2026 North Bay Science Discovery Day Volunteer Sign Up

2026 Volunteer Sign Up

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA
Thank you for your enthusiasm to volunteer! A day at the North Bay Science Discovery Day is an unforgettable experience, filled with vibrant energy and excitement. Children of all ages immerse themselves in engaging activities designed to ignite their passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Volunteer shift times depend on the roles selected below.

Visit the main website.
Select Volunteer Role*

Adult VolunteerHigh School Student VolunteerCollege Student VolunteerCore Committee & Building Captain Volunteer
ADULT VOLUNTEERS

DUE MARCH 5 by 5:00 p.m.
- Volunteer shifts are 2 ¼ to 3 hours, with shifts available from 7 am to 6 pm.
- Please check-in 15 minutes early (that's the extra ¼!) to receive your lab coat, instructions, and prepare!
- Volunteers will be provided with a white lab coat to wear during their shift
- As a volunteer, you'll serve as a resource for attendees, so please familiarize yourself with the event program, exhibits, and restroom locations
- Spanish-speaking volunteers are encouraged to wear an orange sash that says "se habla español"
- Children 10 years or older may volunteer with an adult.
- Volunteers must sign the (1) Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement; and (2) Volunteer Code of Conduct
- As a child safety precaution, adult volunteer names will be checked through the California Megan’s Law Sex Offender Registry
Volunteer Coordinators:
- Gaby Arango at bg.arango@crecerconciencia.org
- Gary Fong at gwfong65@gmail.com
ONE FORM PER PERSON
HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

High school and college students only -- This opportunity allows you to gain valuable real-world STEM experience and/or earn community service credit toward your high school requirements. You can help an exhibitor as an assistant, with setup or cleanup, or evaluating exhibits.

DUE MARCH 1 by 5:00 p.m.

ROLES
- Exhibitor Assistant: Sign up with an exhibitor to assist leading their interactive STEM activity; shifts are from 4 to 6 hours. We add new exhibitors to the sign-up list every Monday in January and February, so for the best selection of exhibitors, sign up between Jan. 15 and Feb. 15
- Setup & Cleanup: Time available to help setup or cleanup, 2 hr. shifts: 8:00-10:00 a.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m.
- Exhibit Evaluator: Be an undercover participant who visits 10 to 15 exhibits during the science festival, experiencing each one just like any other attendee. Your mission is to engage naturally in the activities, observe how exhibitors communicate and interact, and note how inviting, clear, and inspiring the experience is. Using a pre-defined rubric, you rate each exhibit on key elements such as engagement, inclusivity, scientific accuracy, and overall visitor experience—helping the festival improve and celebrate its best practices.
NOTES
- Arrive by 9:30 a.m. to receive your lab coat, instructions, and prepare! Plan to stay until 4:00 p.m.
- Volunteers will receive a recognition button and a t-shirt.
- Volunteers (or parents if the volunteer is a minor) must sign the (1) Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement; and (2) Volunteer Code of Conduct
Student Volunteer Coordinator: Mike Roa at mikeroa46@gmail.com

ONE FORM PER PERSON
Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name (lived, self-chosen, personal, and/or preferred name)
Preferred Pronouns
Volunteer Email*
example@example.com
Add me to the Science Discovery Day email newsletter list.

YesNo
Mobile Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Home Zip Code
Spoken Languages

EnglishSpanishOther
T-Shirt Size (register by Feb. 22 to ensure we have your size)
New in 2026: We are ordering NBSDD shirts to provide to volunteers as a token of appreciation!
Is a child volunteering with you?

YesNo
Please add child names and ages
Describe accommodations you may need to participate in this event. (Please do not include medical diagnoses or detailed health information.)
We strive to ensure the event is accessible to all participants. Upon request and when feasible, we will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodations so that the venue and program materials are accessible. To request accommodations or discuss your needs, please describe them above or contact Steven Worker at smworker@ucanr.edu at least two weeks before the event.
Emergency Contact Name*
Emergency Contact Mobile Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Emergency Contact Email
example@example.com
High School / College Name
Name of the person who suggested you volunteer (optional; we'd like to thank them!)
Position of the person who suggested you volunteer (e.g., biology teacher, counselor, friend)
Email of the person who suggested you volunteer.
example@example.com
I am interested in learning more about serving on the core committee to help plan next year's North Bay Science Discovery Day! Click "yes" for a committee member to reach out to you after this year's event.

YesNo
How did you hear about volunteering? (for example, list an organization. Or list a marketing outlet.)
Volunteer role options will appear after clicking an option on the "Volunteer Role" question above.
CORE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER ROLES
Friday Afternoon Setup (12:00 pm to 5:00 pm)

Help us prepare the fairgrounds, setting out tablecloths, exhibitor booth signs, signs, and help exhibitors setting up.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 - SETUP
Early Morning Shifts (7:00am - 9:30am)

Exhibitor Parking Attendant (Gate 1 Grace Pavilion, Gate 4 Redwood Lot, Gate 7 South Entrace): Be the early bird who sets the stage for an exciting day! Arrive before sunrise to greet exhibitors, provide them with maps, and point them to their locations, often using a flashlight.

Exhibitor Unloading and Setup Assistance: Help exhibitors settle in by guiding them to their locations, assisting with unloading their carts, and, most importantly, returning the carts for the next user. Some light lifting may be required.

Hospitality Room Setup: Set up the Hospitality Room with refreshments and beverages for exhibitors and volunteers. Assist with distributing lab coats to volunteers.

Sign Setup: Set up the outdoor signs around the fairgrounds to direct cars to parking; and inside the fairgrounds to each building. We have a map with the marked locations for the signs.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 - 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EARLY MORNING SHIFTS
Main Event Shifts (9:30am - 4:30pm)

Welcome Greeter & Exit Survey: A welcoming smile is essential! Distribute programs and keep count of attendees using clickers. Choose from either the Main Gate fair entrance or Gate 2 from Bennet Valley Road—both are bustling locations! Starting at 12:00 pm, encourage departing attendees to share their experiences on an exit survey and give them a magnifier as a thank you for completing the survey.

Hospitality Room Maintenance: Keep the Hospitality Room tidy, refresh food and beverages as needed, and enjoy some sitting time while ensuring the space remains welcoming for all.

Event Photographer: Capture the magic of the event! Roam the exhibits, taking pictures and videos of children engaging with hands-on activities. Upload your photos to the event folder. While we provide some camera equipment, you may prefer to bring your own. Focus on capturing close-up shots of kids experiencing joy, wonder, and curiosity.

Exhibitor Assistance and Attendee Support: Be the go-to helper for exhibitors, assisting with group management, clean-ups, and guiding them to the Hospitality Room for breaks. Answer any questions attendees may have.

Exhibit Evaluator: New in 2026, we are piloting a new way to evaluate the festival! In this role, you will be an undercover participant who visits 10 to 15 exhibits during the science festival, experiencing each one just like any other attendee. Your mission is to engage naturally in the activities, observe how exhibitors communicate and interact, and note how inviting, clear, and inspiring the experience is. Using a pre-defined rubric, you rate each exhibit on key elements such as engagement, inclusivity, scientific accuracy, and overall visitor experience—helping the festival improve and celebrate its best practices. Shifts start with an orientation to the rubric (that's the extra 30-minutes), and then a 2-hour block to go evaluate!
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 - 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. SHIFTS
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 - 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. SHIFTS
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. SHIFTS
Cleanup Shift

Ensure a smooth wrap-up by roaming the buildings to assist with any clean-up needs. Remind exhibitors to leave their areas as they found them, and use push brooms and dustpans to help anyone overwhelmed with the cleanup process.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026
EXHIBITOR ASSISTANTS
The exhibitor will provide you hands-on training for their activity. You'll also have time to explore the many other fantastic exhibits at Discovery Day. This opportunity is open to high school and college students, with community service hours available!

We add new volunteer opporunities every Monday as exhibitors register for the festival. Visit the 2026 Exhibitor List to read more about each exhibitors activity.
Exhibitor Setup: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Exhibitor Assistant: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Cleanup: Saturday, March 7, 2026
(NEW!) Exhibit Evaluator: New in 2026, we are piloting a new way to evaluate the festival!

In this role, you will be an undercover participant who visits 10 to 15 exhibits during the science festival, experiencing each one just like any other attendee. Your mission is to engage naturally in the activities, observe how exhibitors communicate and interact, and note how inviting, clear, and inspiring the experience is. Using a pre-defined rubric, you rate each exhibit on key elements such as engagement, inclusivity, scientific accuracy, and overall visitor experience—helping the festival improve and celebrate its best practices.

Shifts start with an orientation to the rubric (that's the extra 30-minutes), and then a 2-hour block to go evaluate!
Exhibit Evaluator: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement

Waiver: In return for being permitted to participate in the North Bay Science Discovery Day, March 6 and/or 7, 2026, including any associated use of the premises, facilities, staff, equipment, transportation, and services of the University, I, for myself, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and promise not to sue The Regents of the University of California, its directors, officers, employees, and agents (“The University”), from liability from any and all claims, including the negligence of The University, resulting in personal injury (including death), accidents or illnesses, and property loss, in connection with my participation in the Activity and any use of University premises and facilities.

Assumption of Risks: Participation in The Activity carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injury. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks range from 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sprains, to 2) contraction of COVID-19, to 3) major injuries such as eye injury, joint or bone injuries, heart attacks, and concussions, to 4) catastrophic injuries such as paralysis and death.

Indemnification and Hold Harmless: I also agree to indemnify and hold The University harmless from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees, arising out of my involvement in The Activity, and to reimburse it for any such expenses incurred.

Severability: I further agree that this Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law, and that if any portion is held invalid the remaining portions will continue to have full legal force and effect.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, and any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of California.
Age | To sign this volunteer waiver yourself, you must be at least 18 years old.*

Yes, I am 18 or olderNo, I am 17 or younger
Parent or guardian contact information
Because you are under 18, we need to contact your parent or legal guardian so they can review and sign the consent and waiver before you volunteer.
Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent Email
Please do not provide your own email here. This should be the email address of your parent or legal guardian.
Acknowledgment of Understanding*

I have read this Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I confirm that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend my digital signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

We appreciate your volunteer service to the North Bay Science Discovery Day.

Your Responsibilities:
1. Be committed to the mission, program trajectory, core values, educational goals, and quality standards of the North Bay Science Discovery Day.
2. Follow all health and safety requirements and guidelines.
3. Respect people (including oneself, fellow volunteers, program personnel, and community members) and property of program participants and community members.
4. Prohibit discrimination against or harassment of any person. Report instances of harassment or discrimination on the basis of a protected class such as race, religion, sex, gender, and disability to staff.
5. Volunteers may be held liable for property damage or personal injuries that are caused by their property. This may include incidents involving tools, equipment, vehicles, animals, etc.
The following are prohibited:
1. Private, one-on-one interactions with youth at any time (other than as approved by the youth's parent/guardian), or an exceptional circumstance such as an emergency.
2. Failure to act in a supportive and cooperative manner with program stakeholders, failure to adhere to the programmatic goals of the North Bay Science Discovery Day and/or failure to support UC ANR’s Principles of Community.
3. Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco/tobacco products, e-cigarettes, marijuana/marijuana products, illegal drugs and/or other inappropriate materials (or to be under the influence thereof).
4. Use of abusive, obscene, discriminatory or racist language at any program activity including intentionally or unintentionally derogatory comments, slights, questions, jokes, memes, and shame that target individuals or groups on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability or other protected categories.
5. Attack or harassment of another person; whether visual, verbal, physical and/or by the use of social media; includes actions or comments that target individuals or groups, including those who are members or protected categories.
6. Clothing that display profanity, products or slogans that promote tobacco, alcohol, drugs and sex.
7. Behavior that is illegal, unsafe, or contrary to the UC commitment to the highest standard of ethics.
Acknowledgment*

I have read, understand, and will abide by this Code of Conduct.
Demographic Information

As a recipient of federal funds, UC is required to collect race, ethnicity, and gender data to determine how effectively programs are reaching eligible persons and beneficiaries and to monitor compliance with federal laws and regulations. For more information, please see Affirmative Action and Civil Rights at https://4h.ucanr.edu/Resources/Policies/Chapter3/
Gender*

Man/BoyWoman/GirlNonbinaryGender Identity Not ListedPrefer Not to State
Race and Ethnicity*

American Indian or Alaska NativeAsianBlack or African AmericanHispanic or LatinoMiddle Eastern or North AfricanNative Hawaiian or Pacific IslanderWhiteRace Not ListedPrefer Not to State
Please verify that you are human (or at least, very intelligent AI)*
Should be Empty:

2026 Volunteer Sign Up

ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer Coordinators:

ONE FORM PER PERSON

HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

ONE FORM PER PERSON

Volunteer role options will appear after clicking an option on the "Volunteer Role" question above.

Friday Afternoon Setup (12:00 pm to 5:00 pm)

Early Morning Shifts (7:00am - 9:30am)

Main Event Shifts (9:30am - 4:30pm)

Cleanup Shift

EXHIBITOR ASSISTANTS

Demographic Information