Volunteer FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT WILL THE DAY LOOK LIKE?
Sample Volunteer Day Schedule:
- 7:30-7:55am – Volunteers meet at EDIC dock in the Seaport to check in
- *8:00am sharp – Ferry departs EDIC dock for Thompson Island
- 8:20am – Arrive at Thompson Island
- 8:30-9:00am – Introduction to the Island and project for the day
- 9:00am-11:45am – Volunteer projects
- 11:45am-12:30pm – Lunch
- 12:30pm-1:15pm – Tour of the Island
- *1:30pm sharp – Ferry departs Thompson Island for the Seaport
- 2:00pm – Arrive back in Boston
Volunteer Day Description:
Our Corporate Volunteer Program engages partner companies in and around Boston for days of impactful service on Thompson Island. All projects help to protect the safety and beauty of our 204-acre island classroom where our students explore, learn, and build critical life skills. Our volunteers are essential to the stewardship of our island and the wellbeing of our students and programs.
Volunteer days begin with a scenic ferry ride through the Boston Harbor, followed by your service project, lunch, and a guided walking tour of Thompson Island. Typical volunteer projects include trail and beach cleanup, facility and event venue maintenance, and stewardship of important historical and program sites across the island. Volunteers are led by a Thompson Island staff member for project guidance, and to provide further context and insight to the work and mission of Thompson Island Outward Bound.
We will provide ferry transportation, work gloves, tools, sun screen and bug spray, snacks and water to refill water bottles. There are accessible bathrooms available in several locations across the Island. We do ask that volunteer groups make arrangements for their own lunches, but we have recommendations for nearby locations that offer delivery to our dock.
DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT A WAIVER?
Yes, please review and submit this online waiver. All members of your team must have this waiver submitted before they can board the ferry.
WHAT IF IT'S RAINING?
Volunteering with Outward Bound means not being afraid to get a little dirty, so our volunteer program will happen rain or shine! (Extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, nor’easters, etc. may be cause for rescheduling). Please connect with me prior to your day of service if you are at all concerned about the weather forecast, and we can discuss alternative plans.
WHERE SHOULD WE MEET?
Please plan to arrive between 7:30-7:45am at the EDIC dock in the Seaport to check in. Our dock is located across the street diagonally from the entrance to the Hampton Inn Boston Seaport (670 Summer St, Boston MA 02210). Look for the large shade structure with a blue awning and the Thompson Island Outward Bound logo—that is where we will be meeting! Give yourself PLENTY of time to find the dock.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Volunteers must bring their own water bottles. Hats and sunglasses are always encouraged, as well as layers in case the wind picks up. A small backpack may be useful for personal items. Bringing personal work gloves is always a plus but not required at all—we have plenty! We do not provide individual lockers, but all personal items may be stored in a secure building on the island.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Volunteers are required to wear close-toed shoes, and are strongly encouraged to wear long pants.
WHAT COVID PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE?
Please do not attend if you have tested positive for COVID in the last 5 days or are experiencing any COVID symptoms. Please follow all CDC guidelines relating to exposure, isolation, etc.
WHAT IS THE ISLAND TOUR?
The island tour concludes the day by providing context for your service project within Thompson Island's rich history and our current hands-on education and character development programs.
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?
Volunteer groups are required to supply their own lunches. Some close by options who can deliver directly to the EDIC dock where the ferry departs from are:
Lunches ordered from either of these catering companies should be scheduled for delivery at least 30 minutes before the ferry departs (8am or 9am, depending on your selection).
** For those that would like to bring your own lunch, please know we are unable to provide lunch alternatives on the island in the event you forget to bring your lunch.
