Paddle Adventure Camp
FOR CAMPERS ENTERING GRADES 8, 9, OR 10 IN THE FALL
This all-levels camp is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking throughout the beautiful Hudson Valley. Our goal is for participants to build paddling skills, confidence, and make friends in a safe, exciting, and fun atmosphere.
Registration Information
Summer Camp registration will begin online on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
An Environmentalist-level membership ($125) or higher valid through the program date is required to attend camp. Only one membership is required per family.
Paddle Adventure Camp (PAC) is led by qualified FRNC staff and seasoned kayak instructors. Each day on the water, the group is accompanied by three trip leaders: two American Red Cross (ARC) certified lifeguards and one FRNC educator. On land days, the group is led by two experienced FRNC educators. Our staff are certified in adult, child, and infant CPR and First Aid for First Responders, including EpiPen use. Certifications are updated annually.
Our Staff
Our Locations
We choose our kayaking and hiking locations to offer safe and fun experiences for campers. Local destinations introduce campers to a variety of habitats and ecosystems that provide opportunities to view wildlife and learn about local history. Families will be given specific trip locations and information prior to the week their child is enrolled. Drop-off and pick-up are at Rye Nature Center. FRNC will transport campers to the various trip locations.
Our Gear
FRNC provides all equipment needed to safely explore our local waters. On the first day, campers are assigned a touring kayak, paddle, and dry bag for storing lunch and extra clothing, as well as life vests with a safety whistle. Each boat is equipped with bulkheads for gear storage and flotation. Campers should bring lunch and dress ready for that day’s excursion. Hiking gear and water shoe recommendations will be available in our parent information packet.
Throughout the week, campers are given opportunities to improve:
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— by guiding portions of our water and land routes while staff supervises from the background.
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— by working as a group to lift and carry kayaks, offering each other positive feedback,and encouraging one another to hike that last mile.
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— by seeing their hard work pay off when they reach the top of that day’s mountain or when they pull out their kayak at the end of a five-mile paddle.
Sample Week
Each week, PAC will aim to complete two kayaks, two hikes, and one field excursion. Excursions may include visits to museums, historic sites, and gardens. Schedule is subject to change.
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Camp orientation at location; on-water training; paddle games; short kayak tour.
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Hike Rockefeller State Park; learn about local history; bird identification lesson.
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Paddle Lake Sebago; kayak skills; short exploration of Harriman State Park.
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Hike Westmoreland and Arthur Butler Sanctuary; orienteering and geocaching.
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Paddle Blind Brook from the Nature Center to Milton Harbor; eat a floating lunch; paddle to Edith Read for a nature hike and bird watching.
Sample Day
Cancellation Policy
No refunds or credits will be given towards other programs, camps, or events if you cancel your enrollment. In the event you need to cancel, a tax receipt will be issued to you indicating that the program fee was converted to a charitable donation. Membership is non-refundable.
Financial Assistance
FRNC seeks to create equity when it comes to accessing environmental
education. Through our Nature Access Fund, we provide need-based financial assistance. To request an application, please contact us at programs@ryenaturecenter.org. Applications must be submitted by May 1