Downunder Kayaking

8 years+

Afternoon Program 1-4pm

About the program:

Kayaking is safe and easy aboard our sit on top kayaks, with a high counselor to camper ratio, and very experienced and qualified staff.  Our location on the Five Mile River is beautiful, diverse, and sheltered – making it the perfect place to learn and develop kayaking skills.  Children learn the skills by weaving in and out of pilings, under bridges, around buoys and boats, playing water games that increase balance, coordination, and confidence through teamwork.  Once we’ve got the skills we go a bit further and visit local islands for treasure hunts, comb beaches for shells, make our own maritime environments, go fishing, swimming and enjoy the wildlife.  On less than perfect days we go on exciting and educational field trips.  The programs are week long this year, we do still offer special deals when you sign up for two weeks or more.  The program runs weekdays throughout the summer, rain or shine.  Graduates may come by the day, space willing.  For more information and to book call Kim at (203) 247-0578. 

Children learn everything from what to wear, equipment used, how it works, to kayaking skills – paddle and boat handling, form, strokes, how to get in and out, and what to do if you find yourself ‘out’!  Information such as rules of the ‘road’, weather, navigation, tides… essentials for the skilled and responsible kayaker.  An important part of our program is taking care of the marine environment – educating children so they understand the impact of trash and contaminants.  Making a difference by cleaning up the river and beaches we visit.

Checking our traps to see what lives down there is fascinating AND an important part of our work with Harborwatch. 

Brendans' 101 Ice Cream Shop

A daily nutritious snack keeps our energy up (OK, so sometimes we go for ice-cream), we drink lots of water, breathe lots of fresh air, and engage most muscle groups – sending home happy and satisfyingly tired, campers! 

Bad Weather: 

The program runs rain or shine with field trips to the Long Island exhibit at the Norwalk Aquarium, maritime education at Seaport Assn, equipment discover at The Small Boat Shop, learn about oysters at the Bloom hatchery and harvesting businesses and trips to Sheffield Island to explore the lighthouse and nature reserve.  Special gems that make this program stand out.

Graduate special: 1 week $385, daily $80 (dependent on room and with program manager approval, must have attended program before). 

Discounts:  10% sibling discount.  Scholarships-by application.

Cancellation:  2 weeks, follow link for terms.

5-7 years

Parent Child Morning Program

9:30-11:30am 

The morning program is offered during high tides when there's loads of room to play around on the river.  In our morning program, one guide and up to 4 adults in double kayaks with children 5-7 years, get out and explore the river and local wildlife, building up skill and confidence that will eventually have them paddling on their own!  At the very least, it's great Mom/Dad and me time. 

Private programs for camps, schools, clubs

We have two programs for special groups: Environmental Awareness, and the History of Rowayton.  Both programs have an on-land element, and can be offered for large groups that split into two smaller groups, that take turns enjoying the land feature and the kayaking. 

Programs for Scout Badges and Youth Challenges can also be offered.  See the program page for more info. 

(call Kim 203-247-0578) 

Jason Kiska, Greenwich Catholic School

Beach Cleanup