Volunteers

Empower Lives, Foster Joy: Become a Volunteer with Northland Adaptive Recreation Today!

Join our mission to empower and celebrate every individual’s chance to feel whole, active, and included.

At Northland Adaptive Recreation, we believe in turning challenges into opportunities and barriers into gateways. Our programs are designed not just for fun, but for fostering resilience and empowerment. From skiing and archery to outdoor adventures, each activity is tailored to help individuals with disabilities discover their strengths and push beyond limits.

Disability can affect anyone, anywhere. That’s why we’re committed to supporting mental wellness through physical activity and community bonding, providing a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Northland Adaptive Recreation is dedicated to fostering empowerment, inclusion, and holistic well-being through a wide range of recreational activities. We believe that every participant should feel valued and connected, whether they’re enjoying the great outdoors or engaging in indoor sports.

Our team of 3 full-time staff and 277 dedicated volunteers ensures that each participant enjoys a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment. We forge strong, supportive relationships that bolster mental and emotional well-being by pairing each participant with a volunteer.

Volunteer Benefits:

Feel good knowing you are helping people of all abilities get out and play, and live life to the fullest!
Connect with the Twin Ports and Northland community, and make new friends.
Learn new skills and gain experience while working with youth, adults, and other volunteers of all abilities in a casual, active, and social environment.
Build your resume: these opportunities are also applicable to individuals who are pursuing careers in Psychology, Education, Health Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Science, Outdoor Recreation, Nursing, Communication Disorders, and more.

Northland Adaptive Recreation, part of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, has been providing community-based adaptive recreational opportunities in the Northland since 1979. Join us and become a vital part of our inclusive and vibrant community. Volunteer today and make a tangible difference in the lives of others!

Contact Mark at mark.hanna@mdfoundation.org for more information.

Volunteers Have More Fun!

If you’re a winter enthusiast, you can make a huge difference in someone’s life and have a blast as an adaptive Ski or Snowboard volunteer. You don’t need to be an expert, just willing to make new friends and help others. You’ll have fun, embrace winter, and help someone who has a disability discover (or re-discover) the exciting world of snow sports – an activity they probably never dreamed they could do.

Northland Adaptive Recreation is seeking experienced skiers and snowboarders to join our team of over 100 volunteer instructors to make the most of the winter months! No prior teaching experience is necessary. You will receive training on adaptive equipment and techniques for teaching skiers and boarders with disabilities.

New volunteers start out as Assistant Instructors and are paired with experienced volunteer instructors, with a typical ratio of 2-3 volunteers per student. Our participants range from 6 to 60+ years of age and have a wide range of abilities. You will receive discounted lift tickets while volunteering, however you do need to provide your own equipment and helmet. Starting age to volunteer is 16 years old.

You’ll have fun, make new friends, and open the door to the exciting world of snow sports to people of all abilities. Come join our fun group of people and get outside this winter!

Contact: Emma Bursinger at
emma.bursinger@mdfoundation.org or 218-337-4188