Volunteer at Barton Springs University 2026!

Every year, Save Our Springs Alliance hosts Barton Springs University, a hands-on outdoor learning event that brings over a thousand local high school students to the springs for a day of science, stewardship, and fun. It is our tenth year doing this, and some of the students we connected with ten years ago are involved in Save Our Springs today. 

For such a large event, we need a lot of help from our community! Our volunteers ensure our students have fun, learn a lot, and most importantly, be safe. All volunteers will receive a BSU T-shirt and a lunch from Taco Deli.  There are many different ways to get involved, so take a look at the different roles!

Volunteer Guides, 8:30am-2:30pm: Our guides are doing some of the toughest work at BSU: wrangling teenagers! This is our largest need for volunteers, as each group of students needs a guide. Guides will meet their group of ~20 students and lead them to their pre-determined sessions, making sure the students stay on schedule. Each group will have an adult chaperone (usually a teacher) and a lunch, though many groups may leave earlier in the day due to their transportation needs.
Training: There will be two in-person and one zoom training opportunities for those who are new to Barton Springs University, though those who have volunteered before don't need to complete this training. The zoom training will be recorded and available for those who want a refresher. 

Event Set Up, 7am-8:30am: This one is for those who want an early morning workout! These volunteers will show up early to prepare tables, banners, and chairs for the day. These volunteers don't need training, but will receive a map beforehand of where things need to be placed. A staff member will coordinate the morning of. 

Event Breakdown, 3pm-4:30 pm: When the party is over, we still need to clean up. These volunteers will bring in all the tables, banners, and chairs, and prep them for loading away. These volunteers don't need training, as a staff member will coordinate and direct. 

Registration Table Assistant, 8:30-10:30: This volunteer will help at the SOS tent with school registration and handing out T-shirts. This person may also help answer questions and direct people in the direction they need to go. This role doesn't require training, but we will give written instructions beforehand. 

Taco Deli Lunch Attendants, 11:30-1:30: These volunteers manage the students lining up for their Taco Deli lunch; this may include taking lunch tickets and giving reminders on where trash vs compost goes. This role doesn't require training. 

Snorkel Guide Assistants, 9-2:30: This role is reserved for those who have already been a snorkel guide in the past. If you haven't been a snorkel guide in previous BSUs but are still very interested, please email megan@sosalliance.org before registering. 

Bus Greeter/Trash Organizer/Problem Solver, 8:30-1:30: This role is for someone who can adapt to several jobs and who has a "see a need, fill a need" mentality. This person will spend the early part of the morning rush directing the buses at the student drop-off point. After the rush is over, this person will move over to ensuring that our trash, recycling, and compost bins are properly placed, and that students are throwing their trash in the correct receptacles. This might include reaching into the trash to put things in the right bins: gloves and tongs will be provided! This volunteer will also keep an eye open for any developing problems, and will communicate any issues to SOS staff. Volunteers with previous BSU experience preferred.