact information, trip title, and dates of participation. You will be contacted soon by a volunteer coordinator. Next, download the registration form for your trip. Print the form, fill in the blanks, and mail it to us to reserve your place. You will hear from someone shortly confirming your spot. Please note that not every application can be accepted due to trip difficulty or availability.
Free Gift Membership When You Volunteer
Do I need to be a member of the Grand Canyon Trust? When you volunteer with us, you receive a free 1-year membership.
Health and Liability Insurance Coverage
Does the GCT provide insurance coverage while I am volunteering? GCT does not carry or maintain health, medical or disability insurance coverage for any volunteer.Volunteers are required to have and show proof of their own medical insurance coverage. If you do not have health insurance, there are several temporary insurance coverage options we can recommend and most options cost around $50. Click here for a temporary insurance option link. In the event of injury or illness requiring evacuation, the cost of evacuation and treatment will be the responsibility of the participant. Participants are required to submit a Health Statement and sign a Waiver and Release of Liability agreement before participating in any trip.
Transportation
What does the GCT provide? In some instances, we can provide transportation to and from the project area from our base in Flagstaff on a first-come, first-served basis, and we encourage volunteers to carpool. It is your responsibility to get to the Flagstaff office or meet us at the project site. Please contact the Volunteer Program with transportation inquiries for a specific trip. Click here for a PDF map to GCT headquarters.
What if I am flying? What are the different options to get to Flagstaff? You can fly into Phoenix or Flagstaff, which typically costs significantly more. If arriving in Phoenix, you can prearrange a shuttle from the airport to downtown Flagstaff, take the Greyhound, or rent a car/van. Shuttle services include Arizona Shuttle and Open Road Tours.
Lodging
Where will I stay the night before the work week? Often, out of town volunteers/groups will arrive the evening before the trip and look for a place to stay. You may camp in various areas around Flagstaff, reserve a room in a hotel, or look into the Grand Canyon International Hostel a favorite of many of our volunteers and located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff.
Where do we stay while working on the project?The housing situation depends on the project area. We have a few options, ranging from rustic cabins with running water (such as Kane Ranch or Mangum Camp) to car camping or backpacking. Each trip description will tell you the specific accommodations so you can plan accordingly.
Cost
How much does it cost to volunteer with the Grand Canyon Trust?
We take pride in providing all of our volunteer trips for FREE. We do not charge for food, transportation, or housing. Consequently, we always appreciate donations so we can continue to offer these great opportunities at no cost.
Trip Cancellation Policy
What if I sign up for a trip and have to cancel?
In an effort to defray the expenses lost from last minute cancellations we will collect a $100 refundable deposit only for trips that require significant logistics and cost. This deposit will be fully refunded upon completion of the trip. Reservations canceled greater than 30 days before the trip start date will receive a 50% refund only if we are able to both: 1) fill your spot, and 2) fill the trip. Cancellations less than one month before the trip start will not receive any refund. The sooner you inform us of your need to cancel, the greater the opportunity to fill the trip and refund part of your fee. Remember we do not want your money, just your commitment to participate in the projects that you sign up for.
Grand Canyon Trust reserves the right to cancel any trip due to conditions such as inclement/dangerous weather or low enrollment. In the event of a trip cancellation, your entire trip deposit will be refunded. We will notify you as far in advance as possible should this become a reality. Grand Canyon Trust is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by participants (e.g. equipment, gear, non-refundable airfare, etc). Grand Canyon Trust reserves the right to disqualify a participant(s) at any time during a trip if he/she poses a risk to their own or the group's health, well-being or safety. Under these circumstances, no refund will be provided.
Please do not book non-refundable travel until you have received confirmation of your acceptance for the trip. Participants encouraged to consider trip cancellation insurance, which protects you against financial loss if you must cancel or interrupt a trip because of illness or injury to yourself, a family member, or traveling companion.
Food
Is food provided on the trip? The Volunteer Program coordinators know how to cook and eat! We love to share menu ideas and provide three meals a day, unless noted otherwise, during the work week.
What if I have special dietary needs? The registration form has a section on food preference, allergies, and special needs. We take your needs seriously and can adapt our menu accordingly. If a dietary need is extremely specialized, you may need to provide some fixings, but you will find we do a tasty, amazing job keeping you full and happy.
Gear
What is provided by the Trust? What do I need to have? You must provide your own camping gear and equipment. We have some gear that we can loan to individuals or groups. After you sign up for your project, you will receive a pack list describing in detail what you need for a great trip.
Age
Is there an age requirement to participate in a project? What requirements are there for experience? In order to join a project on your own, you must be 18 years old or older. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must be accompanied by an adult. You don't need experience in the project focus area, but we highly suggest that you are physically and mentally willing, able, and responsible to do the work for which you are signing up. The projects listed on this website are rated by difficulty to ensure that you end up on the right trip, creating a safe and effective work atmosphere for all involved.
Trip Ratings
- Easy — Short walks on relatively even terrain, work project with minimal bending and lifting, usually day trips only.
- Moderate — Shorter backpacks, tent/car camping or rustic ranch facility with long day hikes often on uneven ground. Work projects requiring lifting, bending and working several hours each day with tools. These trips are for people in good shape ready for a full day of activity.
- Strenuous — Long backpacks on established trails or car-camping or rustic ranch facility trips with long day hikes and demanding physical work. The work projects may include heavy lifting, bending, shoveling, picking, and/or hand sawing. These trips are for energetic, fit people comfortable camping in remote areas.
- Challenging — Longer backpacks, involving off-trail hiking, sometimes with significant elevation changes. Backpack weight averages 50-60 lbs. The work projects may include heavy lifting, bending, shoveling, picking, and/or hand sawing. These trips are very challenging and require excellent aerobic conditioning, past experience in outdoor settings and familiarity with backcountry camping.
Staff
I have never done a trip in the backcountry before. What if someone gets sick or injured? What qualifications do your leaders have? Our staff members are professional outdoor leaders who are not only knowledgeable about the projects and work areas, but they are also certified in either Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder. This means each leader has gone through rigorous training to become fluent in outdoor medicine. We also are trained in "Leave No Trace" and practice these environmental ethics on each trip.
Giving Back
What if I can't participate on a project, but would like to contribute to conservation across the Plateau? Thank you. If you can't make a trip, you can become a member, make a donation, or tell a friend about us. There are many ways to get involved to help with the sustainability of our organization and our program.
The Work
Will I have a good time, meets lots of interesting people, and do meaningful, on-the-ground work? Yes!!! Read our testimonials page to hear first-hand from our volunteers about their experience.
