YOUTH KAYAK PROGRAMS

Are you looking for an exciting alternative to your typical “summer camp?” You’ll find the programs from Still River Outfitters, Inc. radically different. Our youth programs are “Adventure Educational Experiences”. We don’t take our students out for a paddle  just to “get them outdoors,” we immerse them in learning and the culture of the outdoors. We focus on teamwork, individual growth, and outdoor skills that will fill their lifetimes with adventure.  We offer programs in Recreational Kayak, Whitewater Kayak, Coastal Kayak and Outdoor Leadership.  All of the programs offer something different.  It’s often best to contact us to find out more about a program before you sign up.

Recreational Kayak

Adventure Kids: This program typically runs for 9 hours over 3 days and combines recreational kayaking skills development with Adventure Education initiatives for a truly unique experience. Participants will learn to overcome challenges individually through paddling and as a team through fun games and team problem. Adventure Kids is usually taught through one of our partner sponsors.  If you don’t find a program below please contact us for a class near you.  (Costs vary depending on Sponsor)

Prerequisite:  The desire to have fun! Next steps:  Any of our whitewater or coastal kayak programs.

Introduction to Kayak – Youth: This program Puts all of the skills found in our “standard, adult: Intro to Kayak and puts it into a kid friendly format.  Appropriate for kids approx 10 – 15 this class reinforces skills through fun games and activities.  (Costs vary depending on Sponsor)

Prerequisite:  None. Next steps:  WW Kids , Whitewater Teens, Sea Kayak Teens.

Whitewater Kayak

Whitewater Kids: Whitewater Kids is a basic introduction to the sport of whitewater kayaking for kids 8 – 12 years old. We use boats and other equipment sized to fit the kids and teach them skills appropriate for their age.  Our goal is to maximize the enjoyment of their introduction to kayaking. This class runs for three half-day sessions where we work on basic paddling skills (stokes, maneuvers, safety, equipment, etc.).  The forth day is a full-day trip to a Class I/II river to practice the skills learned earlier in the program.  On the river day, in addition to our instructor(s), one or more of our WILD Students will join us as roll models for our new kayakers!  The first two days of the class will be half days in Bolton.  The third day is a half day on a local river.  The last day is a full day river run.

Prerequisite:  None.  Just the desire for adventure. Next steps:  WW Kids II, Whitewater Teens, Sea Kayak Teens, WILD Waters.

Cost:  $295*  (*a $10 Bolton Resident or $20 non-resident fee will also be applied as a pond user fee)

Whitewater Kids II: Whitewater Kids II is designed for kids who have taken Whitewater Kids in the past and would like more time working on the skills and concepts introduced in Whitewater Kids.  We’ll spend a half-day on flat water reviewing basic skills and then two days paddling rivers to practice and perfect.  WILD Students will join us a mentors and help with one n one attention.  Class meets in Bolton for the first half day on the town pond.  The last two days are full day river runs.

Prerequisite:  Whitewater Kids or similar experience. Next steps:  WW Kids II, Whitewater Teens, Sea Kayak Teens, WILD Waters.

Cost:  $295*  (*a $10 Bolton Resident or $20 non-resident fee will also be applied as a pond user fee)

Whitewater Teens: This program is an intensive introduction to whitewater kayaking for teens. Basic and intermediate strokes and maneuvers, rescue skills, outdoor ethics, and other skills appropriate for kayaking in rivers will be introduced and practiced. We’ll start on off flat water learning basic skills, then move on to moving water, and finally to Class I/II rivers for extensive practice.  In addition to our instructor(s), WILD Students will often join us as roll models and mentors.  This class is five full days, meeting in Bolton.

Prerequisite:  None. Next steps:  More Whitewater Teens, Sea Kayak Teens, WILD Waters.

Cost:  $595*  (*a $10 Bolton Resident or $20 non-resident fee will also be applied as a pond user fee)

Coastal Kayak

Sea Kayak Teens: Teens will love this exciting introduction into the sport of Sea/Touring kayaking. We’ll start off on flat water to learn essential basic skills and then move on to more exciting coastal environments as skills progress.  Along with our instructor(s) we’ll often have one or more of our WILD Students come along as roll models and mentors. This class is five full days, meeting in Bolton.

Prerequisite:  None. Next steps:  More Sea Kayak Teens, Whitewater Teens, WILD Tides.

Cost:  $595*  (*a $10 Bolton Resident or $20 non-resident fee will also be applied as a pond user fee)

WILD Outdoor Leadership Program

“In wildness is the preservation of the world.” - Henry David Thoreau

Our WILD programs promote instruction, leadership and development in wild places.

The outdoors is an incredible classroom. Our WILD Programs take the wonder of wild places, adds in accomplished professional outdoor educators and produces programs like no others – anywhere! Our goal is to give kids a window into what the world is with out the distractions of modern life, pride in what they can accomplish as individuals and as a member of a close team, all while having a long lasting positive effect on the community.

This is absolutely our favorite program.  It’s taken awhile for us to get it running but it’s been a HUGE success since our first WILD day paddle in September 2009.  This program is extra special.  Our instructors turn into coaches as the kids gain experience and lead the program.  More experiences members mentor newer members with technical skills and more importantly support and a close friend to rely on.  We paddle often, work on skills constantly, run races, go to festivals, go on extended trips, build both friendships and an addiction to a healthy outdoor lifestyle.  This program is just way too much fun!

WILD Waters: A Whitewater kayaking program: Whitewater kayaking offers endless opportunity. It embodies a clean, healthy, outdoor lifestyle in an open, inclusive and unique culture. The rivers encourage us to push limits and strive for excellence. Rivers excite our senses while we are in awe of their power and beauty. Whitewater has ever changing lessons as fluid as water over rock. Best of all… whitewater kayaking is addictive fun!

WILD Waters is a youth whitewater kayak program that places an emphasis on safety, social and leadership development, and of course whitewater kayak skills and instruction. Our focus is on individual growth,in skills and decision making practiced in an inclusive team environment. This program offers participants the opportunity to make great friends, try new things, develop valuable life skills and have fun in a dynamic and safe environment.

WILD Tides: A Coastal Kayak Program: First and foremost, a kayak is a vessel of the ocean.  Native Inuit and Greenlanders conquered open ocean, ice floes, and coastal wilderness in their unique boats.  Their quest was survival and fresh hunting grounds.  Their reward was a rich tradition of self-reliance and strength.

WILD Tides is a coastal kayak program for kids stressing leadership and skills development using New England’s rich coastline as our classroom.

Kids can join one or both programs (at a discount) and are encourages to cross over programs.

Prerequisite:  Whitewater Kids, Whitewater Kids II, Whitewater Teens, Sea Kayak Teens, or similar experience approved by an SRO Instructor/Coach.

Base Cost:  $795*  (Discounts for multiple programs and siblings.  Optional Trips may have an additional costs).