Canoe Kayak Summer Camps

Our goal is to introduce campers to the exciting world of canoe kayak
in a fun and safe environment through our Summer Camps.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR SUMMER CAMPS

SEE YOU IN 2024!


There is a one-time Summer Camp Registration fee of $25 which includes mandatory insurance provided by CanoeKayak BC, membership to the Long Lake Flatwater Training Centre Society (new boathouse project), and administrative fees. This fee is waived for NCKC Youth members.


Fun-Filled Summer Camps for Kids

CanoeKids is a fun-filled Summer Camp focused on all aspects of safe paddle sports. Campers aged 6-13 years old will be introduced to canoeing, kayaking, voyageur canoe, Sprint boats,  water safety, swimming. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be restricted to land with cooperative games, crafts, ect.  All canoes, kayaks, paddles and PFDs will be supplied for use during camp hours.

Throughout the week campers will explore Nanaimo’s scenic Long Lake with qualified instructors. Along with their peers, campers will have a great time challenging their own abilities while developing self-confidence and teamwork skills. We offer both full and half day programs and keep low ratios to ensure each participant enjoys an optimal summer camp experience.

Summer Camp  participants will be introduced to racing boats. If you are interested in Sprint Canoe Kayak Training speak to one of the coaches about joining our racing team!

Campers are required to wear a life jacket at all times (lunch, off-water games and crafts excluded).


Prerequisites for Canoe Kayak Summer Camps

  • Campers must be 6-14 years old during the camp session
  • No paddling experience is required
  • Summer Camp participants must demonstrate minimum swim ability, if campers cannot complete the swim assessment they will not be able to continue in the camp**

**Prior to getting in boats participants must show they have the ability to roll into the water and swim 50 metres (any stroke) and stay afloat (tread water) for 1 minute (as per the National Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive standard). Instructors will assess swimming ability on the 1st day of the program so please come ready to get in the water. Swim ability is assessed with a lifejacket or other flotation device. If your child is nervous about this process we welcome you to swim along with your child to ease the nerves.

What to bring to Summer Camps on Long Lake

  • 2 changes of clothing daily will be required; clothing should be comfortable, loose fitting and preferably made of quick drying fabric (they do get wet!).
  • Running shoes are required for dry-land games.
  • Sun screen, water bottle, healthy lunches and snacks are needed for each day.

Regatta Ready Summer Camp

Brand new this year is our Regatta Ready Program, which runs from 4:00pm-5:30pm, and offers a great way to extend your summer camp days. These additional sessions offer an hour and a half of extra time dedicated to our sprint kayaks and canoes. Paddlers will learn the sprint FUNdamentals of balance, propulsion, and steering, and even try out some of our two and four person kayaks. More advanced paddlers can join one of our sprint team practices, to test out their skills and get a taste of the sprint racing program. Regatta Ready is available as an add-on to any regular summer camp, or as a separate program for returning paddlers only.

Summer Camp in Nanaimo. Photo by Landon SveinsonPrerequisite
Participants must be concurrently enrolled in an afternoon camp or full day camp OR have completed NCKC summer camp or spring program in the last four years. Participants must meet the minimum swimming requirement . 

For more information: commodore@nckc.ca