Folks from across the province are currently staying - and sleeping - in Langley Township during the BC Summer Games.

The Games kicked off Thursday night with opening ceremonies at McLeod Athletic Park, and wrap up Sunday.

According to numbers tabulated in early July, 2,547 athletes, 516 coaches, and 335 technical officials are in town. This equates into a massive influx of newcomers over the four days.

To accommodate the teams, athletes, and coaches, roughly 225 classrooms in 19 schools across Langley School District (as well as Trinity Western University) have been converted into dorms.

During the lead-up to the Games, custodians across the Township were tasked with making sure the rooms, hallways, bathrooms, and common areas in the schools were clean and ready for the visitors.

Rick Teubner, director of accommodation with the 2010 BC Summer Games, said setting up the makeshift dorms had its challenges, but for the most part, the prep work ran fairly smoothly.

"We've had some last-minute glitches but we've been able to work though them," he said.

One of the biggest challenges for local custodians is the timing of the Games. They fall at the same time as summer cleanup in Langley schools.

"It's unique because this is our first time doing this," explained Jake Bisson, manager of facility services with the Langley School District. "[They were] trying to organize the cleanup at the same time and making sure the mattresses are here and everything else."

Bisson said all involved have "stepped up to the plate" to make sure the schools are spick-and-span, and sleeping mattresses are set in place in each classroom.

He added that CUPE Local 1851 worked hard to ensure its members were a big part of the preparation for the Games.

"Without them, we couldn't have made this happen," he said.

Currently, 24-hour custodial service in each school is in place, keeping the facilities clean for the teams, athletes, and coaches from the eight zones.

As well, dorm captains are posted in the main lobby of each school, and doors are being locked tight at 10:30 p.m. sharp tonight (Friday) and Saturday.

One of those dorm captains, Darren Storsley, said his role is to oversee his assigned school, making sure sign-in and sign-out procedures are followed, and that participants are safe and comfortable during their stay. He'll be positioned near the front doors of his school, ensuring those who enter have proper accreditation.

Storsley said volunteering his time over the weekend is about making the Games memorable for the young athletes, especially those from the various provincial outposts.

"It's exciting," Storsley said. "We've got kids coming from all over B.C., many of whom have never left their small towns, and to them, they are coming to what they consider to be the 'big city.'

"For many of them this is their first time away from home, and away from their parents," said the Langley Fine Arts teacher. "As much work as it is for us as volunteers, this is something kids would never have experienced before and will never forget. They are representing their communities and for someone at 15 or 16 to do that, it's definitely an honour."