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 CU Boulder’s 150th anniversary through service, while also launching a bold new tradition that propels us into the future of community engagement. 


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! 

You can also sign up to serve as a team lead. 

Register

Sign up with a group

Want to volunteer with friends, a student organization or your club? Groups of four or more can register together and be placed on the same project. 

  • Each person must complete their own registration form 
  • Use the same group name to stay together 
  • Groups larger than 15 may be split to meet project needs 
  • Groups must have at least one team lead who attends required training 

Register

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. 

Team leads: 

  • Support and motivate their team 
  • Help coordinate tasks on-site 
  • Ensure the project is completed safely and successfully 

Training required: Team leads must attend two training sessions prior to the event, taking place in September and October. 

Register

Before the event 

The week before the event, you’ll receive a confirmation email with: 

  • Your assigned project 
  • Team or group details 
  • What to bring and how to prepare 

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

Event day schedule 

8:45 a.m. | Kickoff at Norlin Quad 
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. 

9:30 a.m. | Head to project sites 
Volunteers will travel to project locations. Most projects will last around 3 hours. 

1 p.m. | Project wrap-up 
Team leads return to Norlin Quad 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.

 

Painting

 

Weeding

 

Cleaning

 

Raking Leaves

 

Trash Pickup

FAQs

  • Any University of Colorado Boulder student, staff member or faculty member may volunteer. 
  • Community members are also welcome to volunteer. During registration, they must indicate that they are not affiliated with CU Boulder and acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety unless otherwise specified. 
  • During registration, you may indicate whether you are part of a pre-established group or would like to be placed in a group. 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. 
  • 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. 

  • 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. 
  • If you have questions, email slice@colorado.edu. 

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.

You do not need to attend the kickoff ceremony, but all volunteers must check in before 9:15 a.m. The kickoff includes free food, campus and community partners and swag. We strongly encourage you to attend. 

  • 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 as coordinating transportation. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • During registration, you'll have the opportunity to indicate the types of community issues or project areas that interest you. While we will do our best to consider your preferences, we cannot guarantee placement in a specific project category. 
  • Most groups will receive their project assignment before the event to allow time to complete any required waivers and coordinate transportation. 

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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Most volunteer projects last approximately three hours, with work taking place from 10 a.m. to 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. 
  • Once your project is completed, you will head back to campus to return any borrowed tools and sign out, then are free to leave. 

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 your group to an appropriate project. 

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Transportation will be primarily coordinated by your assigned team lead with the support of SLICE. 
  • 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. 
  • We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle and a snack.