For Kids! Getting Kids Outdoors

The “Getting Kids Outdoors” programs are a series of short “courses” to get kids outdoors and learning about the natural environment as well as how to safely and effectively recreate in the outdoors. The programs are all “hands on." There are no videos, online presentations or lectures. The purpose is to get kids outdoors, let them have fun, learn, get dirty and get wet! For the short term they will have a fun and educational experience. But for the long term they may have a healthier lifestyle, higher self esteem and a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Rest assured your kids will be in the best of hands. All courses are taught by ACA certified instructors and/or NYS licensed guides.

The following programs are available Monday through Friday from June 21, 2010 – August 27, 2010 at our location in Old Forge, NY. Outside of that time frame we can reserve custom dates/locations for your group and alter the programs to be suitable for any age group. We can also bring some of the programs to your location for school groups, community groups and scout groups. Call (315-335-1681) or e-mail for more information.

• Monday - Paddling – Basic terminology, equipment, strokes and capsize recoveries will be covered in canoes and kayaks in a fun and informal manner. Kids will then test their skills in paddling games such as Sharks and Minnows, Paddle Polo and Leapfrog.

• Tuesday - Camping – Learn how to set up and break down a camping spot. Including finding a good location, tent setup and breakdown, camp stoves, campfires, water purifiers, and other equipment found around a campsite. Before we douse the fire we’ll roast some marshmallows and tell a story or two.

• Wednesday - A Walk in the Woods – Kids are inquisitive and have many questions especially when it comes to the outdoors. During the walk we’ll identify trees, shrubs, flowers, birds (by sight and call), cloud formations and animal tracks and discuss how they all interact in the world around us. Kids will be encouraged to look around, follow a track, pick up interesting looking things and ask plenty of questions.

• Thursday - Wilderness Survival – Fire, Shelter, Signaling, Food/Water and First Aid are the basic skills covered in the program. We will build a fire using different starters, build a shelter, find different food sources, catch and purify water and have a first aid “scenario."

• Friday - Treasure Hunt – Learn how to use a map and compass in a fun “Treasure Hunt." Basic map and compass instruction will be given and then a map to the treasure will be handed out. The kids will need to work in teams to find the treasure through a series of directions on the map.

Reservations are required. Cost is $25/person (discounts available for multiple days/children)
and the summer courses (contact us for custom courses) are designed for students between 8-14 years of age.

Please wear appropriate clothing to get wet and dirty and bring a change of clothes.