KAYAKING

Kids Kayaking Camps: Not Quite Grown Ups (NQGU)

Using the same refined paddling and teaching techniques used in Otter Bar's adult program, they have developed learning progressions specifically for the younger paddler. Otter Bar maintains an extremely safe river classroom and emphasize fun and learning through creative games. Kids often learn more quickly than their parents!

Because this program is so specialized, kids camps are small in size (ten students). Otter Bar offers one week at the Beginning skill level (for kids with little or no experience) and one week at the Intermediate skill level (for kids with some previous experience). The kids camp runs simultaneously with but separate from Otter Bar's regular lodge program so parents and children can both attend Otter Bar at the same time. Unaccompanied children are welcomed and, be assured, they will be in a secure and safe environment.

Kids camps instructors are the best available. As professional kayak instructors, they have superb paddling and teaching skills. Together they have many years of experience teaching kayaking and also bring with them degrees in education, outdoor education, and natural sciences. They are creative, enthusiastic, and full of energy (much like the young paddlers). Their diverse experience assures a positive experience for each student while a low student/teacher ratio (4:1) makes certain that each student receives the appropriate structure and supervision on and off the river.

Otter Bar provides all of the necessary kayaking equipment including youth-sized kayaks, specially designed paddles, and spray jackets to keep the kids warm. All gear is top quality.

A Typical Day at Kid's Camp
Start days with a home cooked meal and waste no time heading to the river. After a morning of kayaking, enjoy lunch on the river. Kayak more in the afternoon and then return to camp for various activities. Beside the camp is a beautiful, deep swimming hole with a safe jumping rock. It's a hit with the kids and instructors alike. After dinner activities include storytelling, outdoor slide shows, and games that will keep the kids entertained until it's time to turn in for the night in the "tent village". The kids may sleep in tents or in the cabin beside the tent village (they usually prefer the tents).

Mid-week, take a break from the kayaks and head up into the spectacular high country of the Russian Wilderness Area for a hike to an alpine lake. This provides a dramatically different perspective of the Salmon River area and yet another opportunity for learning and having fun. Although the week's activities are designed to maximize paddling, Otter Bar uses their outdoor classroom to learn about the natural world and become more familiar with the great outdoors.

Otter Bar's combination of instruction, equipment, location, and the awesome sport of kayaking make kids camps an exceptional opportunity for fun and learning. Allow Otter Bar to expand your child's horizons through these wonderful challenges in the outdoors.

Trip Details

What to Bring

• Two Pair Swimming Trunks/Suit
• Dry Shorts
• Long Pants or Sweat Pants
• T-Shirts
• Sweatshirt or Jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Socks and Underwear
• River Shoes (Wet Suit Booties are Best, Aqua Socks or Old Tennis Shoes Also Work)
• Hiking Shoes
• Sandals
• Hat or Cap
• Towels (Bath & Beach)
• Toothbrush (Otter Bar has Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo, etc.)
• Waterproof Sunscreen and Lip Balm
• Insect Repellent
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad (Like a RidgeRest® or ThermaRest®)
• Tent (If You Have One; If Not, Kids Will Share with You, No Problem)
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Day Pack (for the Wilderness Hike)
• Water Bottle
• Camera, Film, and Extra Batteries
• Books, Cards, Campfire Games, etc.
• Please do not bring knives, lighters, matches, Gameboys® or similar devices.