Time for Community Captain, Get Active in the Park, and CPR/First Aid Training
Do you love staying active? Do you want to get more active? Are you ready to be a leader in your community? Join us on March 26 and 27 for in-person Spring Training!
What is a Community Captain
An Active SWV Community Captain a champion in their community, encouraging others to lead healthier, more active lives, all while having fun. Community Captains help remove barriers that prevent community members from being active by providing free physical activity programs in their communities. Learn more here: Community Captains.
When
Saturday, March 26 – Leadership training and NPS orientation.
Sunday, March 27 – CPR/First Aid certification course
Where
The Active SWV Community Captain volunteer Spring Training event will be held in Glean Jean at National Park Service headquarters, in the old Thurmond Bank Building.
Training Agenda
Saturday
- 8:30am check in
- 9:00am review of the Community Captain manual and reporting forms. This will help new volunteers determine programming direction and have some fun along the way. Topics include risk management, group dynamics, and the support provided by Active SWV.
- Lunch and snacks will be provided!
- 1pm NPS rangers will conduct the Get Active in the Park training. This will encompass park history, Leave No Trace principles, and more. This session will give volunteers the opportunity to share our love for America’s newest National Park.
Sunday
- 8:30am CPR/First Aid training. One of the many ways Active SWV supports volunteers is by providing this training and covering the cost.
Questions? Want to register? Email [email protected]
Fill out our Volunteer Agreement and email it to [email protected]
What is Get Active in the Park?
Get Active in the Park is an innovative partnership between the National Park Service and Active Southern West Virginia. National Park Service deliver free, beginner-level instructional programs to the New River Gorge National River region. Get Active in the Park empowers our community to see the outdoors as a space for health and wellness to take place. This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
“It was such a blessing to have so many great free activities at Camp Brookside! Personally, I enjoyed every hike, the cooking classes, and Tai Chi! There are so many older, retired type folks around the Hinton area and so it’s vital to have local activities suited to our abilities. Brookside trail is one of my favorites, not hard, beautiful, and full of fascinating things to see! Ideas for cooking and eating aligned with currently fresh produce is so very enjoyable and helpful! Tai Chi is perfect for relaxation and exercise! I hope your programs will continue and expand to next year and beyond. We, the people, are always up for any adventure you can provide! Thanks!” -Linda Crowley (October 6, 2016)
Check out these incredible success stories of participants, volunteers, and members of the Active SWV family!
New River Gorge National River Resources
- Visit the NPS Get Active in the Park page here.
- Take a look at one of our Get Active in the Park programs on Youtube. Watch our fly fishing video at https://youtu.be/AYxLUg-TtfE
- Find Get Active in the Park on Facebook here.
- For additional resources visit the Friends of the New River Gorge National River Facebook here.
- The Friends of New River Gorge National River, in partnership with the National Park Service, strives to enhance, support, and promote New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. Learn more at their website here.
Benefits of Volunteering
Accountability – Personal fitness – Social gains – Self confidence – Sense of purpose – A larger mission – Resume builder – New job skills – Family engagement – Network of mentors – Becoming part of the Active SWV network! In a 2021 survey of volunteers, 53% said that being a volunteer Community Captain has increased their physical activity level, and 88% stated that Active SWV helps remove barriers to physical activity in their community.
Active volunteers say, “Being a Community Captain has been a wonderful experience. Every need/concern has always been addressed and I’ve always felt supported!” and
“Enjoy my weekly running group, hope to include more people if possible and the wonderful support from directors and participants !!!!!”
Volunteers Will Receive
- One on one coaching
- NPS ranger support when possible
- Equipment; first aid kit, clipboards, carry bag, and other supplies
- Group training opportunities
Activities to Lead
Walking and hiking
Aerobics or dance fitness
Stand up paddle boarding
Water aerobics
Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong
Pickleball or softball
Mountain biking
Rock Climbing
Or ANY activity you are interested in leading!
Volunteer Commitments
Active SWV Community Captain volunteers are expected to lead weekly or bi-monthly programs for a minimum of 6 months. When grant funding is available, higher level certifications can be reimbursed to volunteers.
Active SWV Resources
- Webpage calendar of programs and events https://activeswv.org/calendar/
- Monthly program flier https://activeswv.org/events/monthly-program/
- Find Active SWV on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ActiveSWV/
- Phone number (304) 254-8488
- Email us directly at [email protected]
