Five Rivers MetroParks will be offering "try it" opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience including Try Paddlesports! Led by expert staff, these event activities provide an opportunity to learn basic paddling skills and safety while on the water. Paddling opportunities will include paddling a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and possibly other paddle craft. Volunteers help make this a safer and more engaging experience, as well as, share how to enjoy the region's various water features. Prior paddling experience and completion of Five Rivers MetroParks Safety Boater Training is required.
Impact
Safety Boaters support the Try Paddlesports activity area at the event. This area is designed to offer a beginning-level paddling experience for visitors on the lagoon at Eastwood MetroPark.
Tasks
- Safely paddle throughout the Try Paddlesports paddling area.
- Provide paddling tips to participants.
- Alert staff to any issues, concerns, or hazards.
- Help set up and tear down as needed.
- You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Prior paddling experience and completion of Five Rivers MetroParks Safety Boater Training are required.
Additional Notes
- IMPORTANT: Please review this Concussion Awareness Handout from the CDC before your volunteer shift. If you suspect that any participant might be showing signs or symptoms of a concussion, alert Five Rivers MetroParks staff right away.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the activity, review how to safely and efficiently assist participants, and rotate for breaks.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Tyler Middlestead, at 937-671-1152.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and will participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. This opportunity requires volunteers to be near the water and be observant of their surroundings. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for programming volunteer opportunities with us.
