Kid’s Paddle Camp

Weekly Kid’s Paddle Camp

The BHO Kid’s Paddle Camp is a 5 day camp packed full of awesomeness! Campers will learn the basics of stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and tandem paddling and have a blast doing it.

An Amazing Summer Experience!

We are Black Hall Outfitters, located in beautiful Old Lyme, CT. We are located directly on the Great Island National Wildlife Sanctuary, CT’s TOP paddling destination! Our Camp program introduces kids to kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding with a focus on fun, learning, and safety, getting them OFF their devices, and ON the water! Treat your child to a week they will never forget, exploring the natural wonders, meeting new friends, and learning from our trained staff on our calm, protected waters.

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Every Day is an Adventure!

The BHO Kid’s Paddle Camp is a 5 day camp packed full of awesomeness! Campers will learn the basics of stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and tandem paddling and have a blast doing it. Each day is focused on teaching a new skill and new water activity. Instructors will teach balance, control, steering and paddle etiquette, marine education, and water safety. Campers will participate in paddle races, beach challenges, swimming, marine science education, and much more. The daily agenda will be subject to daily weather, wind and tide conditions. At the end of the camp, kids will be an equipped paddler with the skills and confidence needed to continue paddling all summer long.

Each day participants and their instructors will paddle off to different destinations around the Great Island Wildlife sanctuary learning about the conservation and ecology of this pristine natural wonder, all while having fun paddling, learning new skills, and water safety. Campers will learn basic/intermediate skills and master SUP, kayaking, and tandem paddling techniques with partners. They will explore our vast estuary system, discover the natural wonders of the pristine waterways, and explore our private islands and beaches. Our instructors are trained Paddling Life-Guards that will teach campers all they need to know on our calm, protected waters FREE from busy boat traffic, and hazardous open water environments like many other camps in the area. They will be out on the water, being active, and fit, making new friends, and disconnecting from their device and experiencing active, real-life adventures.

Location

Black Hall Old Lyme
132 Shore Rd
Old Lyme, CT 06371

Get Directions

Time(s)

Morning Sessions

Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Camp Weeks:

Week 1: 6/16 - 6/20
Week 2: 6/23 - 6/27
Week 3: 6/30 - 7/4
Week 4: 7/7 - 7/11
Week 5: 7/14 - 7/18
Week 6: 7/21 - 7/25
Week 7: 7/28 - 8/1
Week 8: 8/4 - 8/8

Afternoon Sessions

Time: 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Camp Weeks:

Week 1: 6/16 - 6/20
Week 2: 6/23 - 6/27
Week 3: 6/30 - 7/4
Week 4: 7/7 - 7/11
Week 5: 7/14 - 7/18
Week 6: 7/21 - 7/25
Week 7: 7/28 - 8/1
Week 8: 8/4 - 8/8

Price

$300.00 (+ taxes and fees)

Capacity (per week)

20

The Details

Please bring Boardshorts or a Swimsuit, a Towel, Sunglasses, Water Shoes (optional), Sun-Shielding Hat, Sunscreen, Reusable Water Bottle, Lip Balm, and a Rashguard (or other sun-protective shirt)
Life jackets will be provided, as well as safety whistles and on duty water staff
Water refills are available throughout the week for campers
Pricing can be pro-rated if you are NOT able to participate in the full week – call for pricing

Camp Waiver

FAQs

Is paddling experience required?

Not at all. The BHO Paddle Campers will be using kayaks and paddleboards for their skill level that will allow them to have fun and learn all about BHOs on-water paddling sports. We also have very experienced counselors who will work with all paddlers individually and daily to ensure everyone is learning and having a great time.

What do I need to bring for camp?

Empty Water Bottle (we provide a water bubbler in the boathouse for the kids to fill up their bottle when needed)
Sunglasses, Hat, Water Shoes (shoes that can be worn in the water, on shore, etc.)
Snack(s)
Sunscreen/Bug Spray
Camera/Phone (for pictures only)
Towel

What should my child wear?

Please have your child wear clothes they can get wet in. Most kids opt for (non-cotton) t-shirts/shorts worn over swimsuits. They will most likely will be wet at the end of the day, so having a change of clothes handy is helpful.

What time should I drop off and pick up my child for Paddle Camp?

AM Session (9am-12:30pm)

Drop off at 8:45am
Pick up at 12:30pm

PM Session (1:30pm – 5pm)

Drop off at 1:15pm
Pick up at 5pm

What if my child doesn’t want to do the wet exit on the 1st day?

All BHO Paddle Campers are required to perform a wet exit on the 1st day of camp. A wet exit is a safety requirement that allows everyone the opportunity to practice getting out of a kayak in the event of a capsize. BHO Paddle Campers must perform the wet exit or they will not be allowed to participate in the camp.

What if there is bad weather?

BHO Paddle Camp will have the camp every day even with inclement weather. Pending weather conditions, if it is just rain, they may still go out paddling, however, if there is thunder and lightening the kids will certainly not be on the water. Instead, they will be having a blast in the boathouse with our counselors’ playing games, doing arts & crafts and other fun indoor activities.

Meet The Camp Crew

Shay Ventresca

What's your name/nickname: Shay
Tell us about yourself: The upcoming 2024 spring/summer BHO Paddle Camp will mark my 4th season heading up Black Hall Outfitter’s Kids Paddle Camp. I have a Bachelor of Sciences Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in Sports and Leisure Management and am currently in my second year completing my Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training at The University of Connecticut. In addition to over 4 years of managing Black Hall Outfitters Kids Paddle Camp, I also have years of experience coaching and officiating youth and high school lacrosse. I am a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and I am also certified in both CPR and First Aid. I am looking forward to another great
season heading up the 2024 Black Hall Outfitters Kids Paddle Camp.
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only pick three things to bring with you, what would they be: If I could only take three things with me to a deserted island, I would bring my yellow labs (I can’t choose just one), a speaker, and a kayak of course!
What would you consider as your "best day of summer": Any day that I can spend out on the water and in the sunshine getting tan is a great day for me! It’s even better to end the day watching the sunset with family and friends.

Mclean Signora

What's your name/nickname: Lane or Laney
Tell us about yourself: I just completed my sophomore year at Sacred Heart University. I am majoring in Healthcare Administration, on the Pre-Occupational Therapy track, with a minor focus in both Business and Honors. I am from Old Lyme, CT and 2024 will be my fourth summer on the Black Hall Outfitters 2024 Crew! I have been around and on the water all of my life, and I love all things watersports. I am really excited about the upcoming season and being part of the BHO Kids Paddle Camp!
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only pick three things to bring with you, what would they be: If I could only take three things with me to a deserted island, I would have to bring some Trader Joe’s Korean Barbecue Chicken, Aquaphor and my Kindle.
What would you consider as your "best day of summer": My best day of summer would most likely be an early morning wake up, a quick walk before a beach day, and then going for ice cream while watching the sunset!