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:

Classroom Shadowing

IITs can ask staff instructors to shadow their class as an assistant instructor. 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.

Dock Work

Dock work is a great way of getting involved and building leadership skills. IITs can work on the dock to help kids with rigging, launching and docking to support staff and and assist new sailors.

Boat Rides

If IITs are Sonar rated, they can skipper boat rides for the beginner sailing classes. Boat rides are an introduction for brand new sailors to get comfortable on the water and get to know their peers on the first day of beginner sailing.

Informal Instruction

IITs interested in one-on-one or small group instruction can participate in informal instruction. Informal instructors will take beginners out to practice and learn new skills during free sailing.

Event Work

Event Work is for IITs who want to plan and run fun theme days like our annual Pink Day fundraiser, and assist with weekly Fun & Games sessions.

IIT Meetings

Many IIT’s meet 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. IIT meetings take place weekly Wednesdays from 3-5pm in the summer, or monthly on the third Monday of the month from 4-6pm during the off season.

Additional Information

Please email [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)

Give the gift of sailing!

Purchase a gift certificate today!

Non-member rentals

Rent a sailboat or kayak for the day!