Is your workplace, church or other group looking to get outdoors?

Do you belong to a group or work for a company that might enjoy spending a few hours on the banks of the Mississippi River — volunteering while making a good impression on some 400 canoeists and kayakers?

Friends of the Mississippi River is in need of companies and groups to adopt route stops for the Mississippi River Challenge, Friday-Sunday, July 25-27. (Corporate, church, condo association and other groups are also sought for river clean-ups in late April in Minneapolis and in September, tentatively, in the Vermillion Watershed [Hastings, Lakeville, Rosemount, etc.].)

It may seem early to start thinking about this annual fundraising paddle, but many groups and businesses need a great deal of notice, or sit down to consider their potential volunteering options at the beginning of the year.

If you think your employer — or a nonprofit or other group you are affiliated with — may be interested in a positive, team-building volunteer experience, wed love to speak with you or other group members about adopting a Challenge route stop.

Most stops along the 44-mile route need roughly a dozen volunteers; the starting and overnight stops (Coon Rapids Dam and historic Fort Snelling) can accommodate groups of up to 50. (The party at historic Fort Snelling is a favorite for participants and volunteers alike.)

Volunteers provide refreshments, help participants with their canoes and kayaks as necessary, and provide good cheer and encouragement for the paddlers. Refreshments are provided for all volunteers, as well as MRC t-shirts.

Companies may also distribute information once they reach a to-be-determined number of volunteers from their group.

Shifts range from three to four hours in length, Friday evening to Sunday early evening, and span the Challenge route. Everyone can work to his or her ability, and support staff and lead volunteers will be on hand to make sure this is a positive experience for everyone in your crew.

If this sounds like a possible fit for you, your employer church or other group youre involved with, please contact Volunteer Coordinator sue rich at 651-222-2193 x14 or through our contact form. She would be delighted to speak further with you or another representative from your group and is generally in the office Tuesday through Thursday.