Volunteering at Positive Energy Outdoor (ed)Ventures
Positive Energy has a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages.
We are proud to be part of the Incredible Exchange, and will host 7 youth volunteers this summer.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with programs and activities. Some volunteer opportunities involve a longer commitment to learn specific skills, such as learning to drive a dog team. Please contact us for more information about any of the following volunteer opportunities:
- General dog and horse care
- Kennel projects (building dog houses, etc.)
- Reading with sled dogs at special events or schools
- Demonstrations and activities at local festivals and events, including building solar ovens, art activities, helping kids put on life jackets or get in and out of boats, kayak fishing activity, etc.
- Dog handling skills--help hook up teams and/or drive a dogsled
- Horse handling skills--help harness team and/or drive the wagon or sleigh
- Fall dog training
Two Harbors Kayak Festival: Positive Energy provides youth and family programming at the festival (August 3-5, 2007 at Burlington Bay in Two Harbors). Volunteers are needed to assist Positive Energy staff with the following festival activities:
Youth Races: (Free with Festival Activities Fee.) Test your skills and speed in a single kayak sprint race. Two divisions (8-11 & 12-15) will be offered between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. All youth racers will be recognized during Saturday evening’s award ceremony.
Open Paddling: (Free with Festival Activities Fee.) Paddle a variety of youth-sized kayaks. Boats and instruction are limited on Saturday. On Sunday, more kayaks and staff will be available to provide pointers.
THKF Paddling Club: ($25/youth) Enjoy a variety of paddling activities during this 2 hour club for youth ages 8 - 15. Participate in a kayak relay race, learn water safety skills, skip rocks with EAGLE and learn about the past, present and future of our greatest lake.
Mush for Kids Volunteers The 2008 Mush for Kids event takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Location TBA. Volunteers are needed for the following stations and activities:
Welcome and parking crew: Meet and greet event participants as they arrive. Collect admission fees and provide event programs/maps. Assist with parking and answer questions.
Dog handlers: Load and unload sleds, assist with harnessing and hooking up dog teams and help kids in and out of the sled. Handle crowds, answer questions about the dogs and "talk dogs" with kids and families waiting for rides. Previous dog handling experience is helpful but not required. Dog handlers are invited to join us at the Positive Energy kennel before the events to learn the ins and outs of working with our dogs.
Horse handlers: Load and unload the sleigh, learn how to harness and hook up Tracy and Blaze, the draft horses. Handle crowds and share pictures and stories about the history of draft horses. Provide water for Tracy and Blaze between rides.
Cross country ski instructors: Share the excitement of cross country skiing with kids! Help get kids outfitted with skis, boots and poles, and provide mini lessons--getting up, kick and glide, turning, etc. Instructors will ski with the kids on groomed trails and work with skijor instructors.
Skijor instructors: You'll introduce kids to the fun of skiing with a dog. Help kids harness the dogs, get outfitted with a skijoring harness and cross country skis, and ski along with the kids on a short groomed trail. We will provide dogs, or contact us about using your trained skijoring dog!
Photographers/videographers: Take pictures/video of all Mush for Kids! activities. Send photos/video to Positive Energy formatted for use on website and other media.
Relay racers: Use your creativity to develop and run fun races for kids using winter equipment: snowshoes, sleeping bags, sleds, winter clothes, etc. We've got ideas, or share your fun winter themed races with us!
Concessions: Provide concessions (baked goods, hot dish, etc.) for events and volunteers to sell food. Manage hot chocolate and cookies.
Winter camping demonstration: Provide wall tent and stove for kids to experience traditional winter camping. Share stories and activities with kids about life as a lumberjack, voyageur, etc.
Winter science activities: Develop and run fun science activities for kids with a focus on winter. Run crafts or other make and take projects for ages 3-10. We'd love to hear about your fun winter activities for kids!
Snowshoeing: Help kids experience traditional travel by snowshoe. Assist with getting kids in snowshoes and lead interpretive snowshoe hikes. If you have birding or tracking experience, this is a great opportunity to share your expertise!
Roving raptors: We are looking for professionals with access to raptors to share with kids during Mush for Kids! events.
