Halton Children's Water Festival: home
6 kids sit at a table together and watch as a volunteer (out of frame) performs a demonstration
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS
The festival requires hundreds of community volunteers to run successfully each year. Volunteers roles include:
 
     
  • Activity Presenters
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  • Area Leads
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  • Area Lead Assistants
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  • Busing Support/Safety Patrol/Lunch Assistants
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  • Set-up & Tear down
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All volunteers receive a festival t-shirt and have snacks and a hot lunch provided each day they volunteer.
 
For inquiries about volunteering, please contact the Festival Coordinator at waterfestival@hrca.on.ca.
HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
two teenage boys wearing blue Halton Children's water festival t-shirt stand together, each holding a stuffed toy (eagle and fish), and smile
We invite grade 11 or 12 classes to participate as Activity Presenters at the festival. Classes such as Leadership, Biology and/or Environmental Science make for an ideal match. Working in pairs, students will present a hands-on, 15-minute water-related activity to groups of children over the course of the day. 
High school volunteers will gain experience in leadership, teaching, public speaking, community outreach and time management. They will also receive a Certificate of Appreciation, a free Water Festival t-shirt and a hot lunch.
Busing to and from the festival is provided free of charge. The festival also covers the cost of supply teachers who may be required to provide coverage for high school teacher(s) attending with their students.
Community Pathway Program volunteers play a vital role in the success of the festival by ensuring waste is properly sorted. Their efforts are supported by festival volunteers, Kelso operations and Halton Region Waste Management staff.
High school volunteer registration opens on June 10, 2024.
VOLUNTEER FAQ
What should I bring to the festival?- A re-fillable water bottle (water refill stations available on-site)
- Additional snacks or lunch items (no nuts)
*A pizza lunch and snacks are provided
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended

Note: Please wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the forecasted weather and closed-toed shoes.
How many high school volunteers can teachers bring to the festival?We recommend teachers bring enough student volunteers to fill a school bus.
Can high school students receive volunteer hours at the festival?Yes. All high school volunteers at the Halton Children’s Water Festival receive a formal letter to recognize their community involvement. The letter outlines volunteer responsibilities, volunteer date(s) and hours. For any additional information, please contact waterfestival@hrca.on.ca. 
Can I bring my own props and activity material?We do not recommend bringing in personal props or materials for festival activities.
Does the festival ever get cancelled?As an outdoor event, the Halton Children’s Water Festival runs rain or shine. The festival may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather, serious incident or other potential hazards. Festival staff regularly monitor weather forecasts and will notify all organizers, vendors, teachers and volunteers of cancellation by 6:00 a.m. on any given festival date.
Where is the Halton Children's Water Festival located?The festival is located at Kelso Conservation Area, 5234 Kelso Road in Milton, Ontario.
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