The BBSF could not sustain its efforts without the support from our
sailing community, the parents of our sailors, and those in the
community who are interested in our mission. Many of
our volunteers wish to give back to an activity that has meant so much
to them. They
believe in our purpose – some just like boats.
We remember the line from Wind and the Willows – the Water Rat says to
the Mole:
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing –
absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about
in boats. Simply messing, he went on dreamily: messing – about in
boats; messing –
Parent volunteers wish to know more about our program and want to
support their children in their activities. Parents give our
programs
a real positive lift and help us in many ways – parent of the day
program, organizing social events and helping in some of the other
volunteer needs that we have.
We also work closely with the Bellport Bay Yacht Club to introduce
adults to sailing. Volunteering is a great way to get introduced to new
people and to a great outdoor activity.
Our efforts are not confined to sailing activities - we are interested
in developing an environmental and history program that is centered on
Bellport Bay.
You don’t have to be a member of the BBYC to be a supporter and
volunteer. However, yacht club membership does make sense
if you have a fundamental interest in sailing.
There are lots of opportunities at the BBSF. Running the Bellport
Bay Sailing Foundation is like running a business. Our business
provides a service. We have equipment, marketing, personnel,
educational, planning, finance, maintenance, social activities and fund
raising to deal with. The bottom line is we need help.
Below are listed just a few of the volunteer jobs that are being
undertaken at the BBSF. You too can help. Contact us - tell
us your interest and what you might be able to do or just say you would
like to help.
- Sailing Programs: Particularly the development
of the adult part of our sailing program. Some have volunteered
to take adults out in different type boats as part of an adult sailing
program.
- Race Management: Helping to run races
(willingness to help and learn – we have successfully paired parents up
with some of our experienced volunteers to help run races for youth on
a Club level.)
- Maintenance: Boats, equipment and related
items require a huge amount of maintenance. Although we like to
support some of this maintenance through fund raising – volunteer help
is likely to remain a core ingredient. We would like to
match your skills and interest to our needs. Sanding, fiber
glassing, painting lifting, transporting, rigging, etc. cover a wide
range of effort. During
the season we need adults to be available to help instructors with
maintenance
items. We have found that there is a lot of running around that
is necessary during the season to get parts from time to time.
Taking
a team approach to this can really be an advantage. Instructors
cannot
do this alone! Be part of our maintenance team! It is a
great
crew!
- Parent of the Day: Our sailing program
instituted a Parent of the Day program. These parents help out during
the morning activities at the Club. A full description of this is
found elsewhere on the site. Tell us if you are interested at
registration.
- Social Activities: Social programs are
key. We need to make activities fun for children. Last year
our Wednesday night series for Optimists was very successful because
racing was combined with dinners and other activities. Developing
content and making programs fun – helping with social activities is key
– energy and ideas needed!
- Environmental Program: – Help us develop ideas and
curriculum related to Bellport Bay. A willingness to assist is
key.
- Fund Raising: Our programs need money to
sustain them. We manage our programs to generate cash flow to
cover operating expenses but we depend on fund raising for capital
investment in boats and major maintenance items such as sails, motors
and other equipment items. We also have a number of educational
initiatives related to sailing program management and instructor
training. We cannot undertake these initiatives without financial
backing.
|