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Volunteer opportunities on Biscayne Bay
Give your time, share your skills, and help create life-changing experiences on the water.
Where do you fit in?
Pick the path that sounds like you, from mentoring kids with disabilities on the water to a service day on the bay with your group. You don't need to know how to sail to mentor.
Mentor at camp or on Saturdays
Earn community service hours working with kids with disabilities on the water.
Volunteer, or join the camp team
Give a single afternoon or a long-term commitment, or lead campers as an outdoor educator.
Bring your school, company or club
Service days and team building on Biscayne Bay, on a date that works for you.
Mentor kids on the water
Earn community service hours while you work closely with children with disabilities, learn watersports and build experience that stands out on college applications.
Summer Camp Mentor
Join our summer camp team and support campers with disabilities through a full day of watersports and activities.
- High school students
- Three training sessions before camp starts
- Background check
School-Year Mentor
Help children with disabilities discover sailing and watersports in our We Can Sail program, one Saturday at a time.
- High school students
- Three mentor training sessions
- Background check
Lend a hand, or lead the way
Whether you can give a single afternoon or a whole summer, there is a place for you on the team.
Volunteer
Help people with disabilities experience the joy of sailing and watersports, from a single afternoon to a long-term commitment. Come on your own or with your family.
- Adults and young adults
- A few hours or a few years
- Background check
Outdoor Educator
Guide campers through marine science, sailing and watersports at our Marine Academy Camp, and help keep every day safe and fun.
- Experience teaching, coaching or leading groups is highly valued
- A love for the outdoors and a commitment to safety
- Background check
Bring your group to the bay
Give back together with a service day, or book a custom team day on the water. Both are scheduled on request, all year.
Group Community Service
Mangrove restoration, island clean-ups, non-native plant removal and facility projects that keep the bay and our campus open to everyone.
- Businesses, schools and student organizations
- Ready to work outdoors, as a team
Team Building
Regattas, race training, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and Eco-Island adventures, tailored to what your team wants to work on.
- Corporate teams
- Built around your schedule and goals
Want your company to sponsor a program, a boat or an event as well? See corporate partnerships →
Why our mentors and staff keep coming back
Teen mentors and camp staff on what keeps them giving their time on the water.
I joined Shake-A-Leg because I love the water, and getting to teach kids is just really fun. I’ve been part of Shake-A-Leg for 9 years.
Adult and teen mentors and volunteers gave their time on the water.
I love coming to Shake-A-Leg because of all the smiles on the kids’ faces. It’s heartwarming to see them genuinely having fun and learning new things.
What I like about Shake-A-Leg is the environment, the inclusivity, the kids and the water activities. Everything is set up so that everyone gets to have fun.
From first message to first day
Here is what happens after you reach out, whichever role you choose. Questions first? Our team is a phone call away.
- 1
Choose a role
Pick the role that fits your age, your schedule and what you'd like to do.
- 2
Apply or get in touch
Fill in the short form for your role, or email us, and we'll reply with the next steps.
- 3
Background check
Mentors, volunteers and Outdoor Educators need one: it's required for everyone who works with Shake-A-Leg Miami, and it's part of how we keep participants safe. Bringing a group? Ask us what your day needs.
- 4
Train, then get on the water
Mentors attend three training sessions before they start. Our staff will show you the ropes.
Can’t volunteer right now?
You can still put someone on the water. Almost everything we run is free or heavily subsidized, and it stays that way because people give.
Before you sign up
Quick answers for mentors, volunteers and groups.
Do I need sailing experience?
Not to mentor or volunteer. Mentors learn the ropes of watersports as they go. For the Outdoor Educator role, experience teaching, coaching or leading groups, especially outdoors, is highly valued.
How old do I have to be?
Our mentor roles are for high school students. Volunteering is open to adults and young adults, and groups of all kinds are welcome. If you're not sure, ask us.
Is a background check required?
Yes, for mentors, volunteers and Outdoor Educators. It's required for everyone who works with Shake-A-Leg Miami. Planning a group service day or team building? Ask us what your group needs.
Can I earn community service hours?
Yes. The Summer Camp Mentor and School-Year Mentor roles are designed for high school students who need community service hours.
How much time do I need to give?
It depends on the role. Volunteers can give a single afternoon or commit for the long term. Mentors attend three training sessions, then join camp or our Saturday sessions.
Is the Outdoor Educator role paid?
Yes. It's a paid seasonal position at our Marine Academy summer camp.
Who do I contact with questions?
For mentoring, write to mentors@shakealegmiami.org. For everything else, write to info@shakealegmiami.org or call 305-858-5550.