A heartfelt thanks — and an invitation to ride along this month
Ralph Berry and Joanna Williams, volunteers from the Major Taylor Cycling Club.
As we gear up for another school year of outdoor adventure, we want to take a moment to thank the nearly 400 volunteers who power our programs each year. You paddle, hike, bike, climb, camp, coach, and cheer — and Adventure Crew couldn’t do it without you.
On the first Saturday in August, hundreds of paddlers joined us for Ohio River Paddlefest, and we’re still feeling the energy from the incredible volunteers who made it all possible. From on-water safety crews to land-based logistics, you helped create a safe, memorable day on the river. And there’s more to come! We’re looking ahead to the Great Ohio River Swim on Sunday, August 24 and our Summits & Horizons celebration on October 30 at Memorial Hall, featuring Dr. Carolyn Finney, author of “Black Faces, White Spaces.”
Our largest program, Explorer, returns the first week of September, welcoming 50 to 150 students each Saturday for outdoor adventures across the region. Volunteers help teens hike, kayak, rock climb and discover nature as a place they belong. For those with skills in adventure sports or conservation, our Discoverer and Pathfinder programs offer more focused, multi-session workshops. Hop over to our volunteer sign-up page to let us know you’re interested.
In the summer, along with providing exciting adventures for teens attending our CPS and NKY public school partners, we also work with organizations like Found Village and the be.well collaboration between Children’s Hospital and Cincy Parks to make the outdoors more accessible. Up next: Bike 2.0 adaptive cycling begins August 11, connecting young riders with disabilities to a safe, supportive community as they build skills and make lots of new friends along the Sawyer Point bike paths.
We need volunteers Monday evenings from August 11 -September 8 and on Saturday, August 13 to support the young riders in the Ride Cincinnati event as a celebratory wrap-up to the program. You don’t need to be an expert — kindness, consistency and a bike you can bring (if you want help as a cyclist) are the only requirements. Ground support is also a big need. Can’t make every session? We’ll work with you. Email me at libby@adventurecrew.org to learn more or to sign up.
It takes a strong and dedicated community to ensure more young people have the chance to discover their strengths in nature, build new skills and feel a sense of belonging outdoors. We’re grateful for every person who helps make that possible; thank you!