Event date confirmed: Saturday, August 14, 2027 — Follow our progress and learn how to get involved.
Join the Challenge

Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of the Connecticut River Challenge. Whether you're paddling, volunteering, sponsoring, supporting Venture Crew 261, or joining our Crew, every contribution helps make this event possible.

Become a Paddler

Pick your distance. Take on the river.

From a scenic 10-mile paddle to the full 35-mile River Challenge, there's a distance for every skill level. Every paddler helps power the mission of Venture Crew 261.

Paddlers on the Connecticut River
~10 Miles
Explorer Challenge

Perfect for beginners and recreational paddlers looking for a scenic day on the river.

Register
~20 Miles
Adventure Challenge

Ideal for paddlers looking for a longer endurance challenge on the Connecticut River.

Register
~35 Miles
River Challenge

The full Connecticut River Challenge — Kings Island Boat Launch to Harbor Park.

Register
Venture Crew 261 members
Volunteer

Volunteers make this day possible.

From the launch at Kings Island to the finish at Harbor Park, our volunteer teams keep every paddler safe, hydrated, and celebrated. Pick a role that fits your interests — every hour matters.

Registration & Check-In
Launch Crew
Safety Checkpoints
Hydration Stations
Finish Line
Awards Ceremony
Setup & Cleanup
Photography & Videography
Social Media Team
Parking & Traffic
Support the Mission

Every dollar fuels adventure and leadership.

Your support helps Venture Crew 261 provide life-changing outdoor experiences and develop the next generation of leaders.

High Adventure Trips
Camping Equipment
Canoeing Equipment
Safety Equipment
Leadership Development
Outdoor Education
Community Service Projects
Venture Crew 261 outdoors
Join Venture Crew 261

Adventure begins with a Crew.

Our members come from communities across Connecticut — from Suffield all the way to Brooklyn. Distance should never stop someone from being part of something bigger. If you love the outdoors, leadership, and service, you belong here.

Canoeing
Camping
Backpacking
Leadership
Community Service
High Adventure
Event Goals

What we're building together.

$7,500
Fundraising Goal
35 mi
River Route
50+
Expected Participants
25+
Volunteers Needed
Community
Community Sponsors
1
One Mission
Event Day

What to expect.

From launch to finish, here's what makes challenge day unforgettable.

Scenic River Paddle

Miles of Connecticut River from Enfield through Hartford to Middletown.

Safety Checkpoints

Trained volunteers and support staff along the route.

Friendly Volunteers

A welcoming Crew ready to cheer you on all day.

Harbor Park Finish

Cross the finish at Middletown's iconic waterfront.

Finisher Recognition

Every completed paddler earns finisher recognition.

Post-Event Celebration

Food, music, and stories at the Glastonbury Boat Launch BBQ.

Adventure Gallery

A glimpse of the adventure.

Canoeing
Canoeing
Venture Crew 261
Venture Crew 261
Connecticut River
Connecticut River
Paddling Together
Paddling Together
High Adventure
High Adventure
Community
Community
The River
The River
Your Move

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you're paddling your first mile, volunteering behind the scenes, sponsoring the event, or joining Venture Crew 261, there's a place for you in the Connecticut River Challenge.