Volunteer!

Our Board purchased the schooner Perception to provide Tuition Free Sailing Adventures for Gold Star Teens, grieving youth, and other worthy youth groups, which members may nominate. Sailing adventures are 4-day, 3-night cruises out of Northport for 5 youth and a youth counselor. Five weeks in June and July are available for these adventures. Our young sailors will have the opportunity to experience team building, leadership, and character building in a fun, healing environment, and develop enduring friendships with those who have faced similar traumas. Those who have experienced loss will feel the calming effects of our beautiful Great Lakes, a feeling of being at one with nature, a sense of one’s place in the universe, and the satisfaction of mastering the skills of sailing a tall ship. Your membership fee of $185 supports the yearly operational costs of schooner Perception.

Members are eligible for free sails on Perception Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM to 3 PM throughout the sailing season. Members may bring guests if space is available. Cruises to local islands or the North Channel will be available in August and September. Veteran sailors, landlubbers, and those who would like to learn to sail a schooner are all welcome. Friendly and anxiety-free training is available from our paid captains.

Members are also asked to contribute a minimum of 15 volunteer hours. This may be in the form of maintenance work, working with kids, skilled clerical, financial, fundraising, or technical help. If you do not wish to volunteer your time, we ask that an additional contribution of $150 be given, all of which goes directly toward funding youth programs.

Become a Member NOW for the 2019 Season and be entered into a drawing for a Special Event aboard Perception worth $750!

Your Special Event could be a birthday or anniversary party, a starlight or full moon sail, wine-tasting cruise, or whatever you wish it to be. Limit 20 guests on 3-hour sails, or 6 guests on an overnight sail. Special offer ends December 31, 2018. Drawing will be held January 2, 2019.

If you’re interested, click here and tell us about yourself! https://michiganchallenge.org/volunteer/

Ready to join? Click here to submit your membership fee: https://michiganchallenge.org/donate/

Michigan Challenge Traditional Sail Training is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
EIN 81-3333441

Volunteer Information

Please read to learn more about getting involved and sign up below.

Volunteers should be in good health to undergo the challenges of working on Perception. Sailing risks include seasickness, rope burns, strenuous work raising sails and anchors, exposure to sun, wind, rain, hail, and heavy weather, and danger from materials dropped from aloft. Close quarters and minimal privacy can also be expected when staying on the boat.

The off-season risks may include: climbing a ladder safely, working on the deck 10 feet off the ground, and the usual hazards around a work space.

Under no circumstances are volunteers to work under the influences of legal or illegal consciousness-altering drugs or alcohol, or possess such items on board, as they may compromise judgment and the safety of all aboard.

Volunteers who work with youth on board will be required to undergo a background check. Youth must be treated in a caring, non-judgmental manner with the understanding that they have suffered the loss of a parent, and that they have joined us to experience the joy of sailing and the companionship of their peers.

Sign up to be a Volunteer!

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Code of Ethics–The Key to a Happy Boat

Respect the chain of command. The acting Captain has final approval of all events onboard
Do everything possible to achieve excellence in conduct and deliver the highest quality service and training. Protect Michigan Challenge’s resources and equipment. Show respect for volunteers in language and actions, and through the exercise of fundamental human courtesy and a respect for diversity of all people. Treat fellow volunteers and youth with respect, without regard to race, sex, religion, age, disability, or national origin. Strive to maintain continuous and positive communication between volunteers, members, and guests.
Set aside conflicts with others and respect privacy, confidentiality and personal exchange of information. Support and help all volunteers so that they can achieve a high level of success.
Know and obey laws, statutes, and regulations pertaining to my position. Accept full responsibility and consequences for any violation. Honor contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities
Improve public understanding of Michigan Challenge Traditional Sail Training, and encourage people to visit mighiganchallenge.org
Behave in an ethical and safe manner while carrying out all responsibilities associated with Michigan Challenge’s volunteer program. Assume responsibility for the safety of volunteers and guests. Use all resources available to provide a safe learning environment following USCG mandated criteria for all volunteers. Use Michigan Challenge training materials and resources in proper and authorized manner.