Our all-levels Whitewater camp is designed to introduce kids to the exciting world of whitewater kayaking while under the care of our professional instructors.
Ages 10-15
We emphasize both safety and fun as we introduce campers to swift water. Paddlers will gain river-running confidence as they get ready for a lifetime of paddling fun.
Sessions start with an initial introduction to flat water, equipment, and safety. Depending on the groups aptitude, one - two days will be spent in a flat water environment. During this time youth will learn how to exit their kayaks swiftly, paddle strokes, kayak maneuvers, and risk awareness. Once ready, our instructors will guide campers into the world of moving and swift water. We will practice catching eddies, considering safety, and running rapids.
Day four of camp is often the most rewarding, because we will travel to the Mckenzie, Santiam, or Lower Deschtues rivers to spend a full day on the water whitewater kayaking. Please note; the last day typically ends later, between 5-6pm, due to increased travel times. Most days we travel no more than 45min to and from operation locations however, our river trip day requires apx. 2 hours of drive time out and back.
Equipment List
Tumalo Creek Provides
- Kayak
- Paddle
- PFD
- Skirt
- Helmet
- * Please see ' other considerations'
Participant Provides
- Sun Screen
- Water
- Packable lunch
- Lots of healthy, high-energy snacks
- Quick-drying clothes like board shorts and a rash
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Insulating top
Gear required for this trip is available for purchase at our shop.
Meeting Location
805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6 Bend OR 97702
+ CANCELLATION POLICY
Tumalo Creek 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 Whitewater Camp - All Levels -
Welcome and Congratulations on choosing Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe’s Kids Whitewater Camp for your child’s summer activity! Below is a 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 TCKC Liability Release.
Where:
Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe
805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6, Bend, OR
(Just down river from the old mill shopping center, next to Colorado Street bridge).
Start Time:
9 am (Please plan on arriving 15 min. early for day one to meet staff and ask any last minute questions)
Pick-up Time:
4:00 pm*
*Thursdays river day may begin earlier and will return later, due to travel time. Start time 9am / return 5-6 pm. Every effort will be made to notify parents of any changes as early as possible.
*Depending on the aptitude of campers, we may opt to travel on Wednesday as well. Your camp leaders will notify you if this is the case and arrange drop off and pick up times.
What To Bring:
• Backpack w/ Extra Clothing
• Towel
• Swimsuit*
• Sun Shirt* (rash guards work great!)
• Water shoe or sandal
• Sunscreen
• Fleece top for cooler temps. (synthetic material)
• Sunglasses w/retainer strap (optional)
• Full Water Bottle
• 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 bathing suit and a t-shirt also works just fine. Please do not send youth to camp dressed in cotton.
Sample Camp Itinerary
Monday: Day One
Start time: 9:00 am
End time: 4:00 pm
Agenda: We will meet at the shop, get our paddling gear, and head up to Elk Lake. We will eat lunch at the lake before getting on the water and return to the shop around 4:00 pm.
Today’s goals:
• Setting safety expectations
• Getting fitted for a boat, helmet, PFD, spray skirt, and paddle
• Learning how to “wet exit”
• Becoming comfortable with being upside down
• Learning the forward and sweep strokes
• Controlling your boat in flat water
Tuesday: Day Two
Start time: 9:00 am
End time: 4:00 pm
Agenda: We will again meet at the shop to gather our equipment before heading out on the water. Depending on the aptitude of the group, we may continue re-enforcing flat water skills. Once comfortable we will move to running water and practice many river running techniques.
Today’s goals:
• Practicing more wet exits
• Learning the “T rescue”
• Bracing (to prevent flipping)
• Edging your kayak
• Eddy turns/peel outs
• Ferrying
• Safety considerations and risk awareness
Wednesday: Day Three
Start time: 9:00 am
End time: 4:00 pm
Agenda: As usual we will meet at the shop and gather our gear before heading out on the water. In the morning we will continue to re-enforce river running skills and once ready, begin running rapids and putting our skills to the test.
Today’s goals:
• Eddy turns/peel outs
• Ferrying
• Catching eddies on the fly
• Running Class I and II rapids
• Scouting rapids and assessing risk
• Learning to “read” the water
Thursday: Day Four
Start time: 9:00am
End time: 5:00 to 6:00pm
Note: Camp instructors will provide details on meet and pick up time as determined by the most current river conditions.
Agenda: We will be meeting at the shop between 8 and 9am. From there we will travel to one of our operation locations, typically requiring travel time of up to two hours. Instructors will contact the shop once off the water with an updated ETA. For an updated pick up time, please call the shop between 3:30 and 4:30pm.
Today’s goals:
• Applying the skills and techniques learned in class to a Class I/II river.
* The Itineraries may be modified or cancelled due to weather and/or safety concerns.
** student skills will be assessed on day 1 and adjustments will be made to met individual development needs.
Sound like too much fun to miss? Tumalo Creek always welcomes parent chaperones with river experience and safety skills.
+ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How big are the camps?
Our kids' camps have a 6 to 1 ratio for kids and instructors with a maximum occupancy of 12 kids per camp.
Are lunches included?
We do not provide lunches for our kids' camps. Please pack your child their lunch and enough snacks to get them through the day.
What should my kid wear?
Please pay attention to the weather and make sure your child is wearing the appropriate clothing to be comfortable for the entire day. Plan for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. There is also a strong likelihood that your child will go swimming; swimwear, sun protection, sunglasses and water shoes that won't accidentally fall off should be considered.
Is my kid old enough?
Our kids adventure camp is designed for 8–15-year-olds; our whitewater camps are for children 10-16.