Renaissance Adventure Guides

Kids Camps

3 Day Beginner Youth Paddling Camp

Prerequisites: Able to swim and have fun

$300/person
Ages 10-17

The three day course start with the first two days at Chatfield State Park but for the third day we move to one of the local rivers on the Front Range.  All the basics are covered on the lake and then it is time to put those skills to the test.  The river is mellow but not without excitement.  We work on group dynamics, team work and self discipline just by kayaking down a beautiful river.  Kids learn the importance of keeping the environment clean through the practices of leave no trace.  Last but not least we go swimming and learn basic safety skills for venturing out into moving water.  These skills are important whether kayaking or heading off to the river for a day in the sun. No prior experience required.

Itinerary
Day 1 - Intro to kayaking. Today we teach about boat design and all of the other equipment necessary for whitewater kayaking. We teach and practice flat water paddling techniques (forward, sweep and correction strokes), the wet exit, hip snaps, T-rescues, bracing and an intro to the roll.
Day 2 - We work some more on rolling technique in the morning, then move to the river in the afternoon to get a feel for moving water and how a boat handles in it. This is all done in a close and controlled environment, working on small sections of water with close supervision.
Day 3 - We spend a full day on the river today, learning ferrying, eddy turns, and basic safety skills for moving water. This is our first big day on the river! Not only do we teach kayaking, but we also teach students about the natural environment in which the rivers flow, teaching respect for all other people and animals out there enjoying the river with us.

Recommended Gear List
All you need to bring is the same personal equipment as you would wear to the beach: 
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses with retention straps (Croakies, etc.
• Something to get wet in (swimsuit)
• Wetsuit booties or river sandals (Chacos, Tevas, etc.)
• A hat
• Lots of Water!!!
• Large Lunch!!!

If you have your own wetsuit, booties, underarmer, fleece or other appropriate water clothing, please bring it. If you do not we will provide a wetsuit, splash jacket and booties, but your own personal gear will likely fit best.

Meeting/Departure Location
Chatfield Reservoir State Park
South of C-470 and Wadsworth
Littleton CO 80125
USA
See Location on a Google Map 

Important Travel Information
Destination Location 
At Chatfield Reservoir, the classes meet at the gravel pond, on the south end of the park. After leaving the gate house take a right at the first stop sign.  You will pass a road on your right that goes to the horse stables.  The road will curve to the left and as it does you will see the gravel pond on your right.  Take the next right turn on to a dirt road, follow it to a parking lot and that is the meeting location.
The reservoir has a gate fee of: $7.00 per day or you may purchase Season Pass.
*Prearranged pickup may be available. Call for details 303-988-2943

Starting Dates
Monday, June 07, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, July 05, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010

Liability Release Form  , Health History Form   (Parent or Guardian please complete forms before class)

What's Next: Days 3, 4 and 5 of the 5 Day Beginner Youth Paddle Camp

Call 303-988-2943 or email info@raguides.com if you have any questions.