Youth Paddling Camp
Ages 7 to 17
Small Waves Strong Minds is the ultimate youth paddling program in the heart of Toronto. Kids will be introduced to a variety of paddling disciplines such as kayaks, outrigger canoes, stand up paddle boards (SUP) and dragon boat, providing new enriching experiences for developing community, confidence, and independence.
Our program is built with the guidance of the Canoe Kayak Canada LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) plan to ensure our kids focus on developing the proper framework for a life long journey in the sport. The program demonstrates a balance of technical instruction (we aim to provide a coach to participant ratio of 1:6) along with fun, play-based learning.
Our camp is structured around flexibility, running weekly Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm with the option to just register for Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday. We have before and aftercare options as well. Don't see something that fits your schedule? Email us!
All equipment, including paddles and PFDs, will be provided to campers. All campers must wear a non-inflatable PFD while engaged in any on-water activity.
No prior paddling experience is required. Campers should be confident swimmers.
Weekend competition opportunities will be provided to campers who wish to get more involved in the sport at no extra fee, however, racing is not a required component of the program.
Have questions or want to learn more about the program? Contact us at youth@sunnysidepc.ca.
Program Goals
Small Waves Strong Minds strives to ensure campers are immersed in an engaging, fun, and safe learning environment, filled with exciting opportunities for outdoor activities.
Transferable Skills
Develop long-term transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication
Elevate Fitness
Build general fitness through activities focusing on speed, strength, endurance and flexibility
Love for the Outdoors
Learn & develop a love for paddling & outdoor activities including outrigger canoes, SUP, kayak, & dragon boat
STEM Learning
Inspire learning and curiosity by introducing science, technology, engineering, and math in an interactive way
Camp Schedule
9:00 AM - Check-In & Drop-Off
9:10-9:45 AM - Warm-Up Activities
9:45-10:00 AM - Paddling Education & Safety
10:00-10:45 AM - Paddling Skills
10:45-11:15 AM - Dryland/Fitness
11:15 AM-12:00 PM - Paddling Endurance
8:30-9:00 AM - Before Care
12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00-2:00 - Paddling / On-Water Games
2:00-3:00 PM - STEM Activity of the Day
3:00-3:45 - Dryland/Fitness
3:45-4:00 PM - Clean-Up
4:00 PM - Pick-Up
4:00-4:30 PM - After Care
A Typical Day Looks Like
Week at a Glance
Monday
Kayak & SUP
Paddling Fundamentals
Thursday
Adventure Paddle
Half-Day Trip
Tuesday
OC & Dragonboat
Technique Drills
Friday
Paddling Challenge
Capstone Event
Wednesday
Kayak & SUP
Exploring the Lake
Pricing
Full-Week: $470
Mon, Wed, Fri: $240
Tues, Thurs: $170
Learning About Components of the Camp
Read on the learnmore about what each of paddling crafts and different on-land components:
What is a kayak?
A kayak is a small, narrow watercraft, typically propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle.
What is a stand up paddle board (SUP)?
Stand up paddle boarding is an outdoor water sport activity in which a paddler stands up on a large board and uses a paddle to move through the water.
What is an outrigger canoe?
The outrigger canoe was historically used by ancient Polynesians as a means of travel in open ocean and is now used for racing around the world. The boat has pedals to steer and an ama (float/pontoon) on one side that stabilizes it.
What is a dragon boat?
A dragon boat is typically a large 20 paddler, human-powered water craft with paddlers sitting in twos side by side. A steer controls the direction of the boat using a large oar, and a drummer sits at the front to keep the team in rhythm.
What is STEM?
Campers will have the opportunity to explore concepts of physics, engineering and design in a hands-on and interactive way, promoting creativity and critical thinking. All lessons are created by Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT).
What is Dryland/Fitness?
The dryland/fitness component will focus on suppleness, speed, and movement literacy (running, jumping, hoping, throwing) through play and games. All activities are designed by Canoe Kayak Canada certified coaches.
STEM
EXPLORATION
DISCOVERY
DRYLAND
Meet our Youth Coaches
Head Coach & Coordinator: Bridget Irwin
Growing up going to Nova Scotia in the summers with my family and paddling the lakes and ocean there, and then moving into competitive sprint canoe-kayak for 10 years & medalling at the national level, I have been outside and on the water ever since I can remember!
My coaching and coordinating experience spans across 16 years, including into coaching and coordinating programs like Canoe Kids, Intro to Sprint, Dragon Boat, and Canoe-Kayak with Canoe Kayak Canada coaching certifications and awards. Coaching also ignited my passion for teaching. When I moved to Toronto in 2018 for my Master of Arts in Child Studies and Education, I was fresh off of the Crew Club World Championships for dragon boat, and eager to balance my pursuits in education continued involvement in paddling. I paddled with New Dragons and then New Dragons Racing Club for four years, also animating and training new athletes.
As a fully bilingual Ontario and Quebec certified teacher specializing in working with students with special eneds and students from diverse contexts (FNMI, newcomers, ELL, etc.), my approach as a homeroom teacher, English Department Head, and interim Vice-PrincipaI has always been to lead students, teachers, and the wider school community with a focus continuous improvement while grounded in curiousity and compassion.
My role as coach at Sunnyside Paddling Club the during my past four summers off has allowed me to continue spreading my love of teaching and paddling! I am proud to be coordinating the Small Waves, Strong Minds program this year and look forward to instilling a love for the outdoors and paddle sports!
Jenna Nicholson
My name is Jenna and I’m a passionate paddler and athlete with over 13 years of experience in competitive sprint canoeing and three years of experience as a varsity rower, where I currently serve as team captain. I’ve earned multiple national championship medals in canoeing and have spent the past seven years coaching athletes of all ages and skill levels.
I love being on the water and sharing my excitement for paddling with others. As a counsellor, my goal is to create a fun, safe, and supportive environment where kids can build confidence, and develop their skills in kayaking, canoeing and SUP. Whether it’s someone’s first time on the water or they’re looking to improve, I’m excited to help every child have an amazing experience!
Serene Chan
Bio pending
Tracy Nguyen
Bio pending