CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE WATER

Make a Difference
on the Waterfront

Whether you have maritime experience or simply want to give back, there is a place for you at The WaterFront Center.

Explore Opportunities Become a Volunteer

LEND A HAND. SHARE A SKILL. BUILD COMMUNITY.

There is a way for everyone to help.

Volunteers support youth and education programs, welcome guests, assist at special events, care for our waterfront and facilities, and participate in community science. Opportunities may be one-time, seasonal, or ongoing—and many roles require no prior boating experience.

Volunteer crew sailing aboard a WaterFront Center historic vessel

CHRISTEEN · IDA MAY · 1883 SOCIETY

FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Join the CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY Volunteer Crew

Volunteer crew members are essential to keeping our historic vessels sailing, welcoming guests, supporting education programs, and sharing Oyster Bay’s maritime heritage with the community.

CHRISTEEN, built in 1883, continues to sail through the dedication of her volunteer crew. IDA MAY was completed after more than 33,000 volunteer hours and now serves as a classroom on the water.

Crew is a dedicated volunteer pathway with its own application, orientation, training, and role-specific requirements.

Apply Online to Join the Crew Download the Crew Application

FIND YOUR PLACE

Ways to Volunteer

Choose the opportunity that best matches your interests, experience, and availability.

CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY volunteer crew sailing with The WaterFront Center

FEATURED OPPORTUNITY

Historic Vessel Crew

Join the dedicated volunteer crew supporting sails, education programs, guests, and vessel stewardship aboard CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY.

Apply to Join the Crew →

Volunteer painting CHRISTEEN during seasonal maintenance

Boat & Facility Care

Help with painting, seasonal preparation, light maintenance, equipment care, and waterfront cleanup.

Students participating in hands-on marine education at The WaterFront Center

Youth & Education

Assist our team as young people explore marine science, sailing, and hands-on learning.

Sailors aboard a Sonar at The WaterFront Center

Sailing Programs

Qualified volunteers may support Learn to Sail, adaptive sailing, veterans programs, and other on-water activities.

Regatta and event activity at The WaterFront Center

Regattas & Events

Help with registration, race committee, guest hospitality, event setup, breakdown, and community celebrations.

Community Service Hours

Students and young volunteers can give back, build skills, and earn documented community service hours through approved WFC opportunities.

Apply to Volunteer

FOR STUDENTS & YOUNG VOLUNTEERS

Earn Community Service Hours

The WaterFront Center welcomes students who want to make a difference while completing community service requirements. Approved volunteer opportunities may include supporting waterfront projects, helping care for equipment, assisting with events, and participating in environmental stewardship activities.

Opportunities are based on current needs, the volunteer’s age and abilities, and staff availability. Contact us before beginning service so our team can approve the opportunity and explain how hours will be recorded.

Ask About Community Service Hours

VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

Join Our Scientific Community

Give back to the waters we call home while learning about the wildlife and habitats of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor.

Horseshoe Crab Conservation

The WaterFront Center is a horseshoe crab survey site. Volunteers walk local beaches during evening high tides to count, measure, and tag horseshoe crabs found on Beekman and Theodore Roosevelt beaches.

Email to Join →

Community Shellfish Gardening

Help raise oysters that support the continued health of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Volunteers assist with cleaning cages, sorting oysters, and learning about the oyster life cycle.

A small support fee may apply to programs that include building cages or other materials.

Email to Join →

Explore Family & Community Programs

GOOD TO KNOW

What to Expect

All experience levels are welcome. Many roles require no boating experience.

Choose a commitment that works for you. Opportunities may be one-time, seasonal, or ongoing.

We will help you get started. Instructions and role-specific training are provided.

Requirements vary by role. Age requirements, background screening, and SafeSport certification may apply.

READY TO GET INVOLVED?

Choose Your Volunteer Path

General volunteers and historic vessel crew members follow separate application paths. Choose the opportunity that best matches how you would like to help.

Prefer paper? Download the general application PDF

Prefer paper? Download the crew application PDF

Completed a PDF? Email it to info@thewaterfrontcenter.org and remember to attach the saved file.

Application information is kept confidential. Volunteer placement is based on current needs, qualifications, availability, and applicable screening or certification requirements.

Historic Vessel Crew Application

For volunteer crew opportunities aboard CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY.

Fill out the Form below or download our fillable crew application, complete and save it, then email the finished PDF to our team. We will review your interests and availability and help connect you with the right opportunity.

Download the Fillable Application

Prefer to send the PDF directly? Email your completed application to info@thewaterfrontcenter.org.

General Volunteer Application

Fill out the Form below or download the fillable general volunteer application, complete and save it, then email the finished PDF to our team. We will review your interests and availability and help connect you with the right opportunity.