Program & Volunteer FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Winter Volunteer FAQs
I don’t ski, snowboard, or Nordic ski, can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! We are always looking for Basecamp Volunteers Monday-Friday mornings from 9:15 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. to help get the school groups their lift tickets, helmets, and goggles. This is a hugely helpful role for our team and is a great way to get to know the organization, participants, and meet other volunteers.
What are the volunteer requirements?
All volunteers regardless if they are a First Year Volunteer or a Returning Volunteer are required to complete the following:
- A seasonal volunteer application
- Computer-based training - waiver, passing a background check, completing sport protection training
- Attending either a First Year Volunteer Orientation or a Returning Volunteer Annual Update
- Attending 6 hours of on-snow clinics
Learn more about the winter volunteer requirements by clicking the button below.
How do I get started?
CLICK HERE to submit your seasonal volunteer application through our Volunteer System called MyImpact. Our team has to manually approve applications. Thank you for your patience with us!
How do I complete my computer-based training requirements?
To complete your volunteer requirements like the liability waiver, background check and sport protection training follow these steps:
- After submitting your application, log in to your MyImpact account HERE (pro-tip: bookmark this page for future use!).
- Then click on the tab “My Profile” on the upper right
- Then click on “Training.”
- You will find your waiver, background check, and sport protection training under “Training”
How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities?
- After submitting your application, log in to your MyImpact account HERE (pro-tip: bookmark this page for future use!).
- Then click on the tab “Opportunities” at the top of the page.
- This is where you will sign up for orientations, clinics, and volunteer opportunities. If you aren’t seeing anything, you may not have all of your computer-based training completed.
I am not able to see anything on the Opportunity Calendar, why is this?
If you aren’t seeing anything on the calendar, it is probably one of three reasons:
- You haven’t completed all of your computer-based training - Go to the tab “My Profile” then down to “Training”
- You haven’t submitted your seasonal volunteer application - Click HERE to submit the application
- You aren’t qualified for an opportunity (for example you may not be able to see sit ski lessons if you aren’t qualified)
I have never taught skiing, snowboarding, or Nordic skiing to anyone, can I still volunteer?
We would love to have you, we provide all training to set you up for success and provide a supportive, collaborative, and team oriented environment for you to learn and ask questions.
What is the volunteer time commitment in the winter?
There is no minimum time commitment after completing the volunteer requirements. Although we don’t require a minimum both volunteers and participants find the most success with consistency.
Additionally, there are some perks for volunteering more consistently.
What are some incentives to volunteer?
The incentives include: for every 3 lessons a volunteer leads or assists with, they will be eligible to receive 1 redeemable full-day voucher to WMR. For leading or assisting with 10 lessons, you receive access to a year-long Outdoor Research ProDeal. For leading or assisting with 15 lessons, you receive access to a year-long Black Diamond ProDeal. Space in the DREAM Trailer in the Spruce Lot for day storage when you are volunteering
I don’t have a season pass to WMR, what do I do?
Not a problem! If you volunteer and don’t have a season pass, you will receive a DREAM Instructor lift ticket for the day. This means you can volunteer for a lesson in the morning or afternoon and ski or ride on that ticket the remainder of the day!
I have never worked with people with disabilities before, do you provide any support or training on this?
Definitely, we understand this can be scary and intimidating. We provide all training on disability etiquette and techniques to support this population and to set you up for success, and we provide a supportive, collaborative, and team-oriented environment for you to learn and ask questions. Information about disabilities is sprinkled
throughout all training that we provide.
What level skier or snowboarder do I need to be to volunteer?
We ask that for both Alpine and Nordic volunteers that they ski or ride at a minimum of an intermediate level. If you aren’t sure if you are at this level, please reach out to us and we would be more than happy to help you find a way to join our team!
Working with kids makes me nervous is there another option?
Although a lot of our participants are kids, many of our participants are also adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. We also provide programs to Veterans with Disabilities who are often just looking for community and folks to ski/ride with.
Do I need to complete all online requirements before I can be on snow?
All online requirements must be completed prior to your first day with participants. If you haven’t completed all items by the time of the on-snow clinics, that’s ok, we would love if you still joined us and we can help finish them with you.
Where do I go for Alpine lessons? Nordic Lessons?
Alpine lessons are based out of the DREAM Shack at the end of the Spruce Parking Lot at Whitefish Mountain Resort (WMR).
Nordic Lessons are based at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course.
Is there any cost to me to volunteer with DREAM?
There is no cost for you to volunteer, we cover all costs associated with training, including paying for your background check and sport protection training.
Do I need a pass in order to Nordic ski at the Glacier Nordic Club/ Whitefish Lake Golf Course?
If you don’t have a trail pass for Nordic skiing at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course with Glacier Nordic Club we will provide you with a trail pass for the day you are volunteering for a Nordic lesson.
Will it be just me and a participant in a lesson? Or will there be another volunteer or staff member there also?
We try our absolute hardest to always have two volunteers on a lesson. For First Year Volunteers we definitely prioritize this and will pair you with either a Returning Volunteer or another First Year Volunteer to teach together.
Do I need my own equipment to volunteer?
Whether you are volunteering for the Nordic program or the Alpine program, you will need to have all of your own equipment and ensure it is in good working condition and safe for you to use. For Alpine skiing or snowboarding, you must also have your own helmet and it is required to be worn appropriately when on snow
with a DREAM lesson.
Questions? Email programs@dreamadaptive.org or call (406) 885-9539 ext. 2
Summer Volunteer FAQs
I don’t bike, paddle, or want to be on the water, can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! Some of our programs have opportunities to help in a non-sport-related logistics role, these programs include Paved Path Cycling, Going-to-the-Sun Road rides, Paddle Days, and Echo Lake Water Sports Week. This is a hugely helpful role for our team and is a great way to get to know the organization, participants,
and meet other volunteers.
What are the volunteer requirements?
All volunteers regardless if they are a First Year Volunteer or Returning Volunteer are required to complete the following:
- A seasonal volunteer application
- Computer-based training: waiver, code of conduct, passing a background check, completing sport protection training
- Attend a Summer Volunteer Orientation
How do I get started?
CLICK HERE to submit your seasonal volunteer application through our Volunteer System called MyImpact.
Our team has to manually approve applications; thank you for your patience with us!
How do I complete my computer-based training requirements?
To complete your volunteer requirements like the liability waiver, background check and sport protection training follow these steps:
- After submitting your application, log in to your MyImpact account HERE (pro-tip: bookmark this page for future use!).
- Then click on the tab “My Profile” on the upper right
- Then click on “Training.”
- You will find your waiver, background check, and sport protection training under “Training”
How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities?
- After submitting your application, log in to your MyImpact account HERE (pro-tip: bookmark this page for future use!).
- Then click on the tab “Opportunities” at the top of the page.
- This is where you will sign up for orientations, clinics, and volunteer opportunities. If you aren’t seeing anything, you may not have all of your computer-based training completed.
I am not able to see anything on the Opportunity Calendar, why is this?
If you aren’t seeing anything on the calendar, it is probably one of three reasons:
- You haven’t completed all of your computer-based training - Go to the tab “My Profile” then down to “Training”
- You haven’t submitted your seasonal volunteer application - Click HERE to submit the application
- You aren’t qualified for an opportunity (for example you may not be able to see sit ski lessons if you aren’t qualified)
I have never taught any of these summer activities before, can I still volunteer?
We would love to have you, we provide all training to set you up for success and provide a supportive, collaborative, and team-oriented environment for you to learn and ask questions. Many of our summer programs are community and group-oriented, so you won’t ever be fully by yourself there will always be others
around.
What is the volunteer time commitment in the summer?
There is no minimum time commitment after completing the volunteer requirements. Although we don’t require a minimum both volunteers and participants find the most success with consistency.
Additionally, there are some perks for volunteering more consistently.
What is the summer incentive to volunteer?
The incentive is access to Outdoor Prolink for a year if you volunteer for 3+ opportunities in the summer. You also get to spend time outside with a rad group of people helping others access the outdoors!
I have never worked with people with disabilities before, do you provide any support or training on this?
Definitely, we understand this can be scary and intimidating. We provide all training on disability etiquette and techniques to support this population and to set you up for success, and we provide a supportive, collaborative, and team-oriented environment for you to learn and ask questions. Information about disabilities is sprinkled
throughout all training that we provide.
What level mountain biker do I need to be to volunteer?
We ask that for any of our cycling programs, including mountain biking, that volunteers can ride confidently and safely at a minimum intermediate level. We ride the following trails: Herron Park, Cedar Flats, Pig Farms, Harrell Forest, and Beaver Lakes. If you aren’t sure if you are at this level, please reach out to us and we would be
more than happy to help you find a way to join our team!
Working with kids makes me nervous is there another option?
Although a lot of our participants are kids, many of our participants are also adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. We also provide programs to Veterans with Disabilities who are often just looking for community and folks to ski/ride with.
Do I need to complete all online requirements before I can be at a program?
All online requirements (application, waiver, code of conduct, background check, sport protection training) must be completed prior to your first day with participants.
Where do the Paddle Days occur?
Paddle days will occur at Whitefish City Beach, Sommer’s Picnic and Beach Area, and Apgar Picnic area at Lake McDonald.
Is there any cost to me to volunteer with DREAM?
There is no cost for you to volunteer, we cover all costs associated with training, including paying for your background check and sport protection training.
Will it be just me and a participant in a lesson? Or will there be another volunteer or staff member there also?
We try our absolute hardest to always have two volunteers on a lesson. For First Year Volunteers we definitely prioritize this and will pair you with either a Returning Volunteer or another First Year Volunteer to teach together.
Do I need my own cycling equipment to volunteer for that program?
Whether you are volunteering for the paved path program or the mountain bike program, volunteers are required to have their own equipment in safe working condition including having their own helmet. Equipment requirements for the mountain bike program include having at least a bike with knobby tires and front
suspension.
Do I need my own paddling equipment or life jacket?
We have limited paddling equipment and prioritize participant use of this equipment. If you have your own paddle board or kayak that is in safe working condition, that definitely helps and is highly encouraged but not a mandatory requirement. We also have limited life jackets and encourage volunteers who have their own to bring them
Questions? Email programs@dreamadaptive.org or call (406) 885-9539 ext. 2
Essential Eligibility Criteria
General & Program-by-Program
To be eligible for participation in the DREAM Winter Programs, all participants must meet all general program EEC in addition to all program-specific EEC. DREAM reserves the right to request that a guardian/caregiver be accessible to program staff while the individual is participating in the program.
General Program Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Individual lives with a long-term disability and requires specialized instruction or adaptive equipment to recreate outdoors.
- Individual is 5 years old or older.
- Individual is cleared by their doctor to participate in designated activity.
- While participating with DREAM programs, the individual can refrain from risky behavior that poses a threat to themselves and others, including aggressive behavior, ignoring safety precautions identified by instructors, drug/alcohol use, inability to set boundaries pertaining to their physical ability and needs.
- Individual can contribute to a safe learning environment. Harassment and abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Individual can follow instructions given by instructors independently or with the assistance of a companion.*
- Individual can wear all protective equipment required for the activity.
- Individual can manage personal care independently or with the assistance of a companion*.
- Individual can breathe independently and does not require medical devices to sustain breathing.
* For the use of this criteria, a companion can be a personal support person, family member, or friend and excludes any and all DREAM instructors, assistants, or staff.
WINTER: Alpine Ski and Snowboard Program Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Individual must be 200 pounds or less if using sit-down ski equipment.
- Individual must be able to assist themselves in getting up from the snow with minimal assistance.
WINTER: Nordic & Cross-Country Program Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Individual must be 200 pounds or less if using sit-down ski equipment.
- Individual must be able to assist themselves in getting up from the snow with minimal assistance.
- Individual must be able to propel themselves with minimal to no assistance from the instructor
Winter program registration opens Mid-October. Get registered by clicking the button below.
Water Program (paddle, fishing, motorized) Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Individual is able to hold head upright without head/neck support.
- Individual is able to maintain closed mouth/lips while underwater.
- Individual is able to turn from face down to face up independently in water, while wearing a properly fitted life vest.
- Individual has the ability to remain seated and balanced in/on a watercraft (with or without adaptive equipment).
- Individual is able to reenter a capsized watercraft independently or with the assistance of others.
Adaptive Paved Path Bike Program Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Individual lives with a permanent disability and requires specialized instruction or adaptive equipment to recreate outdoors.
- Individual can make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Individual can follow all safety precautions identified by the instructors.
- Individual can hold their head upright without any head and/or neck support.
- Individual can wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet, as well as any other safety equipment appropriately.
- Individual can understand and follow instructions from the instructors independently and in a fast-paced environment.
- Individual can transfer on and off of the bike independently or with some assistance.
- Individual can remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride and can make decisions quickly.
- Individual can demonstrate they can independently pedal, steer, stop, start, and ride the bike on a paved or gravel path deemed appropriate for their experience level.
Adaptive Mountain Bike (aMTB) Program Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Individual lives with a permanent physical disability and requires specialized instruction or adaptive equipment to recreate outdoors.
- Individual can make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Individual can follow all safety precautions identified by the instructors.
- Individual can hold their head upright without any head and/or neck support.
- Individual can wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet, as well as any other safety equipment appropriately.
- Individual can understand and follow multiple-step instructions from the instructors independently and in a fast-paced environment.
- Individual can transfer on and off of the bike independently or with some assistance.
- Individual can remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride and can make decisions quickly in variable terrain.
- Individual can demonstrate they can independently pedal, steer, stop, start, and ride the bike over, around, up, and down a variety of terrain deemed appropriate for their experience level.
