Our 4-day adventure youth camp teaches kids aged 8-15 stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and kayak sailing in Bend, Oregon.

Tumalo Creek’s Paddlesport Adventure Camp offers a dynamic experience for young adventurers aged 8-15, Monday – Thursday. Day campers learn stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and kayak sailing, all set against the stunning backdrop of Central Oregon.

This engaging program not only builds confidence on the water but also introduces youth to a variety of paddling activities, fostering a lifetime love of paddlesports. Participants will engage in cooperative activities and team-building exercises facilitated by our seasoned, expert instructors.

The camp typically runs from 9 AM to 4 PM. However, expect an extended day until 5-6 PM during our whitewater rafting adventures, as travel times to activity sites can vary between 45 minutes and two hours.

Our Kids Whitewater Kayaking Camp runs monthly from June through August for those interested in further exploration. Open to all skill levels and designed for ages 10-15, it’s an excellent way for youth to challenge themselves and learn new paddling skills.

Do you have questions about which of our Bend summer camps is the best fit for your kids?

Contact Tumalo Creek to speak with one of our experts today!

Safety Notice

Paddlesports, water, and river activities involve inherent risks that cannot be eliminated and may result in serious injury or death. Participation may involve hazards including but not limited to; moving water, changing river conditions, weather, obstacles, uneven terrain, equipment failure, and other natural or man-made hazards. Conditions can change rapidly and without warning.

All participants are required to wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) whenever on the water or whenever directed by a guide or instructor. Additional required safety equipment must be worn and used as instructed.

Our guides and instructors are trained to help manage risk and provide a more safe learning environment, but they cannot eliminate all risks or guarantee your safety. Even on guided trips, lessons, and camps, every participant is responsible for actively contributing to their own safety.

Participants are expected to:

Listen to and follow all instructions from guides and instructors.
Stay alert, make responsible decisions, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Know and respect their own abilities and limits. Do not attempt skills or activities beyond your experience or comfort level.
Immediately inform your guide or instructor if you are uncomfortable, become fatigued, are unable to perform a skill safely, or observe a potential hazard.
Work together with guides and fellow participants to help maintain a safe environment.

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that minor participants understand and follow all safety instructions.

By participating in our programs—including whitewater kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, kayak sailing, flatwater paddling, youth camps, multi-activity paddlesports camps, and other paddlesports activities—you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with these activities and accept responsibility for your own actions and participation.

Equipment List

Tumalo Creek Provides

Kayaks
Stand-up Paddleboards
Rafts
Sailing Tri-marans
Lifejackets
Guides and instruction

Participant Provides

Sunscreen
Water bottle
Backpack
Quick drying type clothes
Towel and change of clothing
Fleece jacket
Lunch and snacks

Gear required for this trip is available for purchase at our shop.

Meeting Location

805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6Bend OR 97702

View in Google Maps

+ CANCELLATION POLICY

Tumalo Creek Programs Cancellation Policies

Kids Camps: 14 days prior to departure date required for cancellations or date changes. No Shows, cancellations or date changes for any reason inside the 14 day period will be subject to forfeiture of all fees.

Tumalo Creek (TC) Initiated Cancellation Disclaimer: Applies to all one day lessons, trips, tours, multi-day trips, camps and special events. TC reserves the right to cancel, postpone or reschedule one day lessons, trips, tours, multi-day trips, camps and special events within 24 hours of scheduled date. Circumstances include but are not limited to; low enrollment, weather (ex. thunderstorms/lightning), natural disasters (ex. forest fires) and events or circumstances beyond TC’s control.

+ OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Kids Paddlesports Adventure Camp

Welcome and Congratulations on choosing Tumalo Creek’s Paddlesports Adventure Camp for your child’s summer activity! Below is a tentative camp outline with information and tips you will find useful in preparing your child for camp.

Things we need from you before camp start date:
• Completed and signed medical form, that includes emergency contact information and a brief medical history for your child.
• Completed and signed electronic Liability Release.

Where:
Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe
805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6, Bend, OR
(Just downriver from the Old Mill Shopping Center, next to the Colorado Street bridge).

Start Time:
9:00 am (Please plan on arriving 15 minutes early on day 1 to meet staff and ask any last minute questions)
Pick-up Time: 4:00 pm*

*Designated rafting days often run later than 4 pm. Return time is usually between 5 & 6 pm. Every effort will be made to inform parents the day before. Rafting day is typically Wednesday (weather and condition dependent).

What To Bring:
• Backpack w/ Extra Clothing
• Towel
• Swimsuit*
• Sun Shirt* (rash guards work great!)
• Durable Water shoe or sandal (a hike or two my happen)
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Fleece top for cooler temps. (synthetic material)
• Sunglasses w/retainer strap
• Full Water Bottle (Tumalo Creek will provide water cooler with extra water)
• Lots of Healthy High Energy Snacks
• Bag Lunch (Your child will need a lunch from home each day of the camp.)

* Kids will be most comfortable if they wear quick drying “surfing” type clothes like board shorts and a rash guard. A synthetic bathing suit and a t-shirt also works just fine. Please do not send your youth in cotton clothing to camp.

Sample Camp Itinerary

Day 1
Elk Lake - Intro to flat-water kayaking
• Boat fitting
• Learn important water safety skills and rules
• Paddling skills progression; learn proper paddling techniques
• Lunch
• Tour/swim

Day 2
Deschutes River - Intro to standup paddleboarding
• Learn important water safety skills and rules
• Paddling skills progression; learn proper paddle techniques
• Lunch
• Tour/swim

Day 3
Mckenzie River raft trip
• Learn important water safety skills and rules
• run river
• Lunch
• run river

Day 4
Elk Lake - sailing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding
• Learn important water safety skills and rules
• Introduction to sailing; Hobie Adventure Island sailing kayak
• Lunch
• Free Paddle/Sail/Swim

* The itinerary may be modified or cancelled due to weather/safety concerns (thunderstorms frequently occur during the summer months).

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe Contact Info:
Topher Robertson; Programs Director - 541 317-9407 - [email protected]
Sue Fox; Group Sales Manager - 541 317-9407 - [email protected]