Volunteers needed to navigate the rapids Published March 22, 2012 By Jonathan Rejent Nucleus staff writer Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. -- With the white-water season on the horizon, Outdoor Recreation will host an orientation meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday for individuals interesting in becoming raft and kayak guides. "Experience in river running is preferred, but not required," said Jeff Harris, adventure programmer. Beginning in May, Outdoor Rec will offer guided daytrips down the Rio Grande River in central and northern New Mexico. Trips for all experience levels -- from youthful beginners to white-water veterans -- will be available. Volunteer duties will include, but are not limited to, raft and kayak guiding, as well as driving and setting up camp during overnight trips. Volunteers are required to sign up for a minimum of five trips. "Due to the snowpack we (New Mexico) received this winter, the water levels are going to be awesome," Harris said. While Thursday's orientation is to get everyone on the same page as to what is expected of them, the actual training for volunteers will take place every weekend during April. "The programs I run are at or above the professional quality found outside the base, while remaining well below that price range," Harris said. To apply for a volunteer position or for more information on Outdoor Rec's white-water program, email Harris at jeffrey.harris@kirtland.af.mil or call 846-3923.