Unleashing Potential’s 2nd Cardboard Boat Regatta sets sail on Sat. July 26th, at O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, 4343 W Florissant in St. Louis, MO and we want you to join us. Registration starts at 10:00 AM and the race begins at 11:00 AM. This event will benefit Unleashing Potential programs for youth and their families in the St. Louis community.
Cheer on UP summer camp students paddling their cardboard creations or join the fun with your own boat for a day of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) learning, imagination, and community spirit.
RACE YOUR OWN BOAT! Individual/Community Entry is $50 and Corporate Boat Entry is $250 (materials not included). To register for boat entry: Click here!
Prizes include:
• Fastest Elapsed Time (separate for kid and adult categories)
• Titanic – Fastest or dramatic sinking
• Most team spirit – Kid category
• Allure of the Sea – best design/engineering
• Best Bedecked – best looking boat, most creative
• People’s Choice – (Pay to vote for your favorite!)
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! Sponsorship opportunities starting at $1,000 and up include boat entry and materials. Let’s build something extraordinary together! To register for sponsorship: Click here!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Volunteers start at 8AM to help set up and stay until tear down at approximately 1:30-2:00 PM. Please note that volunteer tasks may change based on need. You may have to lift up to 25 pounds.
Our different volunteer tasks include:
- Event Set-Up and Tear-Down: Help set-up and take-down tents, activities, registration, concessions, merchandise, signage, etc. from 8:00-10:00 AM and tear down from approx. 1:00 – 2:00 PM.
- Boat Inspector and Registration: Check-in guests and inspect any new paid boat entries at registration table from 9 – 10AM.
- Greeter: Greet guests at the park entrance to direct them to the pool from 9 – 11:00AM.
- Merch and Concession Attendants: Help with Concessions and Merch tables from 10:00 AM – End.
- Paddle and Life Jacket Runners: Run paddles and life jackets to boat racers before each heat. Help racers with putting on their life jackets during the race.
- Boat Assistance: During the race, help teams with getting boats into the water at starting line and out of the water when they finish their heats. Does not require being in the water.
- Cardboard Retriever: Lift heavy cardboard out of the water immediately after each heat and put in cardboard pile off to the side of the pool. Then skim the pool as needed. This position will be in the water during the event and will need to wear swim wear.
- Stopwatch Lead (Time Keeper): Record finish and sink times for one boat lane on phone or with a stopwatch. Log times on sheet for the emcee and judges.
- PITMASTER: Grill hot dogs for guests.
- Face Painting: Provide Face Painting/artistic activities with children and any assistance to main Face Paint Artist.
- Heat Bracket and Schedule Update: Update and write out team names on dry erase board for the emcee and audience.
- Judge: Help select winners of prize categories.
For more info about sponsorship or volunteering the day of event, contact Brittany Campbell at bcampbell@upstl.org or by calling (314) 561-3346.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors and partners!
