Volunteer
Volunteer Now.
Scholarship Later.
Students in grades 9–12: every hour you volunteer at the Oatmeal Festival counts toward a graduating-senior scholarship of $200–$1,200. Start as a freshman, log hours every year, and watch it add up.
The Youth Program Is the Heart — Adults Are the Backbone
The Oatmeal Festival runs on two kinds of volunteers: students earning real scholarship money for every hour they log, and adults who show up year after year to keep the whole day running and keep Bertram feeling like Bertram. Here’s how each side works — starting with the students.
Real scholarship money, awarded 2025 senior year for every hour you log along the way
Start freshman year and keep stacking hours all the way to graduation
Every grade is eligible — your very first shift is your first hour on record
Turn Your Time Into Tuition
The Oatmeal Festival’s Youth Scholarship Program rewards students who show up year after year. Here’s what your hours actually earn you.
It Adds Up Every Year
Log hours as a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior — they all count toward one cumulative total. The earlier you start, the bigger your award when you apply senior year.
Start as a FreshmanSimple to Track
One log sheet, signed by your activity supervisor at the end of each shift. Keep your copy, submit the original, and you’re done — no complicated paperwork.
One Log Sheet, 4 YearsReal Experience
You’ll run registration, manage a course, judge entries, or supervise a kids’ activity — genuine responsibility that reads well on a college application too.
Resume BuilderCommunity Impact
Festival proceeds fund local youth scholarships and community programs. Your shift is a direct investment in Bertram — including the very program that’s funding you.
Bertram StrongFour Years. One Payoff.
This is the whole process, start (freshman year) to finish (scholarship application senior year).
Sign Up for a Shift
Pick your shift on SignUpGenius. Each listing shows the exact check-in location and volunteer contact for that role, so double-check those details before you go. Pick shifts that don’t overlap — each one is tied to a specific spot downtown.
Bring Your Hours Log Sheet
Download and print it ahead of time, or grab a hard copy from any OFA volunteer on festival day.
Work Your Shift, Get It Signed
Show up on September 26, complete your role, and have your activity supervisor sign off at the end of each shift. That signature is what makes your hours official.
Turn In Your Log — Every Year
Drop your completed form at the Information/Merchandise booth at the festival, email a photo or scan to info@oatmealfestival.org, or mail a physical copy to Oatmeal Festival Association, PO Box 70, Bertram, TX 78605. Keep a copy for your own records. Do this every year, not just senior year — the hours carry forward.
Apply Senior Year
Submit the scholarship application with your four years of verified logs by late April of your graduating year. Awards of $200–$1,200 are based on your total cumulative hours.
Confirmed Roles So Far
A preview of shifts confirmed by committee leads for September 26 — the full, final list will be on SignUpGenius.
| Time | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00–10:00 AM | Fun Run (12 needed) | Course marking, registration, course marshal (golf cart provided), water/banana stations, medals & awards, clean-up. Arrive by 6:15 AM sharp — no late arrivals once the race starts. Contact: Bonnie Porterfield |
| 8:00–10:00 AM | Car Show (3 needed) | Park and direct arriving cars. Arrive by 8:30 AM. Check-in: 317 E. Vaughan St. Contact: Cassey Allen |
| 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Car Show (3 needed) | Direct cars out as the show wraps and the parade ends. Check-in: 317 E. Vaughan St. Contact: Cassey Allen |
| 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Bake-Off Setup (2 needed) | Set up entry tables. Actual work window is 9:00–9:30 AM — arrive by 9:00, free to go once tables are set. Check-in: Bertram Volunteer Fire Dept. Contact: Philomena Carr |
| 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Kid Zone (2 needed) | Oversee yard games, keep the play area safe and organized. Set-up coverage starts 10:30 AM. Check-in: Wheeler Park. Contact: April Baladez |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Car Show (2 needed) | Direct cars out as folks head home. Coverage only needed 1:00–2:00 PM. Check-in: 317 E. Vaughan St. Contact: Cassey Allen |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Bake-Off Judges (4 needed) | Judging begins at noon and may run long — plan for some flexibility. Check-in: Bertram Volunteer Fire Dept. Contact: Philomena Carr |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Kid Zone (2 needed) | Oversee yard games, keep the play area safe and organized. Check-in: Wheeler Park. Contact: April Baladez |
| 2:00–4:00 PM | Bake-Off Cleanup (2 needed) | Wipe down tables, pick up disposables. Actual work window is 3:00–4:00 PM. Check-in: Bertram Volunteer Fire Dept. Contact: Philomena Carr |
| 2:00–4:00 PM | Kid Zone (2 needed) | Oversee yard games, keep the play area safe and organized. Coverage runs through 4:30 PM for clean-up — plan to stay until then. Check-in: Wheeler Park. Contact: April Baladez |
Help Us Fill Every Shift
Every shift below matters — we’re working to fill every time slot so the festival has the support it needs to run smoothly and put on the best event possible. We need more students volunteering throughout the day for their scholarship hours, and we need adults stepping up to make sure every one of those shifts is actually covered.
We Need You On the Ground
Fun Run support, Car Show parking, Bake-Off setup, judging, and cleanup, Kid Zone supervision — every role in the table above can use an adult volunteer. Give two hours or give the whole day.
Volunteering is also one of the best ways to connect with your neighbors — see familiar faces, meet new ones, and be part of something Bertram has kept going for 49 years and counting.
Don’t Wait for Senior Year
Grab a shift below and start counting your hours toward your scholarship — the earlier you start, the more it adds up by senior year.