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.

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.


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.


Camp Information

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.

Morning Sessions

  • Days: Monday – Friday
  • Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
  • Cost: $250
  • Capacity: 20
  • Camp Weeks:
    • Week 1: 6/19 - 6/23
    • Week 2: 6/26 - 6/30
    • Week 3: 7/3 - 7/7
    • Week 4: 7/10 - 7/14
    • Week 5: 7/17 - 7/21
    • Week 6: 7/24 - 7/28
    • Week 7: 7/31 - 8/4
    • Week 8: 8/7 - 8/11

Afternoon Sessions

  • Days: Monday – Friday
  • Time: 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Cost: $250
  • Capacity: 20
  • Camp Weeks:
    • Week 1: 6/19 - 6/23
    • Week 2: 6/26 - 6/30
    • Week 3: 7/3 - 7/7
    • Week 4: 7/10 - 7/14
    • Week 5: 7/17 - 7/21
    • Week 6: 7/24 - 7/28
    • Week 7: 7/31 - 8/4
    • Week 8: 8/7 - 8/11

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.

  • 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

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.

  • 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

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.

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.

In order for your child to participate in the BHO Paddle Adventure Camp you must sign the liability waiver included with your booking!

Meet the Camp Crew!

Shay Ventresca

Shay is currently a student at Eastern Connecticut State University focusing on a double major in Biology and Sport and Leisure Management with a concentration in Sports Science….ultimately, on track for Pre Med. Shay has been playing lacrosse for years and prior to working with BHO and its Kids Adventure Paddle-Camp, she had worked as a lacrosse coach and camp counselor for kids ages 8-16 for many summers. This summer of 2022 will be Shay’s third season working alongside Quinn Romeo heading up the Black Hall Outfitters Kids Adventure Camp. Shay grew up loving the water and has enjoyed kayaking and paddleboarding since she was very young. She is excited to be back with BHO this season and will bring all of her on water and kids camp experiences to create a safe, fun, socially responsible learning environment for all participants. Shay is also a Nationally Registered EMT through the NREMT organization.

Maura Stickley

Maura is currently a graduate student studying child and adolescent psychology. She graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2020. Maura is currently working at a high school as an Educational Assistant. Prior to that she spent many years as a lifeguard and swim instructor at camps around CT. Maura is looking forward to her first year on the BHO Camp Crew and is excited to bring all her past experiences with water safety and working with children of all ages to the Kids Adventure Paddle-Camp to create a safe fun filled summer!

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