Get Your Kids Out on the River in a Kayak this Summer! The Columbia Gorge is home to many different water sports – kite boarding, windsurfing, whitewater kayaking, and rafting. At Wet Planet, we feel it is valuable for a child’s development to be encouraged to try a variety of sports starting at a young age. In line with our philosophy of sharing our passion for river running with our guests, we have developed an outdoor river environment while building skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the beautiful area we live in. Take advantage of the Wet Planet Kids Kayak Camp, and let us help your kids learn the invaluable knowledge necessary to play safely in the water environment!

"Last summer I enrolled my two granddaughters, 9 and 10, in Wet Planet's Kids' Kayak Course. They loved it! The instructors, Jonathan and Heather, were great with the kids. They had patience, and did a great job getting the girls comfortable with the kayaks by playing games in the pool for the whole first day. They kept the girls safe, kept them entertained, and had a wonderful time with them. By the time the girls got to the river, they were ready for it. I would definitely recommend Wet Planet for anyone looking to get their children into an outdoor sport ... They want to come back and do the kids' course again next summer!" Ruth Dye, Underwood, WA

This 4-day kids program is designed around the sport of whitewater kayaking. Each day we will review and progress whitewater kayaking skills, focusing on "river safety" and using fun and interactive games to develop paddling skills. We'll also work hard to challenge the students creativity, both on and off the water, with cool projects that will be worked on throughout the camp. It is our goal in this program, to encourage each child to continue playing in the outdoors and practicing their paddling skills long after our camp has ended. As some of the world’s best paddlers – who live right here in the gorge – will tell you: continuity, repetition and persistence are the best way to develop solid skills and good paddling habits. Although we may focus on paddling, there will still be plenty of time for everyone to develop good friendships. It is what rivers tend to do for all of us.

Wet Planet’s Unique Facilities and Outdoor Setting
At Wet Planet we have the unique opportunity to utilize our own private outdoor pool for our instruction. Located right on the Wet Planet property, the pool is the perfect place for a comfortable introduction to whitewater kayaking. In addition, our facilities are located on 4 acres of river and creek side property right along the White Salmon River. We are fortunate to be able to take advantage of this perfect outdoor classroom!

Who is the class for?
This camp is for children brand new to the sport or those who are still becoming “comfortable” in a kayak on the water. All students are encouraged to attend the entire camp, which will allow them to build and progress on their skills each day. However, it is also fine for children to attend some classes, while missing others. We'll make sure they have the skills and knowledge to feel comfortable with the rest of the group.

Ages Groups:
- Ages 8-12
- Ages 12-15

Sample of a Day's Schedule:
9 am – meet at Wet Planet
9.30 – 11.30 am Kayak Games at Northwestern Lake
12.00 – 12.45 pm Lunch and Free Time at Wet Planet
1.00 – 2.30 pm Skills Practice in the Wet Planet Pool
2.30 – 4.00 pm Project Time (example: work on writing a blog for their camp experiences)
4.15 pm Departure

Kayak Camp Project:
The students will be given the opportunity and responsibility to work on the following project:
- Create and upkeep an internet blog in which they can show all their friends what they have done and learned that day, with pictures and descriptions in their own words. Wet Planet guides and instructors who have maintained blogs while travelling with their kayaks will assist the students with this project.

Kids' Kayak Camp Dates: exact 2009 dates to be determined - 1st half of August

Cost: $340 (includes all river gear and lunches)

Lakes/Rivers: Rowland Lake, Northwestern Lake, Lower Klickitat River, Hood River, Lower White Salmon River

Wet Planet Kayaking Instructors for our Youth Program.
All of our instructors love what they do, have a passion for running rivers, and love getting younger paddlers hooked on their favorite sport.

Experience ……
Our professional instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association or BCU, have First Aid / CPR or Wilderness First Responder training, and are Whitewater Rescue Technician certified. Read more about some of the instructors who will be working on the Wet Planet Kids' Kayak Camp in 2008:

Heather Herbeck
Todd Collins
Jonathan Blum