Mandatory Reading: Please read this orientation manual in full, as it is subject to yearly revisions.

About Bass Coast

Dates: July 11 - 14, 2025.

Location: In Merritt, B.C. on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Mission statement: An Innovative Creative Experience. Core values are respect, integrity, care, and accountability. We encourage you to integrate these values into your role at Bass Coast.

About Merritt

Please take time to learn about the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people: We Are Nlaka'pamux 

Merritt is 270 km northeast of Vancouver. Learn more: About Merritt

Mandatory Bass Coast Training Videos & Quiz

Bass Coast training videos feature key topics: cultural appropriation, consent, harassment, local knowledge and more.

• NEW Safety video for 2024.
• Bass Coast tracks quiz submissions for participation. 

Review: Bass Coast 2024 Team Education Series

Password: Coldwater2024

Volunteer Pass

• Bring at least 1 piece of government-issued photo ID. Our permit prohibits attendees under 19 years of age; no exceptions.
• You will receive an email with the subject line ‘ACTION NEEDED: Bass Coast 2024 Confirm Your Volunteer Schedule’. Please review and then follow the instructions provided in the email on how to CONFIRM YOUR SHIFTS.
• After confirming your shifts, you will receive your Bass Coast Volunteer Meal QR Code which is separate from your volunteer pass.
• You will receive your TICKIT QR code (volunteer pass), via a separate email with the subject line ‘You’re on the list’ one week prior to the festival and ONLY if you have confirmed your shifts.

Arrival Dates &  Expectations 

• Arrive the day before your shift, no earlier. Unless you are scheduled for shifts between Fri. July 12 - Fri. July 19.  In this case you may arrive anytime after Thurs. July 11 (noon).
• Immediately notify volunteer@basscoast.ca if you are unable to arrive on time.

When you arrive on the Bass Coast site go directly to the Staff Gate or A Gate (depending on your arrival date) to check in and get your accreditation (wristband) and Enviro Vehicle pass. If you are arriving when the gates are closed, check in before your first shift.

After you receive your credentials at the Gate, please come check in and be welcomed at the Volunteer Center. There we help you get oriented and direct you to the designated Volunteer Camp. You can drive or walk to the Camp which is located beside the Ventura Campground. Here you will find a spot and set up your camp. This is also where you will park your vehicle.

Gate Entry Guidelines

For arrival between Sun. June 30 - Tue. July 2, check in at the Main Office.

For arrival between Wed. July 3 - Tue. July 9, check in at the Staff Gate.

For arrival between Weds. July 10 - Sat. July 13, check in at the A Gate. 

(The Staff Gate will also be open but it is preferable if you go to A Gate).

Further details in the GATE HOURS section. 

SITEMAP

Staff Gate Entry

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Accreditation (festival wristbands that allow your entry) are only available at the Staff Gate and A Gate. 

Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

Gate Hours

Sun. June 30 - Tue July 2:

• MAIN OFFICE: 7:30AM - 10:30PM

Wed. July 3 - Sat. July 6:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 6PM
• MAIN OFFICE: 6PM - 10PM

Sun. July 7 - Tue. July 9:

• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Wed. July 10:

• A GATE: 12PM - 10PM
• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Thurs. July 11:

• A GATE: 9AM - 10PM
• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Fri. July 12:

• A GATE: 9AM - 10PM
• STAFF GATE: 8AM - 12AM (midnight)

Sat. July 13:

• A GATE: 9AM - 4PM
• STAFF GATE: 9AM - 10PM

Sun. July 14:

• A GATE: CLOSED
• STAFF GATE: 9AM - 5PM

Arriving with GA Ticket Holders

Anyone, including friends or partners, who are NOT volunteering will be turned away pre-show. 

If they have a General Admission (GA) ticket they may arrive no earlier than the date specified on their ticket. No exceptions.

• Wed. July 10: Requires a Wed/Thurs Early Entry + GA ticket
• Thurs. July 11: Requires a Thurs Early Entry + GA ticket
• Fri. July 12: Requires GA ticket

Enviro Vehicle Pass & Parking 

Volunteers will receive an Enviro Vehicle Pass upon check-in and will be instructed to park in the Volunteer camp beside the Ventura Campground. 

Volunteer Camp

Location: Designated Volunteer Camp area beside the Ventura Campground.

Volunteer Camp opens on June 30 to volunteers and team members who will be working onsite at that time. Everyone on site must have the accreditation and an Enviro Vehicle pass.

General Admission Camping Access

If you are wishing to move to the other GA campsites to join friends:

Wed. July 10: GA campsites open to  GA ticket holders on Wed. July 10 at 12 PM. Volunteers who want to move to a GA camping must wait until Wed. at 1 PM before driving off site and re-entering the lineup at Main Gate. There is no ‘skip the line.’ 

Thurs. July 11:  Anyone with accreditation can ‘skip the line’ after 11 AM. If you have a vehicle, you will need to drive offsite and re-enter at Main Gate.

• DO NOT relocate your camp during your shift as it will count as a missed shift.

Further details in the ORIENTATION FAQs section.

When volunteering at Bass Coast, you are embarking on an exciting and creative transformative journey. 

Your commitment is vital in making magic happen. Together, we strive to ensure that all patrons, guests, and artists attending Bass Coast are well taken care of. We ask for your cooperation in showing courtesy and consideration to festival guests and colleagues alike.

During your shift, you represent Bass Coast, and we expect you to embody the festival's ethos by being friendly, upbeat, and engaged when interacting with everyone involved.

PLEASE DO:

• READ the Code of Conduct and our general Festival FAQs to familiarise yourself with volunteer expectations.

For the duration of your time on-site, you are a representative of Bass Coast. 

• Arrive rested, clear, and sober for every shift. 
• Be friendly, upbeat, and engaged. 

Perform your team duties effectively and assist others when needed. Take responsibility for your health and well-being to perform your responsibilities successfully and effectively.

PLEASE DON’T:

• Use profanity.
• Play on your phone for extended periods.
• Come late or leave early for your assigned team duties.
• Chat too long with friends whilst performing your assigned duties.

Prepare for Your Shift

• Be self-sufficient during your shift as you may not have time to return to your campsite.
• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and clothes for changing weather or anything else you might need. 

SIGNING IN AND OUT 

Report to your volunteer manager at the Volunteer Center or at the location directed by your manager, 15 minutes prior to your start time.

Always check out with your manager before leaving shift. Failure to do so may result in assuming the shift was abandoned.

Certain teams may have exceptions to checking in and out, and those volunteers will be directly communicated with well in advance. 

MISSED SHIFTS AND LATE POLICY 

Every volunteer is required to be on time, present, and sober. Not being sober constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct. The decision to reschedule or forfeit your deposit is up to the discretion of your manager.

If you are more than 15 minutes late for your shift, you will be replaced. Missing a shift may result in forfeiting your entire deposit.

Please check in at the Volunteer Center to discuss replacing a missed shift, including transportation issues and travel plan changes. In case of missing a shift due to an emergency, please inform us.

HYGIENE

Hygiene is very important. It is recommended to come with a personal supply of hand sanitizer, although Bass Coast will have some on-site. Your manager will inform you of any additional special hygiene or cleaning precautions relevant to your team.

While there isn't a mask policy on-site, you may see people wearing masks. Respect personal boundaries regarding physical contact; some individuals may be less comfortable with hugs or touch based on personal comfort, job, and risk assessment. Uphold consent culture and refrain from interrogating or harassing individuals for their choices regarding masks or physical contact.

PPE Guidelines & Policy 

Volunteers are required to adhere to specific PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and clothing guidelines to ensure workplace safety. Please bring the required PPE listed below as it relates to your team. 

General Dress Code: Wear tops, bottoms, and closed-toed shoes at all times during work hours.

PPE Essentials: Bring hearing protection, goggles, gloves, hard hats, high visibility apparel, weather-appropriate attire, and other task-specific PPE items.

• Hearing Protection: Bring earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage and enjoy the festival safely.
• High-Visibility Apparel: Reflective vests, jackets, or shirts enhance visibility, particularly in low-light or high-traffic areas.
• Weather-Appropriate Attire: Dress in weather-appropriate attire to ensure comfort and safety. Consider factors such as extreme high and low temperatures, rain, or other environmental conditions.

Additional PPE Requirements: In certain work environments, the following PPE is mandatory:

• High Visibility Vest: Necessary if working in and around machinery, at heights, and or in low-light or high-traffic areas. 
• Steel-toed boots: Necessary if working in and around machinery or at heights. 
• Hard Hats: Mandatory in designated areas for head protection.
• Fall Protection Harness: Mandatory use of safety harnesses and fall protection systems is required when working at heights to prevent falls and minimise the risk of serious injuries.

Festival safety is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of your team. We all contribute to harm reduction, being the eyes and ears of the festival.

LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

• Take care of yourself and each other.
• Remind people to take breaks, stay hydrated, and come by the Harm Reduction space for a break as needed.

HARM REDUCTION SERVICES

• Open to patrons and everyone involved in the festival.
• Judgement-free access to supplies and a welcoming space in the Harm Reduction area.

SUPPORT FOR NON-MEDICAL DISTRESS

• If someone shows signs of non-medical distress (anxiety, looking lost or upset), please walk them to Harm Reduction.

HARM REDUCTION LOCATION 

• On the path to Slay Bay as you enter the forest. It’s a large space that can’t be missed.

Consent Culture

We all share the responsibility of promoting consent culture.

Checking in on someone who seems uncomfortable is simple:

• “Hey! I’m Sam, and it’s my responsibility to ensure everyone feels good all weekend. Are both of you alright? Can I help you with anything?”

ADDRESSING CREEPY VIBES

Don’t hesitate to involve security in addressing any uncomfortable situations. Security there to help.

Reporting Responsibilities

Bass Coast team and volunteers are required to immediately report to Bass Coast security personnel any incidents of:

• Violence
• Threatened violence
• Harassment
• Risk of harm

NEW IN 2024 - REES ONLINE REPORTING

Bass Coast has partnered with REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) to provide online reporting for unwanted sexualized behaviours. REES allows festival-goers, performers, staff and volunteers to Create a Record of the incident and share it with festival organisers. 

To submit a report: Bass Coast x REES Online Reporting 

For all other consent and festival safety-related inquiries please contact consent@basscoast.ca, we will respond to you within 14 days.

First Aid Assistance

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE PROTOCOL

If you observe someone requiring medical attention, immediately locate an individual with a radio.

Security members are all equipped with radios.

Team members equipped with radios are stationed at:

• Camp A, B, C, and Ventura outposts, 
• Harm Reduction lifeguard chairs (back of each dance floor), 
• the General Store, 
• the Volunteer Centre,
• Bar Managers, or
• all festival gates.

PROMPT RESPONSE ASSURANCE

• First Aid teams are mobilised swiftly to provide assistance upon receiving the call.

How to Call for First Aid & Manage Medical Distress

Ensure you provide First Aid with the three most important pieces of information they need: 

• Who you are 
• Where you are
• What is happening (keep it simple i.e. “I am with an unconscious patient”)

The First Aid l team will move quickly to help you, once you call for their assistance. The following are some basic steps that can help you while First Aid arrives at your location.

Basic First Aid

ASSESS: Evaluate the patient's condition. Check for breathing, pulse, and responsiveness or unresponsiveness to pain stimulus. If unconscious, do not hesitate to apply a second stimulus attempt to rouse the patient.

REPORT: Immediately communicate the incident to First Aid, providing key information:

• Who you are
• Where you are
• What has happened or is happening

AIRWAY: Ensure the airway is open.

CPR ADMINISTRATION: Administer CPR if necessary until medics arrive. Do not administer any medications of any kind to the patient without notifying First Aid.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOL

• Only if the patient is conscious and can instruct you to help them take life-saving medications (e.g. EpiPen)
• Always notify First Aid of any medication administration.

Naloxone / Narcan FAQ

NALOXONE TRAINING OVERVIEW

• Many team members and volunteers are trained in administering Naloxone.
• Formal training for additional teams will not be provided onsite.

NALOXONE PLACEMENT

• Naloxone is strategically placed around the festival site that First Aid can administer if appropriate. 

SCOPE OF USE

• Naloxone (Narcan) is specifically for opioid overdoses only: fentanyl, heroin, or codeine.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

• In the case of an overdose, the First Aid team will be on the scene within minutes.
• Immediate action is to open the patient's airway and assist with rescue breathing if necessary.

Administering rescue breaths is the primary action for opioid overdoses.

See details in the BASIC FIRST AID section above.

Fire Safety

If you see a fire:

1. Inform Security, First Aid or any team member with a radio.
2. Give as much info as possible on location and what is burning.
3. FIGHT the fire ONLY if it is small and you are able to.
4. Evacuate all guests and patrons in immediate danger to a safe location. (200 ft away)
5. Help people requiring assistance
6. Proceed to a safe area and wait for the fire response team.

Bass Coast has a recovery and evacuation plan. Should the area require evacuation, our trained team members will give you instructions as to what to do in case an event of this nature occurs. 

Bass Coast takes place in a very dry climate. We need your help to prevent fires. Please dispose of cigarettes in designated bins and encourage your community to do the same. Pocket ashtrays are available at the Bass Coast Merch Store.

Location: Beside the Bass Coast Merch Store.

Access: Both in-house members and guests can drop off or claim lost items.

Hours of Operation: Thurs. July 10 to Mon. July 14 from 10 AM - 5:30 PM

Limitations: Cannot retain or store large items.

UNCLAIMED ITEMS DEADLINES

• Water bottles donated to a local charity on Mon. July 14.
• Non-confidential items donated to charity three months post-festival.

Contact Lost and Found: BassCoastLostandFound@gmail.com

Post-show Item Inquiries: Lost and Found Inquiry form

Pre-Departure Rest & Readiness

We encourage you to plan the time needed to rest fully, pack your belongings, and clean your campsite thoroughly to feel ready for the journey ahead.

The festival is over at 9 AM on Mon. July 15. Please plan to be well rested and ready to depart by 5 PM, if not scheduled to work the post-show period. Consider planning for a designated driver if needed.

Departing Campsite Cleanup & MOOP Guidelines 

As you prepare to leave Bass Coast, please sort your garbage, recycling and compost and take it with you or bring it to designated areas. 

If the stations are full, use the Green Team tent and sorting area; do not leave anything outside bins. 

Walk your campsite grid to ensure you LEAVE NO TRACE of MOOP (Matter out of Place); no glitter, feathers, bobby pins, or orange peels, no trace. 

Your Feedback 

We would love to hear from you about what worked well and what we could improve on. Please let us know how we can support you to continue to be a part of our volunteer team for years to come! Please submit your feedback to volunteer@basscoast.ca

Q: What if I’m arriving with someone that has a General Admission (GA) ticket?

If you are sharing a car with a GA Ticket Holder and need to enter the site before 12PM (noon) on Wed, July 5, here are your options:

IF YOU ARE NOT DRIVING

It's best to get your driver to drop you off at the Staff Gate, grab your items and enter through the Staff Gate.

IF YOU ARE DRIVING

You will be able to enter through the Staff Gate or A Gate. GA ticket holders will need to enter at the Main Gate or A Gate on the day for which their ticket is valid.  

ENVIRO VEHICLE PASS

Volunteers with a vehicle will be given an Enviro Vehicle Pass at check in.  

Q: I’m checking in after July 10. Can I check in at the Main Gate instead of the Staff Gate?

The Staff Gate or A Gate are highly preferred for all volunteers to check in before a volunteer proceeds to the Main Gate for access to Camp B & C. All accreditation processes are exclusively handled at the Staff Gate or the A Gate (depending on what day you arrive). 

It is crucial to note that if you choose to enter through the MAIN GATE, you must immediately check in again at the Staff Gate, as the temporary wristband will expire shortly thereafter.

Q: Can I skip the line at Main Gate on Wednesday if I already have my credentials? 

No, there are “no skip the line” privileges on Wednesday. After Wednesday at 1 PM, you may join the General Admission lineup and enter through the Main Gate to obtain a date and time-stamped temporary wristband. 

Beginning Thursday at 11 AM, those who have checked in at the Staff Gate and have all their credentials can skip the line at the Main Gate.

Drive past the entrance to the Main Gate line and turn left behind the Main Gate Office.  Security will stop to search vehicles and check credentials.

Q: Is there a re-entry fee if I leave Bass Coast to purchase supplies in town?

Starting Friday, July 12, at 12PM (noon) for all gates, there is a $20 re-entry fee per vehicle if you need to leave Bass Coast for supplies.

Q: When do I get my volunteer deposit refunded?

DEPOSITS

Your volunteer deposit (less $52.56 processing fee and service charges) will be refunded once completion of assigned shifts have been confirmed by team leaders (within 30 days of the festival ending). If you only paid the admin fee and gave a credit card pre-authorization at the gate, this will be released one week after the festival ends, if your shifts have been completed successfully.

REFUNDS

Bass Coast ticketing company will process the refund on the same credit card used to purchase your deposit. Refunds will be processed by August 19. We are unable to process refunds on site.

NO PARTIAL REFUNDS

You will only receive a refund if you have completed all of your scheduled shifts. We do not provide partial refunds. 

Q: If I have a GA ticket, can I transfer it to a Volunteer Deposit?

The volunteer deposit is separate from the Bass Coast General Admission (GA) ticket and they are not interchangeable. GA tickets are non-refundable, so if you have already purchased a GA ticket, and are wanting to volunteer, you will need to sell your GA ticket yourself. Please look here for more information Buy/Sell Tickets.

Q: Are meals provided to volunteers?

You will receive dinner on each day that you are volunteering. Please bring a glass free reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery for coffee, water and food. We will not have dishware available and plastic water bottles will not be sold on site. Thank you for helping us reduce waste. Please make sure to have your Meal QR code when arriving for your meal. The QR code is emailed to you after you confirm your shifts.

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

Festival FAQS

Online Schedule - Available in 2025.

Android & iOS Bass Coast 2025 App - Coming soon.

Site Maps

Harm Reduction

Sustainability

Towards Equity

Harassment and Assault Policy

Important Contacts

Bass Coast Emergency Line: +1 (672) 699-6606

Volunteer Coordinator:  Alissa Stewart  volunteer@basscoast.ca

Volunteer Coordinator Assistant: Robyn volunteerassistant@basscoast.ca

Directions

The festival site is located one mile southwest of the City of Merritt, BC, just off the Coquihalla Hwy. 

Download the full directions to our Staff Gate and A Gate, where you will check in when you arrive on site, on our website Directions 

Staff Gate is 1km past Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC. 

A Gate is located beside Moon Shadows Campground at 1145 Neilson St, Merritt, BC.

Drive slowly on the dirt road: 15 km max. to reduce dust for residents. 

Volunteer Accreditation (wristbands) are only available at the Staff Gate or A Gate. Further details in the VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION FAQs section.

FROM KELOWNA

• Take Hwy BC-97C to Merritt
• Once in Merritt, continue through onto the Princeton - Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF (east) GATE. 

FROM KAMLOOPS

• Take Hwy BC-5 S towards Merritt 
• Take exit #286 from the Coquihalla hwy and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road) 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE. 

FROM VANCOUVER

• Take Hwy BC-1 and then Hwy BC-5 N towards Merritt
• Once in Merritt, take exit #286, keep right at the fork, and head towards Merritt City Center along Princeton-Kamloops Hwy BC-97C
• Turn left on COLDWATER Rd.
• Turn right onto POOLEY Rd.
• Turn left onto NEILSON St (gravel road). 
• Enter the festival site from the STAFF GATE.