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Kayaking
Kayaking Camp
St. Albans Whitewater Kayaking Camp will introduce students to the fundamentals of paddling. We will meet each day at St. Albans and then travel by bus to an appropriate section of the Potomac River or C & O Canal. Campers will learn the basics of river safety, paddling technique, hazard identification, rescues, and maneuvers. Led by our Voyageur Instructors, campers will have the option to run different sections of moving water based on each individual’s ability and level of comfort. All kayaks, spray skirts, personal flotation devices, helmets, and paddles will be provided, and no previous experience is necessary; however campers should have the ability to swim (an assessment will be done the first day at the river). We will paddle rain or shine. If we experience inclement weather such as thunderstorms, we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.
Weeks Offered:
Week 2: June 15-19
9:00 am–3:00 pm
$480
Week 3: June 22-26
9:00 am–3:00 pm
$480
Week 6: July 13-17
9:00 am–3:00 pm
$480
Week 8: July 27-31
9:00 am–3:00 pm
$480
Eligibility:
Boys and Girls, Grades 6 - 8 (likely age 10 - 14 years old)
Boys and Girls, Grades 6 - 8 (likely age 10 - 14 years old)
Facilities:
Campers should report to Zone B (Herman Entry Plaza) on Pilgrim Road, at least 5 to 10 minutes before the 9:00 am departure time. Campers will be transported to the Old Angler's Inn launch point on the Potomac River, 10801 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD. Parents may also drop off and pick up their children at the launch point's parking lot (please inform Summer Programs office or camp directors).
Campers should report to Zone B (Herman Entry Plaza) on Pilgrim Road, at least 5 to 10 minutes before the 9:00 am departure time. Campers will be transported to the Old Angler's Inn launch point on the Potomac River, 10801 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD. Parents may also drop off and pick up their children at the launch point's parking lot (please inform Summer Programs office or camp directors).
What to Bring to Camp
- Swim shorts and a synthetic T-shirt for Kayaking
- Water shoes or old sneakers (no flip flops) for kayaking
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- 1-Quart Water Bottle
- Lunch
- Backpack with dry clothing
Director
The St. Albans Kayaking Camp will be run by the school's Voyageur Program Director, John Velosky. Coach Velosky is in his 15th year at St. Albans and has a background tailor-made to teach students how to appreciate the many aspects of whitewater paddling. He holds a BS from Dartmouth College and an MS from Slippery Rock University, while also having graduated from Greenfield College's Outdoor Leadership Program. He has been instructing paddlers in canoes, kayaks, and rafts for over 15 years and is a certified Level 4 Whitewater Kayak Instructor through the ACA and holds a Wilderness First Responder certification from Wilderness Medical Associates.
Asst. Director
Eileen Giles is a Voyageur Program instructor for NCS, transitioning into this role in 2019 after spending the 2 prior years as a NCS physical education teacher, soccer, basketball, and lacrosse coach. She has participated in numerous courses with NOLS and American Alpine Institute and received her WFR through Maine Sports Outfitters and spends as much free time outdoors as possible. Eileen is a 2015 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in geography and double minored in American studies and social and economic justice. She also played lacrosse for Carolina and was a member of its 2013 National Championship team.
Located in Washington, D.C., St. Albans Summer Programs – a combined summer camp and summer school for area and out-of-town boys and girls in grades Pre-K through 12 – provides half- and full-day academic and art classes and athletic camps for football, golf, rowing, swimming, and tennis at state-of-the-art athletic facilities.