Volunteer for the Rubber Duck Regatta
Join our flock of volunteers and help make a splash at one of Dayton's most beloved events! Whether you're wrangling ducks or cheering on the crowd, there's a spot for you. Sign up today to get involved!
Community Event Support
Holiday at Home Parade & Festival
Walk in the parade, hand out flyers, and help at our booth during the Labor Day weekend celebration. You'll be our ambassadors to the community during this beloved Dayton tradition.
Spread the Word
Help us promote the Regatta through social media, community outreach, and word-of-mouth. Training and materials provided to help you share our mission with confidence.
Event Photography
Capture the excitement and joy of race day! Photographers of all skill levels can help document this special event for our website, social media, and promotional materials.
Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
Duck Tagging & Prep
Join us in preparing 20,000 ducks! Clean, dry, tag, and organize ducks for the big race. It's a team effort and loads of fun! Perfect for groups, families, or individuals who enjoy hands-on activities.
Duck Drop Day
Race day heroes needed! Help set up, direct guests, assist with logistics, or help gather ducks from the river after the race. Experience the excitement from the heart of the action!
Pack & Ship the Ducks
Help pack up the ducks and prepare them for their next adventure at another race! This takes place the week after the event and is crucial for ensuring our ducks are ready for future fundraisers.
Volunteer Benefits
Community Connection
Build meaningful relationships with fellow volunteers and community members while supporting a worthy cause that directly impacts lives in the Dayton area.
Professional Development
Gain valuable experience in event planning, customer service, teamwork, and leadership that can enhance your resume and professional skills.
Meaningful Impact
Know that your time directly supports URS' mission to provide vital services to children and adults with disabilities in our community.
Volunteer Opportunities
Make a difference with us at these upcoming community events where your help is critically needed:
Yellow Springs Street Fair
June 14, 2025 - 8am to 5:30pm
Shifts: 8am to 12:45pm and 12:30pm to 5:30pm
Downtown Yellow Springs
Staff our adoption booth to help reach our fundraising goals, distribute flyers, or take a shift as our beloved Quackers mascot to entertain children and draw attention to our cause!
Jeep Lifestyle Meet and Greet
August 16, 2025 - 10am to 2pm | Young's Jersey Dairy
Engage with Jeep enthusiasts while promoting duck adoptions, assist with interactive games, and help raise crucial funds. Mascot volunteers especially needed for photo opportunities with vehicles!
Holiday at Home
August 31, 2025 and September 1, 2025
Shifts: 9:30am to 2pm and 1:45pm to 6pm
Kettering
Kettering
Our biggest pre-Regatta outreach event! Help with duck adoptions at our booth, distribute event information, or represent URS as our mascot in the parade and throughout the festival grounds.
Duck Tagging
September 9-12, 2025 - 9am to 3pm |
Duck Central! (URS on Old Troy Pike)
Join us to prepare 20,000 ducks! Tasks include sanitizing, numbering, quality checking, and organizing ducks in preparation for race day. Perfect for corporate teams, schools, and community groups looking for a meaningful team-building activity.
Rubber Duck Regatta Race Day
September 20, 2025 - 11am to 6pm
Shifts: 11am-2pm and 1:45pm -5pm
RiverScape MetroPark
Experience the excitement from the frontlines! Help with event setup, participant registration, children's activities, duck retrieval from the river (waders provided), or assist with prize distribution to winners. This is our most high-energy volunteer opportunity!
Help Repack Ducks for Next Race
Join us on September 24 or 25 from 9am to 3pm to repack our ducks for their next race. This task is open to all and perfect for groups looking to make a difference!
Our Impact
20K+
Ducks Raced
Each year, thousands of adopted ducks race to the finish line, each representing community support for our mission.
$100K+
Funds Raised
The Rubber Duck Regatta generates critical funding for URS programs that serve people with disabilities throughout Dayton.
250+
Volunteers
Our dedicated volunteer team makes this massive community event possible through their generous donation of time and talents.
1,200+
Lives Impacted
URS serves thousands of children and adults with disabilities each year, providing essential therapy and support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I need to commit?
Volunteer opportunities range from a few hours to full-day commitments. We appreciate any time you can give! Most pre-event opportunities are flexible, while race day roles typically require a 3-4 hour shift.
Do I need special skills to volunteer?
Not at all! We have roles suitable for all skill levels and abilities. Training is provided for all positions, and we'll match you with a role that fits your interests and comfort level.
Can groups volunteer together?
Absolutely! The Rubber Duck Regatta is perfect for corporate teams, community organizations, families, and friend groups. Duck tagging and race day roles work especially well for groups wanting to volunteer together.
When and where is the Regatta held?
The Rubber Duck Regatta takes place annually on Labor Day weekend in downtown Dayton at RiverScape MetroPark. Pre-event volunteer opportunities occur in the weeks leading up to the main event.
Ready to Dive In?
Contact our coordinator at [email protected] to learn about current opportunities.