Welcome to the Best Volunteer Gig Ever

If you're volunteering for a duck race, congratulations — you've scored the most fun volunteer shift in the nonprofit world. Thousands of rubber ducks. Hundreds of cheering families. And you get to be part of making it all happen. Here's everything you need to know.

Volunteer Roles Explained

Duck races need volunteers in several key areas:

• Setup Crew: Arrive early to assemble tents, position signage, and prepare the venue. Physical work but it goes fast with a team.

• Registration & Sales: Staff the duck adoption tables, process sales, and help with check-in. Friendly and outgoing people thrive here.

• Activities Team: Run the kids' zone, manage games, oversee face painting, and keep energy high. Great for high-school volunteers.

• Course Marshals: Monitor the duck race course, ensure safety, and communicate duck positions. You're basically a duck lifeguard.

• Duck Wranglers: Deploy ducks at the start and collect them at the finish. The most hands-on, splashy role!

• Crowd Management: Direct foot traffic, manage spectator areas, and answer questions. Your friendliness sets the tone.

• Teardown Crew: End-of-event cleanup. Leave the venue better than you found it.

What to Expect on Race Day

• Arrive at your scheduled check-in time (usually 1-2 hours before gates open)

• Attend the volunteer briefing — this is where you get your assignment and supplies

• Wear your volunteer t-shirt and comfortable shoes (you'll be on your feet!)

• Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks — though most events provide volunteer refreshments

• Shifts typically run 3-4 hours — you'll still have time to enjoy the race!

Tips for Being an Amazing Volunteer

• Smile and be approachable — you're the face of the event for many attendees

• Know the basics: Where are the restrooms? Where's the food? When does the race start?

• If you don't know an answer, direct people to a team captain or information booth

• Stay hydrated and take breaks when you need them

• Have fun! Your energy is contagious — when volunteers are having a blast, everyone else does too

Why Volunteering Matters

Every duck race volunteer contributes directly to fundraising success. The smoother the event runs, the more ducks get adopted, the more people enjoy themselves, and the more money goes to the cause. You're not just setting up tents and directing traffic — you're helping change lives.

Organizations report that their best volunteers become their biggest advocates, returning year after year and recruiting friends to join. Duck race volunteering isn't a one-time gig — it's the beginning of a tradition.

Ready to Volunteer?

Contact the organizing group in your community and ask how to get involved. If you're an organization planning a duck race, share this guide with your volunteer corps. Derby Duck Races celebrates volunteers — you're the ones who make the magic happen!