Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports to Hold Summer Volunteer Training June 8 and 14

Killington — For those who have ever wondered what it’s like to paddle or sail with a disability or to cycle on a bike path as a guide on a tandem bike, the program leaders at Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports will teach them during volunteer training sessions being offered Sunday, June 8 and Saturday, June 14. These summer orientations are geared for those recreational enthusiasts who would like to become a volunteer for the organization’s diverse client base. More than 50 volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of summer programming.

“Volunteers will learn adaptive paddling techniques, assist with sailing lessons, fit people with disabilities to bicycles, and learn to pilot a tandem bike,” said Tom Alcorn, one of the organization’s three program coordinators. “It’s a ton of fun to get together with your winter volunteer ski buddies and make a difference in someone’s life during the summer months as well. And of course, we’re always looking for new volunteers too!”

Summer Volunteer Training will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chittenden Reservoir in Chittenden on Sunday, June 8 and then again at the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center on the Burlington Waterfront on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Experience working with people with disabilities is a plus but not necessary. Volunteers who have technical outdoor skills and the ability to work well with a variety of different people are a plus. There are  opportunities for volunteers to lead kayaking, canoeing and biking trips as well as other summer related sports and activities. Volunteers also are needed to help maintain equipment, too, from sailboats to bikes.

For more information or to become a volunteer in Southern Vermont, contact Alcorn at south@vermontadaptive.org. To become a volunteer in the Burlington region or North/Central Vermont, contact Amber Tierney at truenorth@vermontadaptive.org. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and to sign up to be a volunteer, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.