Welcome to all Volunteers, Area Coordinators, Host Campers and BlissAssist to the Blissfest Festival and thank you for giving your time to help make this weekend’s folk and roots festival one of the premier cultural events of the summer in Northern Michigan. As volunteers, we are all partners on the BlissTeam that provides for smooth operations and a safe and secure community at our 120-acre Blissfest Festival Farm facility. As volunteers we ask you to cultivate a "bliss attitude" and personally invest in a "community spirit of cooperation" as we work together, connected in a common purpose to create a weekend community of musical and personal enrichment. This training and policy manual is set up in two basic components. The first sections and appendices are to give general area volunteers the basic knowledge to do their job and an understanding of general protocols. Additional training and protocols are included in later sections for advanced volunteer positions.

There are many Blissfest Volunteers who provide a wide array of services and assistance during the festival weekend. Here is a list of volunteers you will find here at Blissfest and a brief description of each category. Adults 18 years and above may apply to volunteer at the Blissfest. Teens may volunteer but require volunteer coordinator approval, adult supervision and appropriate placement.

As a member of the BlissTeam, all volunteers have the following general responsibilities:

Most area volunteers do their jobs adequately by following the general responsibilities listed above and working directly with their area coordinator for job training and direction. Beyond this level of participation, additional knowledge and training is needed for Area Coordinators, BlissAssist, Host Post and Supervisors. These volunteers are often the eyes and ears of the festival monitoring system, and, in addition, act to coordinate operations, communication and respond to emergent problems. They are often needed to problem solve, to recognize and evaluate potential and actual risk situations, and provide additional assistance to event attendees and area volunteers. Roles include monitoring of on-site activities and festival guideline compliance to assure the safety of all in attendance. In choosing to participate in any of these advanced volunteer categories, you will need to have additional skills that allow you to fulfill the job requirements. Training is important and will help you perform your task with minimal confusion. Some of you already are in professions where you are familiar with handling people and difficult situations. This is an opportunity to share your knowledge and skills, get to know your co-workers and increase your skills even further.

Responsibilities and skills recommended for Coordinators, BlissAssist Team, Host Posts, First Aid and Supervisors are as follows.

1) General Responsibilities—Understand general responsibilities for all Blissfest Volunteers as above. See Appendix A & B

2) Protocols—Know Chain of Command and understand Security & Medical Protocols. See Appendix C & D

3) Conflict Avoidance Techniques—See Appendix E

4) Communications & Carts—Receive Radio training and understand golf cart policy. See Appendix F

 

 

5) Incident Reporting and Grievance procedure—read and understand documentation procedures. See Appendix G

6) Alcohol and Smoking policy. See Appendix H

7) Fire and Campground policy. See Appendix I

 

B. Basic Protocols: Should any situation arise in which you determine you need assistance follow this procedure:

1. Consult with your coordinator first, if you are working a shift and a question or emergent situation arises.
2. If not working as a volunteer on shift, but come across a serious situation, we request that you help as any good Samaritan would in any community:
1. Contact BlissAssist, Host Post, security personnel or the security booth if you observe a medical emergency or dangerous situation. Remain at the scene if possible and send for assistance or seek out someone with a radio.
2. While waiting, get names and any pertinent information, if practical and parties are cooperative.
3. Report a serious guideline infraction (see below) to the advanced volunteer team when convenient, but as soon as possible.
3. Examples of dangerous or unsafe conditions: Lost children/parents, threatening or abusive behaviors to others, risk of bodily injury to self and/or others, disorderly persons, minors in possession, property destruction, and fire hazards or blocking roads. These are examples of serious incidents and should be reported to an advanced volunteer team member, who will either assist and/or contact dispatch for additional assistance.
4. FIRST AID/MEDICAL Response: The Blissfest Music Organization’s first aid/medical crew is comprised of EMTs, Paramedics, LPNs, and RNs; all of who carry a current M.D.P.H. license. The first aid station is located next to the raffle booth near second stage. As a Blissfest Volunteer, on or off shift, you should:
1. Encourage attendees to seek first aid at the first aid station in non-emergency situations i.e. minor cuts, insect bites and common complaints as needed.
2. In case of a medical emergency, summon the medical team via advanced volunteer team members and dispatch. Conditions you may encounter at the festival include: unresponsiveness (unconscious), allergic reactions, serious injuries (severe bleeding or trauma), emotional crisis and drug/alcohol overdose.
3. DO NOT DO ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT TRAINED TO DO!
4. Remember patient confidentiality and that adults can refuse treatment.

See Appendix D for full Medical Protocol and Procedure

C. Common Courtesy Guidelines and Basic Admission Requirements:

Many of the guidelines are common courtesy and volunteers are encouraged to simply remind community members to abide by them. The common courtesy guidelines and basic admission requirements are listed below (section A-2,I & II) Repeated disregard for these common sense guidelines may require further action.

 

Serious Rule or Guideline infractions and Safety Issues, such as not wearing wrist bands, parking violations, unauthorized ground fires, unregistered campers/cars, trespassing on adjacent

 

property, theft, possession of fireworks, unauthorized amplified

music, and repeated excessive noise during quiet time or in quiet areas are to be reported to BlissAssist, security personnel, host posts (day only), dispatch or the security booth. Serious guideline infractions are also listed below.

Stress the community nature of the festival and that the guidelines are minimal standards for a safe and responsible event for all. You can also remind folks that our zoning agreement with the county requires certain performance standards in order for us to continue the event. Stress consideration for other campers, attendees and our neighbors living nearby.

*Always promote cooperation and a spirit of community when interacting with attendees.

*Remind persons that the Festival Guidelines are minimal standards that are for the common good of the campground community and neighborhood.

*Be calm, respectful, polite, and speak in a relaxed voice

*Remember, if you are aggressive, the other person may become defensive.

*NEVER FORCE OR THREATEN! Frame your responses in a way that offers participants choices but with potential consequences.

*Physical intervention is not an option!

Additional interaction techniques can be found in Appendix E

Understanding and conveying the few simple guidelines and rules at Blissfest is a very important part of making it a fun and safe festival for all participants. Blissfest is a good-sized temporary community, with many people from different backgrounds but with common human needs. All of us desire to be treated fairly, with respect and dignity, and with a level of consistency. Each year, as thousands converge on this small, rural community, we continue working to improve the unique, relaxed and comfortable atmosphere while providing an enriching cultural experience for all. Our goal is to create a Blissfest community that is respectful and responsible for each other, as well as our local year-round community that hosts the annual festival. We strive to be a positive addition to the area during Blissfest weekend with minimal impact. The basic guidelines are divided into three sections included: 1)admission requirements and camp rules; 2)common courtesy and 3) rule infractions

1. Please be respectful and considerate of all festival patrons, other tourists, area residents and the local community.
2. Please keep off all private property. When in doubt, stay out.
3. Please remember to Recycle. Do not litter (including cigarette butts). Do not use soap or shampoo in the lake. Use Blissfest showers for washing.
4. Please use Sturgeon Bay Beach, to prevent overcrowding at Cross Village Beach.
5. A Blissfest shuttle bus will make regular trips to Sturgeon Bay Beach and the Cross Village Store throughout the day to reduce traffic congestion.
6. Please be courteous and respectful of others enjoying the beach and facilities. Maintain decorum.
7. Please drive only on paved roads whenever possible. Drive safely and slowly at all times.
8. BlissAssist will help monitor and prevent problems in camping areas. Host Campers will provide information and assistance at each designated camping area.
9. Chairs w/ legs are to be placed only on the left side of the concert area (as you face the stage), and blankets and ground seating on the right side. All chairs and blankets are to be removed after the show each evening. Staff will collect all remaining chairs and other personal items. Chairs should be labeled with owner’s name. Chairs left unattended may be used by other attendees until the owner returns. NO stakes are allowed in the concert area!
10. Smoke free and alcohol free areas will be indicated by signs.

When you agree to volunteer at the festival, and while working as a Blissfest volunteer, you are representing the Blissfest Music Organization. In exchange for your services, the Blissfest Organization provides you with admission to the event. The organization has an established Code of Conduct for all volunteers in order to maintain consistent and standard rules of behavior for participants in our volunteer program. Volunteer applicants who are not willing to abide by these minimum standards of behavior should reconsider volunteer work at the festival. Violations and non-compliance may result in grievance procedures and other negative consequences. All volunteers should become familiar with this code. Our volunteer liability policy protects volunteers so long as they are not engaging in willful or negligent misconduct.

Documentation: All incidents that are high risk or code one should be documented and reviewed by the BlissAssist Supervisor and Board Security Liaison. In the event of a serious situation that requires significant attention and response, an incident report needs to be filled out by advanced staff who are involved, so we can document and evaluate our response, as well as keep track of potential trouble spots and individuals. The incident report has sections in it for all levels of security including BlissAssist, Grams and police. Incident reports are to be filed at the security booth in a secure file box. Incident reports will be available at the security booth, information booth, host posts and BlissAssist dispatch. See Appendix G.

Community Response Program—The Blissfest strives to maintain a positive image in the community by monitoring and surveying off-site areas in the community and providing communication channels for local folks to inform us if there are Blissfest related problems occurring in the community during the festival. The Community Response Coordinator reports to the Festival Supervisory Team. They are responsible for monitoring and surveying the community during the event and also respond to community calls via phone and pager.

A) We hope that you will handle as many questions and problems as you can. However, if you find yourself in a situation, which requires additional help, you should seek that help. There are typically other coordinators, host posts, BlissAssist and security personnel available to assist and they have the ability to contact radio dispatch. By reading this training manual and keeping it as a reference, you should be well equipped to answer most questions. If you are presented with a question, which you cannot answer, refer to dispatch, or send the person/people to the information booth. Remember to use common sense and discretion when dealing with all situations. We realize you are taking a lot of responsibility by volunteering. When in doubt, call for assistance!

B) Should any situation arise in which you need assistance:

• Contact dispatch and request assistance from BlissAssist and security personnel.

• Remain at the site until assistance arrives and gather as much information as possible.

• While waiting, get names, addresses, phone numbers and other pertinent information, if parties are cooperative.

C) Call for assistance should any of the following occur:

Medical emergencies, abuse, lost children/parents, threatening or physically abusive behaviors to others, risk of bodily injury/harm to self and/or others, minors in possession, property destruction, and/or fire hazards. These are examples of serious incidents and require an immediate call to dispatch.

Coordinators or Security personnel are to be notified if any person is found in violation of festival rules and guidelines, such as not wearing wrist bands, parking violations, unregistered campers/cars, trespassers, theft, possession of fireworks, unauthorized amplified music, and excessive noise in quiet areas. These incidents are to be reported to dispatch. There will be other incidents not listed here that may arise, however, when in doubt, call dispatch.

D) Personal Protection Orders(PPO)

These are legal orders through the court system and are enforced by the police. Parties involved in PPO disputes will be encouraged to contact the proper legal authorities.

E) Physical Management- waiting to hear back from prosecutors office.

The following chain of command has been put into place to ensure the professional and efficient operation of Blissfest. We expect it to be followed at all times. The chain of command begins as follows:

1) BlissAssist Walkers and General Volunteers

2) Coordinators, Hosts Posts, BlissAssist Coordinators

3) Dispatch

4) BlissAssist Security Supervisor and Gram’s Security Supervisor

5) Blissfest Festival Supervisors, Board Security Liaison and Festival Director *

* Supervisors, Board Security Liaison and Festival Director should be apprised of emergent situations in situations that require police intervention and consulted when there is a conflict regarding response protocol between BlissAssist and Grams Security.

In the unlikely event an evacuation of the site is required, all advanced volunteers will be required to assist with an orderly exit procedure. Emergency exits are designated for all sections of the activity and camping areas on the site map in back panel of this booklet. Coordinators, BlissAssist and Host Posts will implement a site evacuation only after dispatch has notified them to do so, by directing participants to the designated exit for their area either by vehicle or by foot. Depending on the nature of the event, a partial evacuation may be implemented in a particular section of the festival site. The most common event is likely a fire that originated from a camp vehicle or ground fire. Another possible situation that may occur is a wind emergency where there is a tornado or wind sheer affecting the site. Campers are to seek shelter in their vehicle in the event of a wind emergency. Excessive rain and deteriorating roads may require action. A terrorist event or a riot is also remotely possible. Each of these events will require a coordinated response, which may be area specific.

1. DO NOT move the person, unless the person is lying on their back and vomit or fluid is in and/or around the mouth. If so, roll the person to their side.
2. Summon the medical team and or safety personnel by calling radio dispatch.
3. Look for a Medical Alert Tag or bracelet.
4. Ask bystanders if they know this person and/or they know anything about them, or what might have happened. Write all of this down.
5. If this person should awake before medical help arrives, encourage them to stay and accept assistanceIf individual decides to leave the scene prior to assistance, follow, observe and continue to seek assistance
6. Assist the medical staff as needed.
7. Control the scene.

II Lacerations:

A) If profuse bleeding is present, apply direct pressure to the wound or wrap with clean cloth(rubber gloves are available in BlissAssist Kit).

B) Summon the Medical Team.

C) If it is a major wound, lay the person down and elevate the injured site/extremity.

 

III Behavioral Crisis: Call Dispatch for any Mental Health crisis.

Alcohol and substance abuse can result in behaviors that mimic mental illness. Bizarre behaviors that are potentially injurious to self or others require intervention.

Suggested Response:

• Remain calm; your calmness will calm them. Assure that they are safe and help is available.
• Contact your crew leader, co-coordinator, or dispatch.
• Encourage a person in crisis to go to the Medical Tent. Try to get a golfcart or accompany the individual on foot.
• Encourage the person in crisis to sit down and breathe very slowly until they calm down, if she/he is too upset to talk.
• Report incident if the person chooses not to seek help.
• Listen to the person in crisis; never minimize events/feelings or tell them that they probably imagined the problem.
• Encourage the person to leave any dangerous or violent situation.

• appropriate touching of a person in crisis can be comforting or traumatic. Always ask a person in crisis if you may touch or comfort them in this way.

• A female victim may not be comfortable receiving help from a male volunteer, or vice-versa.

IV PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY. Medical information is confidential and is also considered legally privileged. Do not pass along information to people that do not have a legitimate need to know! An adult is allowed to REFUSE Blissfest. If anyone refuses treatment, that is their choice. Document their refusal and inform them that the Medical Team would still like to evaluate them. However, a child under 18 must accept treatment unless the parent or guardian of the child is present and refuses assistance. BlissAssist should attempt to contact parents in situations involving minors under 18.

The EMT Service( Allied Health Care) will provide medical coverage after 12 midnight and until 6 a.m. They are stationed at the First Aid Booth. First Aid Coordinators will be on-call via pager when the booth is unstaffed during the morning. Regular first aid station hours are 8am-12 midnight.

*Always assume a person will be cooperative.

*Be calm, respectful, polite and speak in a relaxed voice

*Remember, if you are aggressive, the other person may become defensive.

*NEVER FORCE OR THREATEN! Frame decision as an option or choice with consequences.

*Physical intervention is not an option!

*Stay with one issue at a time

*Work on resolving conflicts when the anger (if any) has been stilled and both people are calm.

*Make "I" statements instead of "You" statements.

*Make statements instead of questions whenever possible.

*Work out problems as they occur instead of saving them for a giant explosion of temper later.

*Try to find the real issue. Many times people don’t argue about what is really bothering them.

*Remember that you and the other person have the right to think and/or feel. That doesn’t mean you have to act upon it.

*Try to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.

*Give yourself and the other person a chance to ‘blow off’ steam before you try to solve the issue.

*Treat each other with respect and honesty.

*Don’t get into a win-or-lose situation

 

*Appeal to reason: Thinking, rational approaches such as problem solving, or re-framing the problem or conflict.

*Appeal to emotions: usually the strongest approach, but care must be taken to insure the emotional words chosen are positive and appeal to the person’s strengths and areas of security, not weaknesses and insecurities.

*Appeal to personal ethics: draws on concepts of what is ‘right’ and ‘fair’ and ‘good.’

*Appeal to consequences: pointing out the end results of intended behavior, attempt to structure in positive perspective, i.e. how not doing something or stopping a behavior will benefit them and demonstrate their cooperativeness, etc.

 

*Listen, do not interrupt, and do not make threats.

*Remain calm, avoid over-reactions.

*Remove any onlookers from the situation as soon as possible.

*Be prepared to enforce rules and impose limits.

*Avoid jargon, it only confuses and frustrates

*Ask open ended questions and be open minded

1) Think about what you want to say before you talk.

2) Speak clearly and concisely.

3) Can others hear you?

4) Use only for Blissfest related business.

5) Do not ‘WALK’ on other transmissions.

6) The push-to-talk button must be released in order to listen.

7) These radios are very expensive, PLEASE TREAT WITH CARE

8) If your shift requires a radio, you will be briefed in its use.

9) Remember that others can monitor these radios, maintain discretion and please use proper language.

10) Say the name of whomever you wish to speak to, and your name. Say "over" after speaking and "over and out" when finished.

 

Channel #1 Walkers & Co-Coordinators/Host Posts

Channel #2 Dispatch

Channel #3 General Workers and movers

Channel #4 Private channel (Grams’, etc.) Be sure to check and make certain that this list is current.

The Motorola radios have 22 channels and 99 lockout options. The BlissAssist Team will determine the channel being used at the Thurs.. meeting.

Your responsibilities may also require the use of a motorized cart prior to or during the course of the event. These vehicles as well as the radios are an integral part of an effective response. They can also present potential dangers to self and others. All persons issued a cart will have to be cleared by Bliss management, instructed in safe operation, and specified usage. All golf carts are expected to be properly and appropriately used. Carts will be labeled and assigned. Report all cart malfunctions and problems to the cart garage. The cart garage is the new pole barn west and north of the main stage.

1) Carts are to be used only for Blissfest business and are the responsibility of the assigned coordinator or supervisor.

2) Generally, children and persons without a driver’s license are not allowed to drive the carts. There may be some, who have been trained. They will be identified with a badge and should be treated with the same respect as any other volunteer.

3) Carts are returned to the cart garage at the end of the day and checked out the following day unless otherwise approved by the Festival Supervisory Team.

4) Carts should not be left unattended, always remove key from cart when it is not being used. Wear the key around your neck for safekeeping.

5) Re-charging of electric carts is to be done by trained persons only.

6) Always use caution when driving carts, drive slowly and remember there are children and inattentive adults out there.

7) Avoid uneven ground and mud holes.

8) Drive at speeds that are acceptable, high speeds result in accidents.

9) Should someone who is mobility impaired need transportation, call dispatch for further instructions. An on-site shuttle system is also being implemented

10) Do not overload the cart. It is only designed for reasonable loads. Overloading a cart is dangerous and will cause injury to self and others.

11) Always use headlights or flashlights during pre-night and pre-dawn hours. It is important for others to see you when you are driving.

1. Incident report

An incident form is attached to the training manual or readily available from BlissAssist personnel. All serious situations and those that require significant intervention of coordinators and advanced staff should be documented.

2. Grievance Procedures

Persons who have an issue about the festival rules or behavior of Blissfest Volunteers can file a grievance form, which is available at the Information Booth.

 

The goal of the alcohol management plan is to provide for a safe and healthy Blissfest by encouraging and educating participants for responsible use of alcohol. The current plan has being adapted to be reasonable and responsible so that the festival continues to provide for a safe and family-friendly atmosphere. It is the intent of the plan to continue to restrict alcohol in designated areas, to control and restrict alcohol in some additional areas during specific activities and night-time hours and to continue to enforce minimal behavioral standards from all participants regarding appropriate use. We will also continue an emphasis on educating patrons about the responsible use of alcohol. An AA Friends of Bill Camp is located east of the food concession area for those wishing community involvement that does not involve alcohol.

I. Education

a. Printed materials and posters in the public areas

b. Regular educational announcements from all the stages and workshops areas.

c. Back 40 area and woods will be provided with greeters who will educate regarding alcohol use.

II. Current Restricted (Alcohol-free) Areas at all times

a. Children’s Area

b. Drum Kiva

c. Under age Youth Campground except for the front row of designated Handicapped Camping sites.

d. Friends of Bill Camping area

III. Additional restricted areas at night or during specific activities.

a. Third Stage during kid & teen activities

b. 20 feet in front of the Main stage after dark.

c. 20 feet in front of Second stage after dark

d. During the kids’ talent show and family and teen focused performances on second stage.

IV. Monitoring:

a. Entrance gate check of ID and searching of vehicles of underage patrons.

b. Requirement that underage patrons camp in the designated Alcohol Free Area. See section A-2, I

c. Patrol by BlissAssist and Private Security. Sheriff deputies or state troopers are available via 911 central dispatch

V. Enforcement:

Minor in Possession offences will be handled primarily by BlissAssist and Grams Security. Other staff and volunteers are encouraged to monitor and observe for adherence as well as appropriate and responsible behavior. Behavior that is so egregious as to create problems and safety risks will be responded to by BlissAssist and Grams Security. Public drunkenness and disorderly conduct will risk expulsion from the festival as determined by the primary security personnel including BlissAssist coordinators, Grams Security and the Festival Supervisors.

 

1. FIRE Protocols: Summer is often dry and there is often a high danger of fire. We need to insure the safety of participants and preserve our beautiful Festival Farm site. We must all exercise caution in order to preserve the land for future festivals.

a. Make sure that all roads remain un-blocked at all times. These roads are our emergency fire-lanes and provide access for the local fire department

b. No ground fires will be allowed anywhere on the festival site. Bottled gas camp stoves are okay for cooking meals, although water must be available at campsite to ensure safety.

c. Smokers are asked to dispose of cigarette butts and ashes in containers and not on the ground.

d. Supervised Fires will be allowed only at the Drum Kiva, Main Fire Pit and the Friends of Bill W. site.

e. Tiki lights and candles are very dangerous especially when unattended. Tiki lights are not acceptable and candles must be attended and contained at all times. The safest light is battery powered.

f. Fire extinguisher locations: Host Camps and Dispatch, Main Stage, Main Barn and Kitchen in Hospitality area. BlissAssist Golf Carts

g. Contained fires are allowed including camp stoves and grills if they are attended. Restrictions may be imposed if dry conditions warrant.

HOST CAMPERS: The festival grounds have been divided into several areas. Each area has a Host Camper, similar in role to a State Forest Host Camper, to provide quicker assistance to those who are present in that area. Walkers will be assigned to each camp area at night with assistance from security. Host Camps are indicated on your festival map and marked by a visible windsock above the host camp.

a. Each campsite is 25 ft by 50 ft. and is flagged. Campsites are limited to 2 vehicles and 2 tents or 1 tent & 1 trailer. We will also encourage Pickers Paradise Campers to limit campsite to one vehicle and keep extra vehicles in the day parking area.

b. All campsites must provide a 5 ft. minimum buffer between camp units and campsite boundary. This means 10 foot buffer from adjacent campsite tents or campers. This is for fire protection and a state temporary campsite rule. Blissfest obtains a D.E.Q. Temporary Camping Permit each year.

c. The hitch on trailers should all face the nearest road. This is in case of the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation.

d. Campground quiet-down time is from 1 AM until. 8am. This means that folks can be active and having fun, but they need to be considerate of neighbors. If neighbors complain, then we will need to respond.

e. General Rule: "If it’s mowed, it’s a road."

f. There is designated parking for those who wish to walk-in and camp in the woods. This parking is under the electrical transmission lines in the Back Forty and Blissville South camp areas.

The Blissfest will be able to use the "Back 40" camping area this year thanks to the Emmet ZBA approving a temporary permit for this area. The permission is conditional and will be reviewed after this year's festival. Future use of this area will require that campers exercise care and responsible behavior especially in the Back 40. The festival will only allow 300 sites in this area this year and each site will be designated. The density level will be monitored and site density and buffers will be enforced.

See the site map for a representation of the activity and camping areas. All camping areas will require a general quiet down period starting at 1 am. It is important that all festival participants honor this rule since our collective behavior will determine if we can continue camping at all. Quiet-down simply means that we can sing, play music and have fun but we can not disturb fellow campers or the local neighbors.

BlissFest Music Organization

P.O Box 441, Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740

231-348-7047 Office phone

231-526-0836 Farm office phone

231-526-0837 Farm Security Post and courtesy phone

231-526-6806 Gate phone.

Festival pager #: