Where We Came From
Our Story
From a few borrowed kayaks at Summit Lake to a thriving nonprofit serving hundreds of Akron youth each year — here's how we got here.
The lake was right there, in the heart of Akron. And the kids had never been on it. That felt like something we had to change.— Joseph Heindel, Executive Director & Founder
The Founding Story
A Lake, a Vision, and a Handful of Kayaks
It started simply enough. Joseph Heindel, a lifelong outdoorsman and Akron native, kept noticing the same thing during his early morning paddles on Summit Lake: the water was empty. A beautiful, accessible urban lake — right in the middle of a city full of young people who had never been on it.
In the summer of 2019, Joseph borrowed four kayaks, put out the word in his neighborhood, and showed up at the Summit Lake boat launch with a cooler of water bottles and no real plan. Seven kids came that first day. By the end of the afternoon, all of them had paddled across the lake by themselves.
That was the moment Summit Lake Youth Voyagers was born — not in a boardroom, but on the water, with sunburned kids laughing at their own capsizes and asking when they could come back.
What followed was five years of growth, struggle, community, and transformation. More kayaks. More youth. More shoreline cleaned. More confidence built. A formal nonprofit structure. A real staff. And a community that has embraced the simple, powerful idea that every Akron kid deserves a boat and a lake.
Milestones
Five Years on the Water
From humble beginnings to a recognized force for youth development and environmental stewardship in Akron.
The First Paddle
Joseph Heindel launches the first informal paddling sessions at Summit Lake with seven neighborhood youth and four borrowed kayaks. Word spreads fast. By summer's end, over 40 young people have been on the water.
A Fleet Takes Shape
With support from local donors and a small grant from the Summit County Community Foundation, Summit Lake Youth Voyagers purchases 16 new kayaks and 4 canoes. The Voyager Paddling Academy launches as a structured program with certified instructors.
501(c)(3) Recognition
The IRS grants Summit Lake Youth Voyagers official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The Lake Stewards environmental education program launches, and the organization serves over 200 youth in a single season for the first time. Joseph Heindel is appointed Executive Director.
Community Roots Deepen
Partnerships with Akron Public Schools, the Summit County Metro Parks, and three local businesses bring new resources and 300+ youth served annually. Community Flotillas — free family paddle days — draw 500+ participants across the season. The next chapter is just beginning.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Summit Lake Youth Voyagers is growing. Join us as a participant, volunteer, partner, or supporter.