Summary

Kid's Canoe & Kayak Full-Day Camp

Prices From	USD$ $349.00
1st Departure	01.01.0001
Provider	Charles River Canoe/Weston Ski
Destination	Cochituate State Park
Duration	Five 6-Hour Sessions
Challenge	Beginner
Avg Rating	Not Rated

This camp is designed for the beginner younger paddler. The full-day camp meets Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. The camp begins with an introduction to canoeing. As campers paddle canoes in tandem the importance of communication and cooperation is stressed.

On the third day of camp we switch to kayaks. Campers paddle these craft solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance.

Skills are learned through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. Paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety are addressed. The opportunity to play and explore makes the educational goals of the Canoe & Kayak Camp fun and easy to achieve. Full-day camp sessions will also include games and fun activities on land.

Itinerary

Gear List

Health Forms We require a number of health and participation forms to allow your child to participate in camp.Children will not be able to participate in the camp unless the following forms have been received by Charles River Canoe and Kayak at least 7 days before the first day of your child's camp session: <UL> <LI>The Camp Medical Form <LI>The Camp Release <LI>A copy of the most recent physical (within the last 24 months) <LI>A copy of the up to date Immunization Record <LI>A letter or form signed by his/her pediatrician stating that he/she is physically able to participate in the Paddling Camp (often included on the physical). </LI></UL> Again, the health and participation forms can be downloaded from our website. The Department of Public Health prohibits any child from attending a camp until all of their forms are in order. Do not plan to turn in forms when you drop off your camper for the first session. Children with incomplete forms will not be allowed to attend camp. Medications Any medications brought to camp require an "Authorization to Administer Medication" form, which must be on file with the camp at least 7 days before the camp session begins.  Medications must be in their original labeled container with complete dosage and administration information. Camper Drop-Off-and Pick-Up Camper drop-off and pick-up is at our boathouse in Lake Cochituate State Park in Natick.  A map and detailed directions can be found on our web site. Drop off time is from 8:45 AM to 9:00 AM. Pickup time is from 2:45 to 3:00 PM. At drop off, parents must check their child in with a camp counselor, sign our logbook, and give written permission for other parties who may be picking campers up at the end of each session.  Please note: camp counselors are not available to supervise children before or after drop off and pickup times. Paddling camps are situated next to a public beach and picnic area; please do not leave children unattended before or after camp sessions. Personal Floatation Devices: "Lifejackets" Although our Counselors are all certified lifeguards, Campers are required to wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs, also called lifejackets) during all paddling and swimming activities.  Even so, your child must be able to swim, and be comfortable in the water, to participate in our paddling camps. Campers are welcome to bring their own PFDs if they have one specific to paddle sports, otherwise they will be provided by the camp. Severe Weather If severe weather is in the forecast, such as thunderstorms or high winds, the camp director may decide an alternate activity for the day. Camp may include indoor activities, such as games, board games, or watching videos appropriate for the age group. Typically, severe weather has a short duration and we are able to paddle for at least a portion of the camp session. If you have any questions about this information, or any other aspect of paddling camp, please feel free to email or call and ask for a Camp Assistant.   What To Wear During camps, we will be spending most of our time paddling and swimming, and some time on land resting and playing games. Campers will need clothing, food and water for each of these activities. For Paddling, you will need clothing you can wear in your kayak and while swimming (we will be capsizing!). Bring or wear a swimsuit, shorts, and T-shirt.  Shoes MUST be worn at all times to protect feet from sharp shells, barnacles, rocks, and debris. Old sneakers or water sandals such as Tevas work well.  Please do not bring flip-flops, as they do not work well in kayaks. Bring a towel and a full set of dry clothing (including shoes) you can change into. If it is cool, you will want something warm, such as sweats or a fleece sweater. Protection from the Sun Kayaking exposes paddlers to direct and reflected rays of the sun. Campers will be required to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, such as a hat with a brim and sunglasses (sunglasses should have a retaining strap, such as Chums, sold at sporting goods stores). Paddlers also need to protect themselves from becoming dehydrated and should bring 1 liter of caffeine-free fluids to camp everyday. At home, campers will benefit from drinking plenty of water, along with applying sunscreen before they come to camp each day.   Protection from Foul Weather If it is cool or rainy, you will need clothing that is waterproof and/or warm when wet. Cotton does not keep you warm when wet, so bring synthetics (such as fleece or synthetic long underwear) or wool instead. A rain jacket and pants will be needed on rainy days. Here is a quick list of the items you must bring: Lunch Snack (2) 1 Liter of caffeine free fluids Towel     Bathing Suit T-shirt  Sunscreen Shorts  Sunglasses w/strap   Dry change of clothes Baseball Hat, hat with brim  Dry change of shoes  Water sandals /old sneakers Medications   Extra items you may want:   Nose Plugs (recommended!) Rain Jacket  Swimming goggles Rain Pants Snorkel and Mask Fleece sweater, pants

Travel Information

Activity Location

Natick Rental in Cochituate State Park; Natick, MA
93 Commonwealth Road
Natick, MA 01760 USA