“I’d highly recommend this camp not only for young rippers, but also for kids that want to learn about the river (including the ecology) and for parents who want to know their little ones are safe doing it.”
– Brian G.
About the course:
It’s true that often the best part of any sport is getting to share it with friends… whitewater kayaking is no different! The Green River School seeks to build that positive community around one of the most spectacular river gorges in the country by bringing young paddlers together for weekly coaching.
The Green River School will occur most weeks throughout the summer in Saluda, NC, for youth paddlers from age(s) 8-16. The aim of these coaching sessions is to introduce new paddlers to the joys of the river and the skills necessary to keep it safe, productive, and fun.
Goals
- Character development through the “H2o Dreams Pillars of Leadership.”
- Introduction and development of whitewater paddling skills
- Introduction to safety skills
- A competitive and supportive environment to encourage peers
- Developing characteristics that are important as river professionals
- Supervised guided discovery
- Building of camaraderie, community, and leadership in young paddlers
Prerequisites:
- Ages 8-16, (we accept younger and older with interview/prior lesson)
- A positive attitude and desire to try new challenges
- Be in good health and overall fitness
- Comfort in open water and swimming required; swim test on first day
- Each child will be assessed and grouped with others of similar skill
Session price: $595 per session
Location(s):H2o Dreams Outpost, Green River Gorge; Saluda, NC
Camp schedule and location:
- Monday – Friday
- Drop-off: 8:30A – 9:00A
- Camp activities: 9:00A – 4:30P
- Camp Pickup: 4:30P – 5:00P
- Green River, Saluda, NC | Sections will vary based on skill range and aims of each session. Times and locations will be determined weekly for participants. Week includes one field trip to other river destination.
Guest to instructor ratio: 4 guests to 1 instructor; always at minimum 2 instructors per session
Included:
- Instruction/guiding/coaching
- All essential river equipment
- Transportation to the river each day
Not included:
- Transportation to H2o Dreams for drop-off and pick-up
- Swimwear and closed toe water shoes (see parent packet for acceptable footwear)
- Lunches and snacks
- See complete list of essentials in parent packet
Brian Green –
Fantastic camp! Our daughter had done some paddling, but we wanted her to work with the H2O folks to improve not only her paddling, but confidence. She left with more than we ever could have expected. Her kayaking ability took a huge leap, but more importantly, she left with many safety lessons and how to work as a group. Did I mention she’s only 7? That didn’t matter as they handled all of the quirks that our spunky 7 year old tossed to them. Our daughter is already asking when she can do it again. I’d highly recommend this camp not only for young rippers, but also for kids that want to learn about the river (including the ecology) and for parents who want to know their little ones are safe doing it.
Karla Hancock –
Our daughter did not give us the lowdown every day during the week long camp (it’s her usual MO), but she came home with a giant smile and actually begged several times to just be left at H2O Dreams for the night. So we knew she was having a grand ol’ time. At the conclusion of the week, we received a detailed summary of what the kids did and how they progressed through the camp. I was amazed at my daughter’s progression and the confidence she built during her time with Rowan and other instructors. They even paddled the Tuck on their last day! My daughter is 6, turning 7 soon, and the instructors had no problem with handling kiddos of varying ages in their group. They seemed to all get along well. Thanks, H2O Dreams! We’ll be back again and again.
Jamie Wustman –
My Daughter Attended Camp Last year at 7. I was amazed at how much she learned and how much she improved in just 1 week. Her confidence and my confidence in her ability soared! Plus, She came home with a smile on her face everyday! The Staff was wonderful! We will be back again!
Theresa Wagoner –
Our son, Charlie (10), had a fantastic week at Green River Kayak Day Camp. Covid 19 precautions, masks, hand washing and distancing were followed daily, but left no deficit to the skills and fun he learned and had. Charlie returned home happy and exhausted daily. All of the staff, junior interns included, were fantastic and happy and excited to share their knowledge daily. Would 100% recommend this experience. Planning on doing it again.
Adam Herzog –
My 11 year old son just finished a week of camp with H20. He loved it. The staff are safety minded and create an environment conducive to learning. They foster stoke and teach excellent technique. The learning curve in kayaking is daunting. H20 Dreams makes it fun and enjoyable.