What is the "Teen Paddle"?
The Teen Paddle is a week long canoeing expedition geared towards high school students. The program gives teens a chance to practice leadership & teamwork skills as they navigate the river, water quality testing, plant community studies, help with a stewardship project, camping by the riverside and prepare meals together.
Paddlers enjoy a unique, on-the-water experience that features educational programming and builds a strong stewardship ethic for the river and its natural resources. Campers will become immersed in Patuxent River issues and explore their role in solving them and they end the week with a presentation to county and state leaders, friends, and family.
After a three year hiatus during the pandemic, the paddle is back and earlier in the summer than usual....
What is the schedule like?
Day 1 of our paddle begins at Patuxent River Park where we will introduce paddle safety and leadership skill building. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be our over night camping adventure as part of the "marsh life" of the Patuxent River. Campers 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. Campers 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!
Keeping you safe this summer
Given the close interactions of staff and participants during our expedition, we are implementing COVID-19 safety measures for the 2023 Teen Paddle. COVID vaccination is required for all participants and staff. Additional safety considerations include a personal tent option for participants and optional mask-wearing in indoor spaces. These measures may be adapted to meet local, state, and federal guidance if needed as the June dates get closer.
"At the beginning of the first day I was really unsure about how this adventure was going to turn out... We got to go canoeing in the afternoon, and...I was very nervous at first, mostly because I had never been in a canoe, or the [one in charge of steering] one. After much frustration I finally got the hang of it . As my mom drove away, I thought of all the future fun I was going to have." |
Thanks to their leadership training, our campers have...
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