POD LEADER
For safety on the water, participants are assigned to Pods, or groups of approximately 10–12 paddlers who are accompanied by two Pod Leaders. A pod leader’s responsibility is primarily safety and providing general guidance on the water. Required skills include; demonstrated proficiency in paddling, conducting rescues in moving water, and river reading skills. You must also have the ability to give clear direction (be a good communicator) and take a leadership role in the group. First aid and CPR certification is also strongly encouraged! Specific Willamette River and onthe water group management experience is a plus. FREE meals and trip fees are provided in return for volunteering.

Pod Leader applicants are required to... participate in our overnight, training trip weekend scheduled for April 30th to May 1st on the Willamette!

POD SUPPORT
For those who attend the Pod Leader training trip weekend, but cannot be accommodated as a Pod Leader, you are invited to participate as a Pod Support paddler. Pod Support paddlers help assist the pod leaders in fulfilling safety tasks on the water and contribute to maintaining a cohesive group.

In return for volunteering, DISCOUNTED meals and trip fees are provided.


SPECIAL INTEREST POD ASSISTANTS
Special Interest assistants help with the educational aspects of the trip. In addition to previous paddling experience on moving water and confidence paddling in current, you skills may include canoe and kayak instruction, Willamette Valley naturalist, birder, historian, or ecologist. In return for volunteering DISCOUNTED meals and trip fees are provided.

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT TEAM
The secret to a successful paddling event is not necessarily on the water. Logistical support volunteers help with baggage shuttles, campsite set-up, caterer and amenity crews, and other logistical aspects. These volunteers get a behind-the-scenes look at how Paddle Oregon is organized and carried out. Required skills include; ability to drive a moving truck or van with trailer, strength to load and unload luggage, and willingness to assist participants. In return for volunteering FREE meals, camping accommodations, and evening entertainment are provided.

To volunteer: If you believe you have the paddling and leadership skills, experience, and patience required to be a volunteer POD LEADER, please e-mail Kate and list or explain what qualifies you for this role.

Pod Leaders and Support Paddlers will be notified of their designated role no later than June 15th, 2011. Decisions are made based on demonstrated skills and the number of Paddle Oregon participants that have registered (which determines how many pods we will need). Once you have been assigned a volunteer role, you will be directed as to how to formally register on-line.

For all other volunteer positions, contact kate or at 503-223-6418.