Crew 101: Parent Association & Volunteering

EGR Crew is more than a rowing program—it’s a community of athletes, families, and coaches working together. As a club sport, we manage training, competition, equipment, logistics, and the long days of regattas. The Parent Association supports these efforts so coaches can focus on athletes while families keep everything else running smoothly.

The Parent Association Mission

The mission of the EGR Crew Parent Association is simple: encourage, support, and coordinate. This takes shape in many ways:

  • Helping recruit new athletes and families
  • Fundraising to sustain and grow the program
  • Supporting logistics (food tent, transportation, race-day needs) so coaches can focus on athletes
  • Purchasing and maintaining boats and other equipment

The Parent Association Board

The PA is guided by a board elected annually at the Parent Association Meeting at the end of the spring season. These leaders work with coaches and parents to keep the program running year-round. For more information, visit the Board page.

  • President: Mike Carnevale
  • Vice President: Steve Baker
  • Treasurer: Liz Gohel
  • Corresponding Secretary: Amie Jo Kreitzer
  • Recording Secretary: Andy McIntyre

The board organizes and oversees committees that handle daily operations and special events.

Committees that Keep Us Moving

The work of Crew is bigger than any one person. Committees make sure every piece of the program is covered:

  • Travel: Books hotels for athletes, coaches, and families; arranges van or truck rentals as needed.
  • Volunteer: Ensures all roles are filled for regattas and special events.
  • Food Tent: Organizes meals and snacks at select regattas to keep rowers fueled.
  • Fundraising: Supports the purchase of boats, oars, and team needs.

Volunteering: How Parents Get Involved

Rowing is unique: the success of the team depends on parent involvement. From helping at the dock to supporting the food tent, there are roles for every skill and schedule.

  • Most families sign up for 2–3 volunteer tasks per season.
  • Opportunities are posted on SignUpGenius, with links shared in newsletters and GroupMe.
  • Last-minute needs may pop up at larger regattas and are filled through GroupMe and coach communication.

These roles are not only vital—they’re fun. Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet other parents, learn the sport, and feel engaged with the team. If you’re scheduled to volunteer during your athlete’s race, there’s always enough coverage for you to step away and cheer.

Why It Matters

The EGR Crew experience is broader than most sports. While some families only shuttle kids to practices and games, our parents are integral to keeping the program strong. From maintaining equipment to cheering on rowers from the shoreline, your involvement makes Crew possible. Many parents discover volunteering becomes a highlight of the season—a chance to be part of something bigger and share in the joy of rowing.

How to Get Started