The Worktrade Application will be available starting February 1, 2024. We encourage folks to apply sooner rather than later!

Options for this are very limited. This can work well when a During Event position is paired with a Pre-Event position, but we do not allow folks to do more than one During Event position. Please note that if you are only available for Setup OR Breakdown, we cannot assign you to a Setup/Breakdown position, as these are typically full trades that we do our best not to split into partials.

Attendance Fee – We ask for a $40 attendance fee to help cover the cost of the venue and food for our kitchens so that we can provide the worktrade crew and staff with filling, nourishing meals. The $175 fee paid by partial worktraders includes the attendance fee and the cost of a discounted full-event ticket.

Refundable Deposit – We want to know that you will come, as we need the help you are agreeing to give! Over the years, refundable deposits have provided the best assurance of accountability. We will keep your deposit only if you don’t show up or don’t complete your hours for a reason we deem unacceptable. If an immediate family member dies or you break your leg, and/or you cancel by April 30, 2024, we will give back your deposit. If you decide to change your plans, your ride falls through, or you cancel after April 30th, we probably won’t give it back. We rely on worktraders to run this event, so please resolve what you need to resolve in order to follow through on your commitment! We thank you.

If you apply for a General Position, you can expect to hear from us within 10 business days. Please allow up to 15 business days for Specialty Position applications. We only process Worktrade Applications once the Worktrade Attendance Fee and Deposits are received. If you are mailing a check, please give adequate time for the check to get to us. If you do not hear from us within 10-15 business days, please contact our Worktrade Coordinator at [email protected].

We accept payment by credit/debit card upon submission of your online application. All Attendance Fees must be paid online. Your Refundable Deposit can be paid online upon submission of your application, or you can choose to send us a check if you apply prior to May 15th. Mailing a personal check is a great alternative for folks who don’t have the funds to pay online, as we will not cash your deposit unless you do not show up for your worktrade as agreed.

If you wish to pay your refundable deposit by check:

• Send a personal check for $75 for a Full Worktrade application or $50 for a Partial Worktrade application
• Make the check out to Firefly Gathering and put “WT Deposit” and the worktrade applicant’s name in the memo line
• Mail to the address included in the automatic email confirmation you’ll receive after submitting your application

By successfully completing your worktrade assignments and having a Firefly Staff sign off on your contribution to the gathering! If you complete your worktrade, we will refund your online payment or rip up your check.

Our worktrade positions require a lot of care and focus, and can involve equipment and activities dangerous to untrained people. For this reason, we do not allow children to hang out with you while you worktrade. Please arrange to have someone you trust care for your children’s needs during your worktrade shifts. If you are worktrading during setup/breakdown, please arrange to have your children cared for offsite. We are willing to consider exceptions if your child is 12 or older as long as they can safely be onsite without supervision and you are willing to be responsible for their needs, including food, in addition to your worktrade responsibilities. 

Please contact our Worktrade Coordinator at [email protected] if you have questions or would like to discuss options.

Yes! We are happy to offer a 20% discount on child and youth passes for the children of worktraders. Please note this discount is intended only for your children/those you parent, and is not available for additional kids that may come along with you. Please reach out to our Worktrade Coordinator at [email protected] for details.

Good question! We ask that if you have the capability to worktrade, do that so that our Equity Fund can support as many people as possible! It’s also a great way to be a part of the crew and help create the magic. If the Equity Fund is truly the only means available, then that’s what it’s for; but please be sure to read through the guidelines to ensure that you are a right fit for this discount. Sometimes the two can be combined, reach out to [email protected] for questions and details. 

Contact our Worktrade Coordinator with questions at [email protected].

These agreements are for all Firefly staff, instructors, worktrade crew leads, worktraders and board members, and anyone else who holds a position of responsibility at Firefly. By engaging with The Firefly Gathering in any leadership capacity, you are agreeing to the terms in these documents. You will be consenting to these terms at checkout when you purchase your application:

Social Conduct Agreement

Conflict Resolution and Accountability Policy

Community Leader Agreement

Yes, this is a possibility! New instructors can do a partial worktrade for a $125 attendance fee and $50 deposit, or a full worktrade for a $0 attendance fee and $75 deposit. Please reach out to [email protected] to discuss your unique situation.