Community Service
The Great Boom Island Boat Launch
by Renee Peek, Work-Based Learning Coordinator
There were ten of us: five students, four staff and one community volunteer. We left the Humphrey Center at 6:00 AM on Saturday, August 7th.
At Coon Rapids Dam in the warm summer rain, we helped boaters set out on their 44 mile journey. For over two hours we helped 350 people get their canoes and kayaks into the river. Then we helped them get in their boats and on their way for their two day journey. They would end up Sunday evening at Gray Cloud Island at Fort Snelling State Park.
Students Matt Jaster, Mike Myers, Justin White, Nate Clark, and Mike Perez helped carry the 400 lb. voyageur boats to the water. They lent a hand to both novice boaters as well as the experienced river folk. Mike Perez pushed each boat off with a smile and the words, "have a good paddle."
The students literally walked in the river to find the least rocky path and a safe deep channel for the boaters to make their way from the back waters to the main channel.
As we waited for the event to start an osprey flew over us. One of the students said that is a sign. And it was. The osprey stayed near us for the duration of the event. The students gained an understanding and respect for the river that they will have forever.
