Buffs Big Event | Oct. 10, 2026

Buffs Big Day banner

Buffs Big Event is a large-scale, community-wide day of service hosted by Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) that brings neighbors together to connect and care for the community we call home. In partnership with the Division of Student Life and the City of Boulder, students, staff and faculty will support projects identified by local community organizations, including park management, neighborhood beautification and hands-on service to create a meaningful impact across Boulder. Buffs Big Event honors ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ 150th anniversary through service, while also launching a bold new tradition that propels us into the future of community engagement.Ìý


Sign up as an individual

Join Buffs and get involved in your community. When you register as an individual volunteer, you’ll be placed on a team based on the project you are assigned to. No experience is needed—just register, indicating your project interest!Ìý

Sign up with a group

Want to volunteer with friends, a student organization or your club? Register as a group under the same team name to volunteer together!

  • Each person must complete their own registration formÌý
  • Use the same group name to stay togetherÌý
  • Groups may be separated or combined based on project needs and capacity
  • Groups must have at least one team lead who attends required trainingÌý

Become a team lead

Team leads play a key role in making Buffs Big Event a great experience for everyone. In this role, you’ll help guide a team, keep your project on track and create a positive, welcoming environment for volunteers.Ìý

Team leads:Ìý

  • Support and motivate their teamÌý
  • Help coordinate tasks on-siteÌý
  • Ensure the project is completed safely and successfullyÌý

Training required: Team leads must attend a training session on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 5-7 p.m.

You only need to register under the team lead registration. You do not need to register as a volunteer in addition.

Before the eventÌý

Register as a volunteer or team lead using the links above by the posted deadlines to reserve your spot.

One to two weeks before the event, you’ll receive a confirmation email with:Ìý

  • Your assigned projectÌý
  • Team or group detailsÌý
  • What to bring and how to prepareÌý
  • Any required waivers you'll need to sign

Be sure to check your email and watch for updates as the event approaches.

Event day scheduleÌý

8-8:30 a.m. | Check-in

8:45 a.m. | Kickoff at Norlin QuadÌý
Start your day with the Buffs Big Event kickoff. Pick up your volunteer T-shirt, grab supplies, enjoy a light breakfast and connect with your group before heading out.Ìý

9:30 a.m. | Travel to project sitesÌý

1 p.m. | Project wrap-upÌý
After completing approximately three hours of service, volunteers will return to Sewall Field to turn in supplies and close out their project.

Example Projects

Project sites will be spread throughout the Boulder community. Volunteers will join with community partners to give back and build meaningful connections across Boulder.

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Painting

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Weeding

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Cleaning

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Raking Leaves

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Trash Pickup

FAQs

  • Any University of Colorado Boulder student, staff member or faculty member may volunteer.Ìý
  • Community members are more than welcome to get involved with Buffs Big Event by working directly with one of our partner organizations. The university is unable to accept unaffiliated volunteers.
  • During registration, you may indicate whether youÌýwant to volunteer with a group you know or are signing up on your own and will need to be placed in a group.Ìý
  • For group registrations, one person per group must be designated as the main contact. That individual will receive day-of logistical information and volunteer updates. All registered volunteers will receive additional event details before the event.Ìý
  • Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.

No. Volunteers must register by the posted deadline of Sept. 25 to participate in Buffs Big Event. Registration allows staff to create groups, assign projects in advance and ensure all required liability information is collected. This helps ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.Ìý

  • We are happy to sign documentation confirming your service at the conclusion of the event. Please check with your program or organization to confirm whether Buffs Big Event meets your specific service requirements.Ìý
  • If you have questions, email slice@colorado.edu.Ìý

All volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes throughout the event. We recommend wearing clothes you do not mind getting dirty and bringing an extra layer, such as a jacket, for changing weather conditions. Because some projects will be outside, be sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat for sun protection.

  • Groups are assigned based on project needs, and we are generally unable to move volunteers between groups. Limited adjustments may be possible in specific situations, such asÌýtransportation coordination or accessibility concerns.
  • If you'd like to volunteer with friends or as an organization, be sure to register together as a group. Each group should designate one person as the primary contact (team lead). If a team lead is not identified during registration, one will be assigned.Ìý
  • No. Volunteer projects are assigned by the Buffs Big Event team based on community needs and project availability. All projects are reviewed and approved in advance to ensure a meaningful volunteer experience.Ìý
  • During registration,Ìýeither you or your team lead will have the opportunity toÌýrank which projects you’d be most interested in completing. While we will do our best to consider your preferences, we cannot guarantee placement in a specific project category.Ìý
  • Groups will receive their project assignment before the event to allow time to complete any required waivers and coordinate transportation.Ìý

Yes! Individuals are welcome and will be placed on a teams and assigned to a project. Buffs Big Event is a great way to meet new people while giving back to the community.

  • Buffs Big Event partners with a variety of community organizations, including nonprofit organizations, to support projects that advance their missions. Volunteer opportunities vary widely and may include outdoor work, indoor service projects or other community-based activities.Ìý
  • During registration, you'll have the opportunity to share any accessibility needs or accommodations so we can make every effort to match you with an appropriate project.Ìý
  • No prior experience is required for any volunteer projects. All projects are reviewed in advance by the Buffs Big Event team to help ensure they are safe and suitable for volunteers.Ìý
  • Most volunteer projects last approximately three hours, with work concluding around 1 p.m. Because every project is different, some may take a little longer to complete. However, no project will last more than four hours.Ìý
  • Once your project is completed, you will head back to campus to return any borrowed tools and sign out, then are free to leave.Ìý

Yes, you can still participate. During registration, you will be asked whether you need an accommodation. Be sure to note any allergies, accessibility needs or other considerations so we can assign you and your group to an appropriate project.Ìý

  • Transportation depends on the location of your assigned project. Most project sites can be reached by walking or using public transportation. For sites farther from campus, shuttle transportation will be provided. Groups volunteering together may also be asked to carpool if appropriate.Ìý
  • As part of Buffs Big Event's commitment to sustainability, we encourage volunteers to minimize the use of personal vehicles whenever possible. Reducing car travel helps ease traffic and parking demand while allowing volunteers to avoid parking fees.Ìý
  • Transportation will be primarily coordinated by your assigned team lead with the support of SLICE.Ìý
  • No. The necessary tools for your project will be provided during kickoff and check in or at the project site. Please pay attention to instructions from your team regarding borrowed tools and equipment.Ìý
  • We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle and a snack.Ìý