• Offer instruction to colleges at little or no charge
• Develop an ACA volunteer corps and grassroots presence across the country
• Spread the instruction program to include a younger constituency
• Increase ACA membership
• Partner the ACA with colleges and universities

The CIP fits in neatly with the three strategic tenets of the ACA: Recreation, Education, and Stewardship. The programs offer venues for participation, they educate students and members of the community, a younger constituency can get involved, and the volunteer corps can give back in many ways, including local river clean-ups and stream maintenance.

"Whether you are a university or a local camp, ACA's support system for training and certification programs is both outstanding and almost unlimited. ACA's desires, expertise and determination are locally-based while the national office folks support our fun addictions of paddling," said Ashley Sweda, Penn State Program Supervisor and first-time participant in the program. Katie Lucot, Canoeing Coordinator for the Penn State Outing Club, said "the training was an excellent chance for the Outing Club leaders to work on their skills. Many of us learned to paddle informally, which can make it hard to teach others specific strokes. It really makes sense for colleges to partner with the ACA because the students gain paddling skills and learn about what a great organization the ACA is."

If you would like to learn more about how your college or university can participate in the Collegiate Instruction Program please contact ACA Recreation Outreach Director Billy Wilken for more information.

The CIP needs Volunteer Instructors!

If you would be willing to volunteer your time to the CIP please contact Billy Wilken at 703-451-0141 x23. Volunteer instructors are a crucial component to the CIP program. Get involved, meet new people, have some fun, and get on the water!