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.

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

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Time(s)

Morning Sessions

Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
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

Time: 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
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

Price

$250.00

Capacity

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

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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

Finn Hopkins

Finn is currently a government and politics major at the University of Maryland, College Park. Finn is very experienced as a camp counselor, as he has been working as one at the Black Point Beach Club for the last five years. He is very comfortable on the water as he has taught swimming lessons in his past. Finn has also babysat 6 days a week for the last two summers and is very adept at and working with kids of all ages. An experienced hand around the water, Finn will add expertise to an already amazing program at BHO Kids Paddle Camp. He loves to be active as he has played sports all his life, including 3 varsity sports in high school. Finn is looking forward to his first year on the BHO Camp Crew and will bring both fun and responsibility to the BHO Camp Crew.

Brittany Kriley

Brittany recently moved to CT from NJ and is currently a 2nd grade teacher in Newington, CT ages 7-8. She was also previously a Grade 1 and Grade K teacher and elementary math interventionist working with children from ages ranging from 4-11. Brittany is an avid paddle enthusiast who worked at Hackensack Riverkeeper (kayak rental center and environmental educational organization) for 4 years in New Jersey where she led guided paddles through Overpeck Creek in Leonia, NJ and the Hackensack River in Secaucus, NJ. Brittany was also a 5-year camp counselor at Playground Camp and a lifeguard at the Radburn Pool in Radburn, NJ. Brittany is very excited and looking forward to bringing all of her paddling and teaching experience to the BHO Kids Paddle Camp this season. Brittany is also CPR and First Aid Certified.

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