Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Program
Become a Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer! You’ll Be Thunderstruck at the difference you can make!

What We Do
Without the help and support of volunteers we would not be able to accomplish all that we do.  The sanctuary volunteer program strives to:

• Provide a hands-on opportunity for the public to become involved in the stewardship of their s anctuary
• Support public education and awareness efforts on how we all may be better stewards;
• Increase community participation in the visitor center, research collection, community boat building program, education programs, events, office and administrative tasks, and in representing the sanctuary at certain events and functions.

Ways to Get Involved
There are many different ways to get involved with the sanctuary.  Find the one that meets your needs!

• Visitor Center Support – Exhibits at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center are designed to be self-guided, however, volunteers acting as docents can greatly enhance visitors’ experiences through guided tours.  In addition, volunteers are needed to welcome visitors, give a brief introduction of the sanctuary and the exhibits, answer general questions, be a presence in the sanctuary store, and provide general assistance to the sanctuary staff.
• Research Collection Aid – Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary jointly manages one of the largest Great Lakes maritime history archival collections in existence  and houses the State of Michigan’s maritime archaeology collection .  Volunteer help in these areas may include organizing and preparing archival materials and cataloging artifacts.
• Boat Building – Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary hosts the Thunder Bay Community Boat Building Program.  This volunteer program is run by the community for the community.  Currently there are two volunteer opportunities in this program – building boats and building awareness.  Volunteers meet at selected times during the week to work together on small boats such as kayaks, canoes, and skiffs (no previous experience is necessary).  Volunteers may also take finished boats to community events throughout the year, sell raffle tickets, and tell people about the program.  Raffle drawing to win one of the boats is held each year on July 4th at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Maritime Festival.   
• Special Events – Each year Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary participates in various community-oriented outreach events .  Volunteers are needed to help make these events successful.
• Education Assistant – How does the sanctuary raise public awareness about maritime heritage resources and ocean and Great Lakes literacy?  Often through educational programs geared towards young people.  Volunteers are needed to help direct and assist with educational activities planned by the education coordinator.

Benefits

• Continuing education and training
• Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
• Great experiences you won’t find anywhere else!

Requirements
To become a Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary volunteer you need to fill out and turn in an application.  Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Sanctuary staff will work with you to find a project that engages your talents and inspires your involvement!

Ready to get involved? 
You can apply by downloading and submitting an application to Meaghan Black at meaghan.black@noaa.gov or by contacting Meaghan at 989-356-8805 x25. 

Applications may also be requested and submitted via
Fax: 989-354-0144 or mail: c/o Volunteer Coordinator, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena, MI  49707