Greetings and Welcome to PantheaCon's newest department, the Gryphons! (formerly known as Gofers and Door Dragons)

The dictionary explains the Gryphon as a fabled monster, usually having the head & front body of an eagle and the rear body of a lion. Our department is called Gryphons because we have combined several different departments into one (hence the multi-animal mascot) and we do so many different things. We can be called upon at a moment's notice to help any other department or do our own specific duties such as monitoring access to presentations and parties. There is a place for just about every kind of volunteer within the Gryphon department.

If you wish to join in, e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We are also acting as an overall filter for new Staff for the Con. If you are interested in working PantheaCon, you can start as an Apprentice Gryphon (first year or casual volunteer) so you can see if you like it and we can see if being on staff fits in with your needs, talents and skills.

As an Apprentice Gryphon you will be able to to earn back your membership fee up to what you paid and we will make every effort to arrange your hours so you can attend presentations around your volunteer schedule. For 2008, the minimum number of apprenticeship hours required is 6 hours over 4 days. During your first PCon, you'll get to see how the convention works from the inside, meet a lot of the other Staff and see how all the different departments work together to make the Con run smoothly.

Volunteers who do an excellent job and come back for a second year can move up to full Gryphons who have more responsibilities and perks. You will still be able to earn back your membership fee the same way Apprentice Gryphons do, up to (but not past) what you paid for your membership. We will also have cool prizes for the most hours worked and for this year's best non-staff Gryphon. Please be aware that once you sign up and commit to be scheduled that people are counting on you. Failure to show up for your assigned shift has serious repercussions on your reputation and hours (you could lose all your hours you worked that day) as well as making us scramble to replace you.

Being a Gryphon for two years, or more, can greatly increase your chances of securing a full Staff position (which includes membership, etc. and more hours) depending on the needs of the Department Heads and your abilities.

As the Con changes and grows, we are always welcoming new volunteers as well as staff. We will help you learn your way around the Con, meeting other staff and providing assistance to senior staff members. In order to start your apprenticeship, all you need to do is register for the Con and then come by the Gryphon's Lair located on the 2nd Floor near OPS and sign up. At the end of the convention you will be able to receive a reimbursement on your membership fee based on the number of hours you have volunteered. Details of rates, etc. will be available on your Volunteer Form.

Our goal is to create a warm, friendly community-oriented environment where people can help others as they help themselves. In our Lair we plan on having shared altar space, books, games and hopefully other forms of entertainment including loud & happy children playing to keep things interesting and fun.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, please come by and see us and lend a helping hand. Lair Hours: Friday: 10:00 am - 11:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 7:45 am - 10:30 pm, Monday: 7:45 am - 5:00 pm