It’s hard to imagine Camp Starlight without the waterfront. Nothing embodies the camp experience quite like a crystal-clear day out on the water, paddling with your friends and exploring the open water.
There are plenty of watersports to choose from at camp: wakeboarding, swimming, and canoeing, just to name a few. But when it comes to “getting your zen on” in nature, kayaking is by far the best choice!
Riding low to the water makes the lake feel as wild and exciting as the open ocean, and the aerodynamic shape gives kayakers full control of their craft. Just be sure to bring sunglasses and bandana!
Building skills on the open water
Like all camp activities, kayaking gets a little more exciting every year. While younger campers get to goof around practicing paddling in straight lines and bumping into one another, older campers get to build practical skills like rolls and signal communication that allow more adventurous outings like kayaking down the Delaware River.
The “art and craft” aspect of kayaking makes it a camp favorite among counselors in particular, many of whom go on to lead kayaking trips and nature tours elsewhere when they aren’t at camp.
Safety skills and fun times go hand in hand!
Safety training is also a big part of kayak training, and every camper has to pass basic safety tests before they get to go goof around on the lake. In fact, mastering the “wet exit” — the trick of pushing out of your kayak if you flip over is easily one of our campers favorite skills to learn. “Once you’ve mastered the wet exit, the camp lake is your oyster!”
Safety doesn’t have to be boring, and truth be told almost everyone is sopping wet by the end of the kayaking activity period. (I mean, how could you resist when it’s hot out?)
Quiet life on the lake
With all the excitement to be had kayaking on the camp lake, the best part may be when it’s time to lay back and relax.
One of my favorite camp memories is of a quiet moment lounging on sit-on-top kayaks and watching the clouds while enjoying the gentle rocking of the lake. With all the high-paced sports and games going on around camp, kayaking is one of those activities that lets you get close to the “great outdoors” part of the camp experience.
Kayaking is not to be missed during your time at camp. Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the moment — and bring plenty of sunblock!
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