Our Recreation Team is expanding its program offerings this year, and we are looking for experienced paddlers to support our upcoming river programs and youth summer camp. This is NOT A Training; it is a skills CHECK-OFF for volunteers who already possess the paddling knowledge and moving-water experience needed to support out team. There are no prerequisite trainings required; however, participants should arrive prepared to demonstrate proficiency in the skills being assessed.
This check-off is designed to evaluate your ability to perform all of the skills listed and demonstrate an appropriate level of paddling knowledge. This assessment provides the opportunity for you to receive documentation of having achieved this level of paddling ability. *Volunteers looking to volunteer in moving water clinics are also encouraged to attend Kayaking 2: Essentials to River Kayaking.
As a part of the team, you
will be supporting our staff at our paddlesport programs both in and out of the water. You'll serve as an extra set of eyes on the water, helping ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. This is an annual requirement and must be completed every 12 months to maintain eligibility to volunteer in these roles.
Join us in making a meaningful difference as a Paddlesport Volunteer! Your involvement is crucial to delivering high-quality and engaging programming to the public.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This opportunity
is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have completed their volunteer onboarding
qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer
Profile), and an eligible background check.
Volunteers should be comfortable paddling in moving water, be able to swim, and be able to demonstrate each of the items listed in the check off list (see below).
New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer!
WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL REVIEW
During this session, you'll gain confidence in your ability to support our programs, the staff, and the participants.
- Volunteers will receive an orientation to the session, a review of the expectations for successfully completing the Moving Water Program Support check-off, and the opportunity to observe a demonstration of each skill before being asked to successfully perform it. *This is a skills assessment, not a training course, and volunteers should arrive with the paddling knowledge and experience necessary to complete the skills being evaluated.
- Volunteers should be prepared to enter the water and be aware that the skills assessment will be done while going down the river. Observation skills are part of being a strong program support volunteer with our paddling programs, as is becoming acquainted with the equipment and resources at your disposal.
- Volunteers should review the check-off list before registering for this session. Click this link to view: Moving Water Check-Off.
- Volunteers who were not able to attend the Safety Boater training earlier this year may be able to qualify as a Safety Boater for MetroParks through this session.
Embrace this opportunity to make a positive impact and help ensure safe, enjoyable experiences on the water for everyone!
Please note the following:
- All volunteers who complete this session are expected to volunteer and support our Paddlesports programs and at the upcoming Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience (Oct. 3rd & 4th) as a Safety Boater.
- This is an on-water check-off that will require in-water exercises. Please come to the training prepared to paddle, and dressed to get wet. Bring a full water bottle, hat/sunglasses, sunscreen, and/or bug spray as needed.
- In the event of inclement weather, this training will be rescheduled, and volunteers will be notified.
GET STARTED!
RSVP to join us for this in-person session.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
