When are the important dates?
- Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023.
- The single Teen Paddle session in 2023 will be taking place from June 26-June 30, 2023.
Are their other application requirements besides the application form?
Yes. All paddlers are required to obtain a reference as part of their application form. The reference should come from a teacher/mentor/family friend who can attest to your interest in building leadership skills, and your interest in the environment. A link will be sent to your reference to fill out an online form. Please make sure to have your reference's preferred email address ready when you go through the online application, as it is a required question.
What is the cost of the paddle?
Fees for Teen Paddle 2023:
Recognizing that different families have different abilities to pay, we offer voluntary three-tier pricing for the Teen Paddle. Parents and guardians may choose the tier that is most suitable for their budget and family. No matter your choice in tier, your paddler/s will receive the same experience. This tiered pricing offers the opportunity for families to take an active role in choosing the cost of their teen's environmental leadership paddle experience.
Here is what the three tiers represent:
Tier III: This rate does not reflect the true cost of the paddle. This reduced rate is made possible by Friends of Jug Bay and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland. This tier is ideal for families with multiple teens. Tier III rate is $200
Tier II: This rate reflects the cost of staff, utilities, and other operational costs. This tier is partially subsidized but offers families the opportunity to give a little more. Tier II rate is $250
Tier I: This rate accounts most closely to the actual cost of the paddle. It includes the day to day costs of Tier II plus maintenance, food, office expenses, and other administrative costs. Families that choose this rate are choosing to provide much needed upgrades and grow for the future. Tier I rate is $300
Scholarships are available (courtesy of Friends of Jug Bay) to any paddlers who need additional assistance beyond Tier III to pay for the Teen Paddle. Cost should never be a barrier to participation. If this is you, please contact us directly.
Recognizing that different families have different abilities to pay, we offer voluntary three-tier pricing for the Teen Paddle. Parents and guardians may choose the tier that is most suitable for their budget and family. No matter your choice in tier, your paddler/s will receive the same experience. This tiered pricing offers the opportunity for families to take an active role in choosing the cost of their teen's environmental leadership paddle experience.
Here is what the three tiers represent:
Tier III: This rate does not reflect the true cost of the paddle. This reduced rate is made possible by Friends of Jug Bay and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland. This tier is ideal for families with multiple teens. Tier III rate is $200
Tier II: This rate reflects the cost of staff, utilities, and other operational costs. This tier is partially subsidized but offers families the opportunity to give a little more. Tier II rate is $250
Tier I: This rate accounts most closely to the actual cost of the paddle. It includes the day to day costs of Tier II plus maintenance, food, office expenses, and other administrative costs. Families that choose this rate are choosing to provide much needed upgrades and grow for the future. Tier I rate is $300
Scholarships are available (courtesy of Friends of Jug Bay) to any paddlers who need additional assistance beyond Tier III to pay for the Teen Paddle. Cost should never be a barrier to participation. If this is you, please contact us directly.
What is the schedule like?
A full/detailed schedule will be sent upon acceptance to the program, but to give a rough idea: Day 1 of the paddle begins for a day at the Patuxent River Park where we will introduce paddle safety and leadership skill building. Monday night through Thursday will be our overnight camping adventure as part of the "marsh life" of the Patuxent River. Teen Leaders stay in tents, prepare meals with a gas stove and have limited running water at most camp sites. Campfires are a nightly event and s'mores are guaranteed. Teen Leaders blog about their experiences for loved ones back home to enjoy while they are away and the Friday afternoon presentation at Patuxent River Park for friends, family, and park visitors is a MUST SEE!
DROP OFF AND PICK UP HERE
PATUXENT RIVER PARK
16000 Croom Airport Rd, Upper Marlboro
Are there COVID-19 safety requirements?
Given the close interactions of staff and participants during our expedition, we are implementing several COVID-19 safety precautions for the 2023 Teen Paddle. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all participants and staff. Additional safety considerations include personal tent options for participants and optional mask-wearing in indoor spaces. These measures may be adapted as needed to meet local, state, and federal guidance as the dates of the paddle get closer.
What are the gear requirements?
A packing list will be sent upon acceptance to the program, and most camping gear is provided by the program (ie. canoes, paddles, pdf's, dishes). We hope that there will not be a large need to run to the store and purchase the most high tech camping gear available. It is up to you on how you would like to handle your gear needs, but we highly recommend quick dry, non-cotton based fabrics. Closed-toe water shoes are required.
UPDATE for 2023: To support COVID-19 safety, participants will be asked to bring their own individual tents. If this would be prohibitive to attendance, please contact us, several tents are available to loan as needed during the week of Teen Paddle.
UPDATE for 2023: To support COVID-19 safety, participants will be asked to bring their own individual tents. If this would be prohibitive to attendance, please contact us, several tents are available to loan as needed during the week of Teen Paddle.
Are there experience requirements?
Our program accepts paddlers of all levels! As long as you are willing to learn new skills and challenge yourself to grow as a leader and team member, you are encouraged to apply. Our only requirements are that you feel somewhat confident being in or on the water, have the ability to manage their physical needs during paddling, camping, and hiking.
How far will we paddle?
Distances are approximate and times depend on the speed of the group. We paddle in (almost) all weather!
- Day 1: canoe safety training (you WILL get wet!)
- Day 2: 8.5mi
- Day 3: 3mi
- Day 4: 4mi
