2025 Volunteer and Vendor Information

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS

VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN STARTS AT 10AM, HUDDLE IS AT 10:30AM

VOLUNTEER SHIFT: All volunteers will serve from 11am – 3pm with (1) 15 min break; lunch and drinks are provided.

WELCOME VIDEO

EVENT DAY MAP

VENDOR AND VOLUNTEER MAP

Below is a detailed list of instructions of what we ask of our amazing volunteers along with information about what time to arrive, where to meet and what is requested:

1. Volunteers can be high school age and above. 
2. The Foster Festival Event for the children in the foster care system and their foster families starts at 11:00 am and goes to 3:00 pm.
3. Given the sensitive nature of this event, please do not share the date, time or place on the public Internet or on any social media. Additionally, photos cannot be taken showing the faces of any of the children in the foster care system except those approved by Arizonans for Children.
4. Please be careful not to refer to the children as “foster” children. They are simply children to be blessed on this day set apart specifically for them and their foster families. 

Event Day:

1. We ask that all volunteers please dress comfortably and modestly. Please, no jeans with holes in them. The weather can change from the early morning to the afternoon. If it is chilly that day, you may want to plan on wearing layers. It typically warms up around 11:00 am.
2. All volunteers will need to park at Phoenix College (1.5 miles away-see more details below) at 1202 W Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013. There will be a shuttle bus running to and from Enchanted Island Amusement Park starting at 9:00 am with the last shuttle running until 4:00 pm.
3. If you have a number of people carpooling with you, you may drop everyone off at Enchanted Island first and then head over to Phoenix College to catch a shuttle back to Enchanted Island. Just let the parking attendant know that is what is happening.
4. Once at the park, please sign in at the marked VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN table located at the cement circle at the front entrance of the park. Please note: for security purposes in order to enter the park, you must have completed the Volunteer Registration Form prior to the event so that your name will be included on the Volunteer Check-In Sheets. 2/21/25: The Registration window has closed and we are no longer accepting volunteers.
5. Please allow enough time in the morning to park at Phoenix College, get shuttled over to Enchanted Island, sign-in and then gather for the 10:30 am huddle at the Ramada right next to the sign-in station where assignments and further instructions will be provided.
6. 2/21/25: The volunteer registration form has been closed, we are no longer accepting volunteers. Please do not bring anyone extra that did not register, they will not be able to enter the event.
7. Volunteers will be given a t-shirt at the Volunteer Check-In Table. If you are coming as a group and wish to wear shirts with your company logo, you are most welcome and encouraged to do so.
8. At check-in, Volunteers will receive a map of the layout of all the stations. Included will be your assigned station(s), break schedule and a specific number that will direct you to your Team Captain. Please be sure to hold on to that paper and immediately head over to the Ramada for the 10:30 am huddle before gates open at 11:00 am.
9. At the huddle Ramada, Team Captains over each of the volunteer serving stations will be holding up a numbered sign. Please find the Team Captain holding the numbered sign that matches the number you received at check-in where you will receive further instructions.
10. We sincerely ask that all Volunteers serving please be on time for the 10:30 am huddle. This is where Volunteers will receive direction and final instructions related to the area where serving and have a chance to ask any questions before the gates open at 11:00 am.
11. Please be mentally and physically prepared for a long, busy and exciting day, but also be ready to be blessed in ways you never expected.
12. There will be assigned Runners (identified wearing bright yellow vests) for each service area of the park who will take care of the needs of the volunteers as well as those serving in booths, as mascots, and the performers, etc. (Runners will deliver to you the free hot dogs, chips, water, provide bathroom breaks, supply replenishments, etc.).
13. If the free hot dogs are not desirable, please feel free to bring yourself a sack lunch.
14. We ask that those volunteering, performing or in booths please not stand in any of the food, activity or ride lines. These lines are for our guests only. Thank you for understanding this day is about these precious children and their foster families.
15. Please communicate any needs or any issues that may come up with your Team Captain(s) in your service area. If necessary, your Team Captain will contact us to take care of any concerns or special needs.
16. Please do not bring anything that could be misplaced or stolen, i.e., purses, backpacks, etc. Bring only things that will fit in your pocket, i.e., driver’s license, keys, etc. If bringing a purse or backpack is necessary, lockers are available at Enchanted Island Amusement Park on a first come, first served basis. You will need 4 quarters to rent a locker for the day (quarters only). 
17. Please do not bring your children, younger siblings, or friends who will not be volunteering so you can fully serve without distraction. 
18. Please wear plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
19. If you are available and willing to stay until 3:45pm at the latest to help with the quick cleanup and teardown, it would be most appreciated but not required. As you know the saying, “many hands make light work.” The Shuttle will get volunteers back to the college parking lot up until 4pm.

Special note for stylists serving in our “hair salon”.The age of children who are able to receive haircuts is 12 years and above. Please bring your preferred cutting tools. There will be basic haircuts provided as well as styling. Please bring any accessories you would like to donate (ribbons, hair bands for braiding etc…) Stools, tables, product, capes will be provided. The salon will also be doing nails. Children of an and children of any age can have their nails done. 

VENDOR INSTRUCTIONS

VENDOR CHECK-IN AND SETUP STARTS AT 10AM

EVENT DAY MAP

VENDOR AND VOLUNTEER MAP

Below is a detailed list of instructions of what we ask of our wonderful vendors along with information about what time to arrive, where to go and what to bring.

1. Please ensure you can host your booth for the entire event, February 22, 2025, 11am to 3pm
2. Plan to have materials for at least 2000 individuals
3. No pets are allowed
4. No additional guests outside of those needed to support your booth are allowed
5. We ask that those volunteering, performing or in booths please not stand in any of the food, activity or ride lines. These lines are for our guests only. 
6. Given the sensitive nature of this event, please do not share the date, time or place on the public Internet or on any social media. Additionally, photos cannot be taken showing the faces of any of the children in the foster care system except those approved by Arizonans for Children.

Event Day:

• Vendor check-in starts at 10:00 am.  Please go to the vendor check-in table at the main entrance.  You will get your vendor lanyard and directions to your booth. 
• You can unload in the main parking lot at Enchanted Island, but then park your vehicle at Phoenix College and take the shuttle back.  The shuttle runs from 9am – 4pm pm. See parking info at the end of these instructions.
• There will be assigned Runners for each service area of the park who will take care of the needs of the volunteers as well as those serving in booths, as mascots, and the performers, etc. (they will bring food, water, provide bathroom breaks, supply replenishment, etc.).
• Please wear plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat, stay hydrated and dress in layers if it is cold that day. It typically warms up around 11:00 am.

The parking lot at Enchanted Island will fill up fast, we have parking available at Phoenix College (behind the Circle K) 1202 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85013. A shuttle bus will run from Phoenix College to Enchanted Island from 9 am – 4 pm.