Volunteer / IIT

We have many Junior Members who volunteer their time during our summer JP hours, as well as parents who become involved as volunteers. Volunteers have always been an essential part of Community Boating, and without them our programs would not be what they are today!

Instructors In Training

Instructors-In-Training (IITs) are a crucial part of CBI’s Junior Program. These volunteer leaders assist our staff with everything from launching boats on the front of the dock to shadowing classes, planning events, and teaching novice sailors! Junior members 12 or older with at least their yellow rating can become an IIT. Dedicated yellow rated sailors younger than 12 can volunteer with permission from our IIT Coordinator. If your child needs a letter verify their volunteer hours, please email [email protected].

IITs can help out in a variety of ways, and earn volunteer hours while doing so:

IIT Teaching/First Sail
  • IITs who want to try teaching more than one junior at a time should try Assistant Teaching a class or providing a First Sail. To try this, just ask at the dockhouse or one of our friendly Instructors if they need any help! (Best time to try this is always on Monday).
  • First Sail Skippers require a Sonar rating for the appropriate wind flag color. They take new sailors on the water for the first time and get them involved, while helping explain basic sailing concepts and, above all, making sure they have fun on their first day!
  • Assistant Instructors help instructors with lessons and activities, give personalized attention where the instructor cannot and help gather class equipment. They also act as peer mentors for juniors and sail with juniors in class in order to model skills and support them.
Community Building
  • IITs who want to support a fun environment through community buildings should find out about opportunities by attending weekly meetings.
  • Community Builders plan and run fun theme days like our annual Pink Day fundraiser, and assist with weekly Fun & Games sessions.
Professional Development

Many IIT’s meet weekly on Wednesdays, 3-5pm for the purpose of learning new teaching and leadership skills, and for planning events like the annual pink day fundraiser. Attendance at this optional meeting requires parental permission. Permission slips can be picked up at the dock house or front office.

Additional Information

Please email the [email protected] with any questions.

Elwell Scholarship

Most years, CBI awards a scholarship for one lucky IIT to travel beyond CBI and undertake an educational experience at sea. Return the Elwell Scholarship application to [email protected] before the end of the summer to be considered for this amazing opportunity.

The 2020 winner’s digital lesson is part of our learning resources. You can see the 2022 winning video below, and other past submissions in the gallery on this IIT page!

Priebatsch IIT Coordinator

This position and program are made possible through the generous support of the family of Norman Priebatsch, honoring his enthusiasm for windsurfing, sailing and CBI. The coordinator oversees a group of dedicated and enthusiastic instructors-in-training who continue the spirit of volunteerism upon which CBI is built.

Parent Volunteers

While we volunteering during Junior Program hours to Junior Program members, we strongly encourage parents to become involved in other ways:

  • Join CBI’s governing corporation and/or board
  • Assist on one or more committees such as strategic planning, event planning, fundraising, etc.
  • Become an Adult Member and join our team of volunteers
  • Fall, Winter, and Spring fleet maintenance events (a.k.a. work parties)