Programs for Youth

On this page, you will find many different options for anyone ages 8 – 18 that wants to paddle a canoe or kayak.

Summer Camps for Youth

This program focuses on water safety, skill development, care of the equipment, a team atmosphere and an all around good time with new friends. BCKC provides the participants with very stable boats and the opportunity to advance to more skilled boats as they improve. The youth will be taught this unique sport by our nationally certified coaches.

Camps will focus on:

• Introduction to the sport and the equipment
• Introduction to safe boating practices
• Introduction to Olympic Racing Canoes and Kayaks
• Learning basic canoe and kayak skills and strokes
• Learning racing rules and techniques
• Developing racing skills and a love for the sport

BCKC Summer Camps
We paddle rain or shine!

WHAT TO BRING:

• Sunscreen
• Bathing Suit
• 2 Complete changes of clothes
• Lunch
• A snack
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Hat
• Running Shoes
• Sandals
• Raingear (as necessary)

*Please do not bring anything to the lake that is expensive or damageable

Please download 2006 Summer Camp Registration Form (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader).

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Beginner Sprint Program

The Beginner Sprint program provides an introduction to the sport of canoe and kayak. BCKC wants to promote this unique sport, which is fun and develops strength, endurance and balance in a natural outdoor environment. This entry-level program is geared to introduce participants to the sport and the equipment. BCKC provides the participants with stable boats, with the opportunity to advance to more challenging boats when they are ready. The participants will have the chance to use big boats such as War Canoe and Dragon Boat, as well as the 1, 2 and 4-person canoes and kayaks. This program encourages water safety, skill development, care and maintenance of the equipment, a team atmosphere and an all around good time. The youth will be taught this Olympic sport by a nationally certified coach.

The athletes involved with this program have the opportunity to race for the BCKC in various regattas in the Fraser Valley. The BC Championships are held at the end of September and the Beginner Sprint athletes are encouraged to participate.

The sport of canoe/kayak provides a healthy lifestyle and this program is open to all levels of ability.

Please download Beginner Sprint Program Registration Form (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader).

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Junior Sprint Program

The Junior Spring Program is offered to those athletes who have previous experience in the sport of canoe/kayak. BCKC provides the participants with sprint racing canoes and kayaks and many opportunities to train in team boats. This program is designed to give enhance the training and racing skills of the athlete. BCKC wants to develop the FUNdamentals of this great sport: technique, speed, strength, endurance and balance. We pride ourselves in providing a safe, positive and healthy environment for all participants. We encourage a team environment while also focusing on the individuals involved in the sport. The athletes in this program will focus on racing at regattas over the summer and participating in the BC Championships on September 23/24th 2006. A nationally certified coach will coach the athletes.

Some basic fitness is recommended for participants of this Junior Sprint Program. Most of the training practices are centered on paddling, but there will also be some running and core body strengthening.

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Development Sprint Program

The Development Sprint Program is offered to athletes who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and dedication to the sport. Involvement within this program becomes more focused and more intense as they train on a year round basis. Many of these athletes will compete for BCKC and/or Team BC at various regattas. This program focuses on the all-around athlete. There is an emphasis on “learning how to train and being an athlete”, high technical skill development, discipline, time management, race development, endurance, speed and body strength. These athletes are encouraged to participate in BC and Regional training camps and to compete at numerous local, and out of province regattas.

BCKC offers a healthy team environment during training sessions and at regattas. The athletes in the Development Program train for regional and provincial championships, and have longer term goals for the sport such as participating in Canada Games and National Championships.

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Drop In Program

Dropping-in is the best way to give the sport of sprint canoe/kayak a try. Every Thursday at 6-8pm from May-September, the general public is welcome to come to down to BCKC and get in a boat. BCKC provides all equipment. Participants will be given very basic instruction on the sport, the proper way to get in and out of a boat, and care of the equipment. A nationally certified instructor will be at all Drop-in sessions and will have knowledge on all of the other programs we offer.

A $10 fee is required for the first Drop In session, which covers an insurance fee, and a waiver must be completed before trying a boat (minors, under 18, must have their parent/guardian in attendance to fill out their waiver). Repeated visits to the Drop-in will be $5 per session.

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