Parent/Family Volunteers
Parent/family involvement is critical to SHHS Crew - it is not hyperbole when we say there is no crew without parent volunteers. The parents who make up the SHHS Crew Parents Board are volunteers who donate their time to ensure that SHHS Crew runs efficiently and safely. But that is not enough — without the time and effort from all families, there is no way to compete.
To ensure an equal distribution of work and an enjoyable crew season for spectators and rowers alike, SHHS Crew Parents ask each family to volunteer each season. Ideally, each family would take on either one season-long position or volunteer for at least three single-event jobs per season. This is in addition to providing food for our regatta days.
We know that every family has a different level of time, talent, and resources to offer. Good news…SHHS Crew needs some of each! No matter your schedule or situation, there is a way for you to help out.
Think of it as an opportunity to meet other parents and socialize, as well as time to spend with your student-athletes and meet their teammates. Don’t worry - past rowers have said having parents around all the time isn’t mortifying and can actually be fun. If you are volunteering at a regatta, you will NEVER be expected to miss your student-athlete in a race. Having lots of help means someone can step in while you cheer.
Volunteer opportunities:
Alumni Coordinator (all season):
Maintain the alumni spreadsheet and photo collection (sharing info with Shaker Schools Foundation), monitor CrewAlumni email account, write and send a newsletter to alumni 2x per year, share throwback photos with the Social Media Manager, watch social media for alumni rower accomplishments and share with Social Media Manager and Athletic Director.
Chuckwagon Driver (all season):
This job requires a pickup truck or equivalent vehicle capable of pulling the trailer that transports tents, tarps, food supplies, a propane grill, and cookware. The SHHS Crew Parents compensate for gasoline to/from regatta sites. You will pick up the chuckwagon and deliver it to the regatta site. Typically, this needs to be done the afternoon before the regatta begins. After the regatta, return the trailer to storage.
End of Year Party Coordinator (single-event job - spring season):
Work with the Coach(es) to plan the awards ceremony. Reserve venue, coordinate food, and facilitate teammate gifts for Seniors.
Erg-A-Thon Coordinator (all season - spring):
Coordinate a fundraising Erg-A-Thon in the spring. Update/set up fundraising site, secure venue, plan logistics, and work with Fundraising Chair on marketing.
Equipment Coordinator (all season):
Maintain items in the cuckwagon - this includes grills, propane tanks, tents, food serving equipment, and assorted tools and gear. Keep an inventory and alert the Board when repairs or purchases are needed. Keep the chuckwagon organized and clean between regattas. Coordinate annual deep-clean of chuckwagon.
Food Capitan (single-regatta job):
Act as the primary point of contact for any questions about food for the week of the regatta. Be the drop-off point for all food collection (you will need ample refrigerator space!). Purchase ice, organize all food into coolers and bins then deliver the bus. Oversee setup of food tent and preparation of food at regatta site.
Food Volunteer (single-regatta job):
Help with setup of food tent, cook food, clean up, deal with trash and leftovers, help with site tear-down. Early arrival is needed for set up.
Hotel Hall Monitor (single-regatta job):
Perform room checks at the hotel at lights-out and monitor hallways until set time (usually midnight).
Lend-A-Tent Coordinator (all season - April - Labor Day):
Manage reservations for the summer lend-a-tent fundraising program. Work with the Treasurer for billing and collections. Work with the team captains to coordinate set-up and tear-down times. During the lending season, store tents at your home and work with the Equipment Manager on any repairs needed for tents.
Memorial Day Parade Coordinator (single-event job - spring):
Register the team to participate. Arrange trailer driver, organize rowers to participate, and organize candy donations and recruitment stickers. Work with student-athletes on decorating the trailer.
Photographer (all season):
Take photos and videos at practices and regattas and gather photos and videos from team families. Share best photos/videos with Social Media Manager for posting. Save a selection of photos from each regatta to the team’s Google Drive, labling photos with event and athlete names.
Recruitment Coordinator (all season):
Organize rower recruiting event(s) at Shaker Heights Middle School in late May, and work with the coaches to coordinate “Intro to Shaker Crew” (summer) and “Open Practice” (winter) events.
Shaker Sports Booster Rep (all season):
Attend all Shaker Sports Booster meetings as a representative of the SHHS Crew Team. Act as an advocate for the crew team’s needs, share highlights with Boosters and the Athletic Department for inclusion in newsletters, and report Booster news back to the crew parents.
Social Media Manager (all season):
Manage the RaiderRowing Facebook and Instagram accounts, posting 3x a week in season and at least weekly throughout the school year. In the spring, gather senior spotlight information for posting. Post alumni updates, and work with the board and coaches on posting announcements and updates throughout the year.