April 2008

Dear Parents & Campers,

Portsmouth Kayak Adventures is happy to be offering Kids Camp again this summer. Last season was a huge success with thirteen sessions and over 85 campers. For this approaching summer we are offering 13 different camp sessions over a 9 week period. This year we have, seven Level I sessions, two sessions for Level II paddlers and three minnow’s session. The age bracket for Level I is 10-14, and the minnow’s is 7-9 year olds. Both level I and II run 4hrs, 4 days a week (Minnow sessions runs for 3hrs), In the case that a camp day is canceled, due to weather, Friday will be the alternate day for all camps. Morning sessions will run 8am to 12 noon, afternoon sessions will be 1pm to 5pm, and the Minnow sessions 1pm to 4pm.

Attached you will find a waiver/medical history form to be filled out and signed by the camper and parent/guardian. Also included is the registration form. Spots are filled on a first-come, first serve basis. Registration is now open.

Level I camps will cover a broad spectrum of sea kayaking. Campers will become acquainted with the kayaks and gear, and the purpose of each item. We will spend time close to shore learning paddle strokes, wet exits and rescues. Campers will learn about tides and currents, reading charts, identifying hazards, and safe kayaking practices. We will kayak, play games, and get to know each other and, most of all, have fun!

Level II camps are aimed towards more experienced paddlers. We will still refresh the basics, plus we will learn advanced paddle strokes and rescue skills as well as towing and bracing. There will be more emphasis on boat control, paddling in current and in the ocean. If the time permits, campers can also begin to learn Eskimo Rolls.

The Minnow sessions are essentially a Level I session for your younger children. Campers will have fun and play while learning kayaking skills. The pace will be slower, the distances paddled will be less and all paddling will be done in flat water protected areas.

The Arts kayaking camp was a hit last year and we are excited to bring it back. Last years Art and Nature projects included Gutaku (Japanese Art of fish printing), knot tying, and Andy Goldsworthy inspired sculptures. We are looking forward to exploring more art project like these, and incorporating them into our basic kayaking instruction.

The PKA staff anticipates seeing all of you in the camp and in the store. For those of you that do not know, we have expanded our Kids Corner part of the store this year. We are preparing an entire section dedicated to Kids Kayak Gear, adding new brands, more boats and women’s specific products. This season we are offering registered campers 10% off throughout the store. Registration materials can be mailed back or dropped to Portsmouth Kayak Adventures at the address listed above. Spots can be held once a 50% deposit payment is received, however, campers cannot participate until we receive a fully completed and singed waiver and registration form. We will do our best to accommodate everyone- we know that many wish to attend the same camp as other friends and family. Once you are registered, we will send you a copy of a suggested gear list. And please, do not hesitate to contact me with questions. I can be reached at the store and via email at info@portsmouthkayak.com.

Sincerely, Bill Downey PKA/Owner