Zone Captains play a key role in making sure Clean the Bay Day runs smoothly. Each clean-up site has one Zone Captain who welcomes volunteers, helps keep everyone safe, and reports the results from their site. Before the event, Zone Captains receive a materials packet and a hat, and should review the Zone Captain Guide ahead of time.

If you’re interested in being selected as a Zone Captain, during registration please select the “I’d like to volunteer as a Zone Captain” option. If you decide after you register, make sure to email your Local Coordinator letting them know that you’re interested in being a Zone Captain. They will provide you with the necessary information. If you’d like to learn more about what being a Zone Captain entails, reach out to ctbd@cbf.org or your Local Coordinator for a Zone Captain Training video.

Zone Captain Responsibilities

Download the Zone Captain’s Guide

Watch the Zone Captain Training Video

Clean the Bay Day runs from 9 a.m. to noon and volunteers typically arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Zone Captains should plan to be on-site by 8:30 a.m. to set up and be ready for early arrivals. Zone Captains must remain at their site until all volunteers have left to ensure no one is left behind.

Zone Captains’ main day-of tasks include:

• Arrive Early: Be on-site by 8:30 a.m. to set up
• Check In Volunteers: Greet volunteers as they arrive and ensure everyone signs in through the QR code. You may optionally assign a Registration Captain to help manage sign-ins.
• Welcome & Lead the Safety Briefing: Use the scrip and guidance in your Zone Captain Guide.
• Review Site Information: Go over the clean-up plan, collection areas, and any sensitive habitat to avoid.
• Explain What to Collect: Clarify what items should and shouldn’t be picked up.
• Distribute Volunteer Data Cards: Hand out yellow cards and explain how to use them.
• Organize Volunteers: Take a headcount and split volunteers into teams as needed.
• Oversee the Clean-up: Keep activities safe, organized, and effective throughout the event.
• Check Out Volunteers: Ensure all volunteers return their materials and check out before leaving.
• Report Results: Compile volunteer data onto the Zone Captain Report and return all forms to your Local Coordinator or CTBD Partner Coordinator.