Downunder Kayaking

About the program:

Kayaking is safe and easy aboard our sit on top kayaks, with a high counselor to camper ratio, and very experienced and qualified staff.  Our location on the Five Mile River is beautiful, diverse, and sheltered – making it the perfect place to learn and develop kayaking skills.  Children learn the skills by weaving in and out of pilings, under bridges, around buoys and boats, playing water games that increase balance, coordination, and confidence through teamwork.  Once we’ve got the skills we go a bit further and visit local islands for treasure hunts, comb beaches for shells, make our own maritime environments, go fishing, swimming and enjoy the wildlife.  On less than perfect days we go on exciting and educational field trips.  The programs are week long this year, we do still offer special deals when you sign up for two weeks or more.  The program runs weekdays throughout the summer, rain or shine.  Graduates may come by the day, space willing.  For more information and to book call Kim at (203) 247-0578. 

Children learn everything from what to wear, equipment used, how it works, to kayaking skills – paddle and boat handling, form, strokes, how to get in and out, and what to do if you find yourself ‘out’!  Information such as rules of the ‘road’, weather, navigation, tides… essentials for the skilled and responsible kayaker.  An important part of our program is taking care of the marine environment – educating children so they understand the impact of trash and contaminants.  Making a difference by cleaning up the river and beaches we visit.

Checking our traps to see what lives down there is fascinating AND an important part of our work with Harborwatch. 

Brendans' 101 Ice Cream Shop

A daily nutritious snack keeps our energy up (OK, so sometimes we go for ice-cream), we drink lots of water, breathe lots of fresh air, and engage most muscle groups – sending home happy and satisfyingly tired, campers! 

Bad Weather: 

The program runs rain or shine with field trips to the Long Island exhibit at the Norwalk Aquarium, maritime education at Seaport Assn, equipment discover at The Small Boat Shop, learn about oysters at the Bloom hatchery and harvesting businesses and trips to Sheffield Island to explore the lighthouse and nature reserve.  Special gems that make this program stand out.

Cancellation:  2 weeks, follow link for terms.

PARENT CHILD PROGRAMS

Are offered during high tides when there's loads of room to play around on the river.  You can take a guide or go on your own, and we'll give you some tips on how to make it an extra special outing.  Children 3 years+ can go in a double kayak with an adult, and two kids can fit in a double with an adult. 

Get out and explore the river and local wildlife!

Private programs for camps, schools, clubs

We have a strong environmental program that we love to share with groups.  Trained by Save the Sound and Harborwatch our staff will share information on the local habitat and our impact on it.  You'll get out there and explore - observe what nature brings us on any given day - and at the same time be marine stewards.  We also do a trash pick up when we paddle - well at least we come prepared, with gloves and bags, and bring back whatever we find that doesn't belong in the water or on the beaches. 

Programs for Scout Badges and Youth Challenges can also be offered.  See the program page for more info. 

(call Kim 203-247-0578) 

Jason Kiska, Greenwich Catholic School

Beach Cleanup