The Yorkton Canoe and Kayak Club (YCKC) will be offering a new program this summer in the hopes of increasing numbers at the child/youth level.
In addition to the regular weekday events, the club will now offer the CanoeKids program which is a one week learn-to-paddle program for children aged six to 12 that has been offered throughout Canada with much success. “This is a popular program that has been offered throughout Canada and so we’re trying to get with the times and expose some younger kids to the sport,” said YCKC coach Jessica Riley, adding that the CanoeKids program takes place from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. so as to both provide children with a physical activity during their parents’ work day while not taking away from other summer activities some children may be involved in. “The program is excellent because it compliments all of the other sports and programs as well.
“If a kid is involved in soccer and they’ve got evening practices then they can come out during the day so that they aren’t missing out on anything else.”
Riley then mentioned that the CanoeKids program is also a great way for children new to Yorkton and area to meet other children in a safe and fun environment. “If there are new families moving to Yorkton that are looking for something different or looking for a way to have their children socialize with others then they can come out and check us out at York Lake.
“Kids of new families are always welcome and no paddling experience is necessary for the CanoeKids program as we’ll teach them all they need to know, starting of course with water safety.”
In total there is a possibility for six camps –three of which are already full – with the first one starting on July 7 with the rest continuing throughout the summer.
However according to coach Riley the camps vary in price and duration from one camp to the next simply due to the schedule of YCKC’s competitive paddlers. “The week camps are either four days or five days depending on our racing schedule,” offered Riley. “The five day camp is 175 dollars for the week and the four day camp is 150.
“There is also an option of a half-day camp for those parents that aren’t sure if their kids can focus for an entire day, and that runs from 8:30a.m. until noon.”
Overall each camp can accommodate 10-15 kids at one time with five being the minimum. Throughout the week-long camp, Riley says the children will be taught how to canoe, kayak and even paddle a dragon boat, something new to the club just last year. “There are lots of things for the kids to do at our camps,” mentioned Riley. “It’s a great substitute for daycare or babysitting and it also gets the kids out and active, which is one of the main goals.”
Other activities
The CanoeKids program isn’t the only thing happening at YCKC this summer. In addition to the CanoeKids program the club is also offering ‘Five Dollar Friday’ and ‘Toonie Sunday’ where people can drop-in and take part in canoeing and kayaking for either five or two dollars.
The club is also looking for dragon boat teams for the upcoming dragon boat competition at their developmental regatta Saturday, August 15. The cost is 60 dollars per person, which includes the registration fee and three free training sessions with the dragon boat.
Anyone interested in dragon boat racing, canoeing, kayaking or the CanoeKids program can contact Jessica Riley at (306)-787-7155 or by email at [email protected].
