The Worktrade Application will be available starting February 1, 2023. We encourage folks to apply sooner rather than later!

Options for this are 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 – A $40 fee is passed on to our site hosts, Deerfields Retreat Center, for every person on-site during our gathering. The $175 Attendance Fee paid by Partial Worktraders includes this 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, 2023, 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.

You can expect to hear from us within 10 business days. 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 it has been more than 10 business days since you’ve submitted your Attendance Fee and Refundable Deposit, please contact our Worktrade Coordinator at worktrade@fireflygathering.org.

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 activity 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 worktrade@fireflygathering.org 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 worktrade@fireflygathering.org for details.

Worktraders have the option of purchasing meal passes for their children attending the event. Again, please keep in mind that this is intended only for your own children/those you parent, and not your friend or neighbor’s children. Child meal tickets cover meals during the event only and do not include setup/breakdown meals. Prices are as follows:

• Ages 3-7: $75 per person
• Ages 8-17: $150 per person

Due to the limitations of our kitchen, Firefly is unable to offer meals to additional guests and adult family members of worktraders, and adult guests will not have the option to purchase meals from our kitchen. 

Worktraders will receive free satellite parking, but if you would like an onsite parking pass you’ll need to purchase it separately. If your position requires you to have a vehicle onsite, the Worktrade Coordinator will let you know and you will receive a free onsite parking pass. 

Contact our Worktrade Coordinator with questions at worktrade@fireflygathering.org.