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— Kids Paddling Camps 2008 —

Our variety of paddling camps provides paddling instruction and experience to kids ages 9-15. We mix instruction with expeditions, games, and activities to give campers a complete introduction to the world of paddling. Best of all, kids love it!

We offer three camps tailored to different ages and abilities. All camps are led by experienced guides who are skilled paddlers, patient instructors, and are certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding.

Our Canoe & Kayak Camp is held at Lake Cochituate and introduces kids in grades 4-6 to both canoes and kayaks.

Our Sea Kayak Camp is for kids in grades 6-8 who have some paddling experience and allows them to get a taste of the beautiful Massachusetts coast while receiving paddling instruction.

Our Advanced Sea Kayak Camp is for kids in grades 7-9 who have attended the sea kayak camp and want to further improve their paddling.

Charles River Canoe & Kayak's camps must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 430.000) and are licensed by the Board of Health of the Town of Natick.


Canoe & Kayak Camp
This camp is designed for the beginner younger paddler, and is offered in both half-day and full-day versions. The camp begins with an introduction to canoeing. As campers paddle canoes in tandem the importance of communication and cooperation is stressed.

On the third day of camp we switch to kayaks. Campers paddle these craft solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance.

Skills are learned through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. Paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety are addressed. The opportunity to play and explore makes the educational goals of the Canoe & Kayak Camp fun and easy to achieve. Full-day camp sessions will also include games and fun activities on land.

The camp is based at our boathouse in Lake Cochituate State Park in Natick. The Canoe and Kayak Camp is for kids entering 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.

Half-Day Canoe & Kayak Camp meets for five 3-hour sessions (Monday–Friday) at Lake Cochituate in Natick. Morning session meets from 9am–Noon; afternoon session meets from 1–4pm.
$170 includes five days of half-day camp.

Camp Medical & Release Forms
For all camp registrations, we must receive the following required forms at least seven days before the camp is scheduled to begin.
  • A physical from their physician, no more than 24 months before the camp, complete with a copy of immunization records and permission of the physician to attend camp.
  • Camp Health Form
  • Camp Release Form
  • Authorization to Administer Medication (if applicable)

    • If we do not receive these forms seven days prior to the start of camp, state law prohibits your child from attending camp.

    Registration & Cancellation Policies for Kids' Camps
  • Full payment is due upon registration for a camp session.
  • For camp cancellations received 14 days or more before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we will issue a full refund less a 10% cancellation fee.
  • For camp cancellations received less than 14 days before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of campers is required for any session to run. If there is the possibility that a camp may not run, you will be notified at least 14 days before first day of your camp. If a camp session is cancelled due to low enrollment, we will offer a full refund.

    • Full-Day Canoe & Kayak Camp meets for five 6-hour sessions (Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm) at Lake Cochituate in Natick.
    $299 includes five days of full-day camp.

    Camp Medical & Release Forms
    For all camp registrations, we must receive the following required forms at least seven days before the camp is scheduled to begin.
  • A physical from their physician, no more than 24 months before the camp, complete with a copy of immunization records and permission of the physician to attend camp.
  • Camp Health Form
  • Camp Release Form
  • Authorization to Administer Medication (if applicable)

    • If we do not receive these forms seven days prior to the start of camp, state law prohibits your child from attending camp.

    Registration & Cancellation Policies for Kids' Camps
  • Full payment is due upon registration for a camp session.
  • For camp cancellations received 14 days or more before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we will issue a full refund less a 10% cancellation fee.
  • For camp cancellations received less than 14 days before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of campers is required for any session to run. If there is the possibility that a camp may not run, you will be notified at least 14 days before first day of your camp. If a camp session is cancelled due to low enrollment, we will offer a full refund.


    • Sea Kayak Camp
    The Sea Kayak Camp is designed for the child who enjoys paddling and would like to develop skills while exploring beautiful fresh and salt water environments.

    This camp starts with a day spent brushing up on strokes and techniques on a quiet lake. These skills are essential for the rest of the week as the camp explores various harbors, estuaries, and tidal rivers along the coast of Massachusetts.

    While the emphasis is on exploration and touring, instruction is given each day to build on existing paddling skills. All week, we’ll have opportunities for games and activities such as swimming and snorkeling.

    The Sea Kayak Camp meets each day at our Newton Boathouse and then travels by van to the day’s paddling destination.

    This camp is for kids entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and who have completed the Canoe and Kayak Camp or have other formal instruction in kayaking such as the Kids Kayak Class.

    Full-Day Sea Kayak Camp meets for five 7.5-hour sessions (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4pm). The camp meets across the river from our Newton Boathouse and travels by van to the day's destination.
    $369 includes five days of full-day camp.
    Formal Introductory Instruction Required
    Children who have not participated in our Canoe & Kayak Camp or Kids' Kayak Class must have previous kayaking instruction, including a wet exit, before participating in our Sea Kayak Camp. A child who does not have this experience may sign up for our Sea Kayak Camp but must complete the Kids' Kayak Class or a private lesson before the camp begins. If you have questions, please contact us.
    Wet Exit Practice Required
    Children who have not performed a wet exit may sign up for our Sea Kayak Camp but must complete the Kids' Kayak Class or a private lesson before the camp begins. If you have questions, please contact us.

    Camp Medical & Release Forms
    For all camp registrations, we must receive the following required forms at least seven days before the camp is scheduled to begin.
  • A physical from their physician, no more than 24 months before the camp, complete with a copy of immunization records and permission of the physician to attend camp.
  • Camp Health Form
  • Camp Release Form
  • Authorization to Administer Medication (if applicable)

    • If we do not receive these forms seven days prior to the start of camp, state law prohibits your child from attending camp.

    Registration & Cancellation Policies for Kids' Camps
  • Full payment is due upon registration for a camp session.
  • For camp cancellations received 14 days or more before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we will issue a full refund less a 10% cancellation fee.
  • For camp cancellations received less than 14 days before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of campers is required for any session to run. If there is the possibility that a camp may not run, you will be notified at least 14 days before first day of your camp. If a camp session is cancelled due to low enrollment, we will offer a full refund.
    • Pre-Requisites & Requirements. Before signing up for this class, you must have:
  • Formal paddling instruction, like our Canoe & Kayak Camp or Kids' Kayak Class.
  • Previous practice of a wet exit, where you flipped a kayak, removed the sprayskirt, and exited the kayak while underwater.


    • Advanced Sea Kayak Camp
    Designed for those kayakers who have previously taken our Sea Kayak Camp or have significant kayaking experience, this camp is for those children who love to paddle and want to further expand their skills. The advanced sea kayak camp focuses on the development of advanced kayaking skills including trip planning, navigation, and paddling in waves and currents. This camp is for kids entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grades.

    Full-Day Advanced Sea Kayak Camp meets for five 7.5-hour sessions (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4pm). The camp meets across the river from our Newton Boathouse and travels by van to the day's destination.
    $369 includes five days of full-day camp.
    Sea Kayak Camp Required
    Children who have not participated in our Sea Kayak Camp must have extensive previous kayaking instruction, including numerous wet exits, and significant ocean kayaking experience before participating in our Advanced Sea Kayak Camp. Please contact us to discuss whether your child is qualified.
    Wet Exit Practice Required
    Children who have not performed a wet exit should consider our Sea Kayak Camp before signing up for our Advanced Sea Kayak Camp. The Advanced Camp is for experienced paddlers who are extremely comfortable performing wet exits because they have flipped their kayak many, many times. If you have questions, please contact us.

    Note that our Sea Kayak Camp also requires a previous wet exit, which can be practiced under the watchful eye of our instructors in the Kids Kayak Class.

    Camp Medical & Release Forms
    For all camp registrations, we must receive the following required forms at least seven days before the camp is scheduled to begin.
  • A physical from their physician, no more than 24 months before the camp, complete with a copy of immunization records and permission of the physician to attend camp.
  • Camp Health Form
  • Camp Release Form
  • Authorization to Administer Medication (if applicable)

    • If we do not receive these forms seven days prior to the start of camp, state law prohibits your child from attending camp.

    Registration & Cancellation Policies for Kids' Camps
  • Full payment is due upon registration for a camp session.
  • For camp cancellations received 14 days or more before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we will issue a full refund less a 10% cancellation fee.
  • For camp cancellations received less than 14 days before your camp session is scheduled to begin, we are unable to offer any refunds.
  • Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver of liability. To save time, you can download this waiver and bring it with you.
  • Classes, clinics, and trips always run unless the weather is extreme.
  • A minimum number of campers is required for any session to run. If there is the possibility that a camp may not run, you will be notified at least 14 days before first day of your camp. If a camp session is cancelled due to low enrollment, we will offer a full refund.
    • Pre-Requisites & Requirements. Before signing up for this class, you must have:
  • Formal paddling instruction on the ocean, like our Sea Kayak Camp.
  • Previous practice of a wet exit, where you flipped a kayak, removed the sprayskirt, and exited the kayak while underwater.

    • ©2008 Charles River Canoe & Kayak
    2401 Commonwealth Avenue; Newton, Massachusetts 02466; (617) 965-5110
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