Volunteer

One day or one week, you can make an impact!

No Experience Required

Just you and a love for the Madison Scouts!

Cooking

The Madison Scouts feed 200+ students, staff, and volunteers four meals a day. We are always looking for those willing to help prepare, serve, and clean up. You'll work along side our Food Service Manager and a great team of volunteers.

Event Staff

Forward Performing Arts sponsors three Drum Corps International events. Volunteers are needed for show-day operations including stadium setup/clean up, ticket services, handing out programs, an other duties assigned.

Sewing/Uniforms

Our sewing team helps make the Madison Scouts look great! Through making basic adjustments and repairs to uniforms, color guard costumes, and flags, you'll directly make an impact to how the our students look on the field.

Drivers

Do you like road trips? If so, this is the position for you! We are looking for CDL-A (tractor trailer) and non-CDL (van) drivers that are able to drive fleet vehicles on tour with the corps.

Local/On-site

Local/On-site volunteers assist when the Madison Scouts come to their town. This includes trips to/from the airport, helping source groceries, and other duties assigned.
A background check and SafeSport certification is required for all volunteers.

What will this cost me?

Your meals, housing, and show entry are all provided when you volunteer. You are only responsible for travel to and from the corps (airfare, bus fare, etc.) and any meals away from the corps.

What will a typical day be like?

In drum corps, there is no typical day. Daily schedules are available online, but last minute changes do and will happen. Here is an example of a typical rehearsal day:

7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Rehearse
11:30am Lunch
12:30pm Rehearse
4:00pm Dinner
5:00pm Rehearse/Member Meeting
9:45pm Snack
10:45pm Lights Out

Volunteers are expected to be available throughout the day to perform the duties for which you applied. A drum corps day changes from day-to-day and minute-to-minute. Be flexible, be calm, and be accommodating. It can be stressful, but also very rewarding.

Where and when do I sleep?

We begin our spring training at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where volunteers will sleep in dorm room beds and in a different building than the corps members. While sheets are provided, we recommend that you have your own bedding, blanket/sleeping bag, and pillow. The rooms do have air conditioning, if needed, and access to a community bathroom.

Once tour begins, we will be moving between housing sites (usually high schools) night after night. Volunteers should be prepared to get on/off a bus late at night and move into a separate sleeping area within the school. Also, it can be cold on the bus at night, so be sure that you have warm clothing. While we work to maximize sleep time, be prepared for a disruptive environment that can be improved by bringing ear plugs and an eye-mask. Most often you will be sleeping in a classroom with several other volunteers...which will likely include those who snore.

How do I connect with the corps on tour?

You will need to fill out the Volunteer Transportation form with any travel information (method of travel, arrival/departure times, etc.). This will help us make arrangements for you to meet the corps. The Volunteer Relations Coordinator, Tina Jameson, will be your point person. You and she will need to plan ahead so that you can connect with the corps upon your arrival. Tina will introduce you to your designated team and let you know where you will be sleeping plus any other pertinent information you may need to help get you started on tour.

Do I get to see all of the shows?

Volunteers all have specific duties before, during, and after shows. In most circumstances, volunteers will be able to see the Scouts perform. However, there may be times when your volunteer duties come first.
For further information contact:
Angela Pedroza
Volunteer Coordinator