Classes & Camps

Home » Classes & Camps

Download 2012 Registration Form

Skipping Fish Boat School is excited about offering 13-18 year olds an opportunity to build their own kayak while learning to safely paddle on our local lakes and rivers.We believe that the experience of learning new skills, building something from “scratch” and the celebration of it’s completion will help each camper walk away with a positive sense of self and a kayak that connects them to the wonder and miracle of our planet.

During this one week camp, your camper will have an opportunity to paddle and connect to our local waterways through river-inspired music.

Racing & Rolling on the River
June 4-27

This camp meets 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays Monday, June 4 through Friday June 8.  Campers will spend their week on the water learning safe paddling skills They will become acquainted with paddlesport racing techiniques, the function of hull design and introduced to the mechanics of rolling a kayak. The week will end with a day of fun relays, games and informal races. Everyone will leave a winner!

Build Your Own Kayak

June 11-12, 27&28

This camp meets 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays from Monday, June 11 through Thursday June 21st. The camp will resume on Thursday June 27 and Friday June 28th to accommodate the weekend long Cincinnati Paddlefest on June 22 and the post- Paddlefest race from Cincinnati to Louisville. (134 miles)

It  is two weeks of kayak building, paddle carving and paddling instruction on local waterways for 13-17 year olds.  Each camper will leave with paddling skills and their own kayak and paddle. The cost of the two week day camp is $1500. This includes the cost of the boat and paddle,a Skipping Fish Boat School t-shirt, transportation to local waterways and paddling instruction. Enrollment in the camp requires a $350 nonrefundable deposit. Campers will need to bring their own lunches but beverages and healthy snacks will be provided by Skipping Fish Boat School. Campers are responsible for providing their own paddling PFD (personal flotation device). They will need it to paddle the boat they construct. Spray skirts are available for purchase should your camper elect to use one after adequate instruction in its use.
Enrollment is limited to 4 campers

River Adventures 2012
July 2-6

Every adventure begins with a boat!

Last summer River Adventures 2011 was a big success. Enroll today in Skipping Fish Boat School’s River Adventures 2012! This day camp will include two nights spent under the stars. Explore several area rivers and strengthen your paddling skills. Additionally, campers will learn about Louisville’s historical river legacy and explore the rich biodiversity of our local waterways with Dr. David Wicks, environmental educator and owner of GoKentucky, in replicas of  the Voyageur Canoes were used to explore inland waterways for centuries.

The adventure ends with a distance paddle, but you’ll be ready for the challenge! Cost of this camp is $685.The camp fee includes transportation to local waterways, camp t-shirt , beverages,snacks and camping fare during the outdoor overnights. SFBS can provide kayaks if necessary for a minimal fee. Enrollment requires a $350 nonrefundable deposit. Campers will be required to provide their own PFD, a kayak and some lunches. Enrollment limited to 6 campers. (Participants from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 summer camps receive a 10% discount)

 

Build Your Own Kayak
July 9-27

This three weeks day camp meets 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Your camper will build their own kayak, carve their own paddle and receive paddling instruction on local waterways. An additional week has been added to this building camp so campers can spend more time on the water using their new paddling skills, learning to roll, learning about Louisville’s historical river legacy and exploring the biodiversity of our local waterways with Dr. David Wicks, environmental educator and owner of GoKY in his 30’ Voyageur canoes. Cost of this three week camp is camp is $1700. This includes the cost of the boat and paddle, a Skipping Fish Boat School t-shirt, transportation to local waterways and paddling instruction. Enrollment in the camp requires a $350 nonrefundable deposit. Campers will need to bring their own lunches but beverages and healthy snacks will be provided by Skipping Fish Boat School. Campers are responsible for providing their own paddling PFD (personal flotation device). They will need it to paddle the boat they construct. Spray skirts are available for purchase should your camper elect to use one after adequate instruction in its use.
Enrollment is limited to 4 campers.

River Music 2012
July 30-August 3

During this one week camp, your camper will have an opportunity to paddle and connect to our local waterways through river-inspired music led by reknowned musician, our “homefront hero of harmony”, John Gage! 

Professional musician and luthier, Pat Lentz will walk campers through the construction of their own drum ukelele or  cajone. Campers will spend their mornings building and learning to play their professional quality instrument.  The afternoons will be spent learning essential paddling skills and exploring our local waterways by kayak. The last day of camp will be devoted to helping campers develop a greater understanding of the rich biodiversity and history of our local waterways with Dr. David Wicks, environmental educator and owner of GoKY, in replicas of Voyageur Canoes that were used to explore inland waterways for centuries.

The day will end with a river recital in the historical  Voyageur canoe. Cost of this camp is $785. (Participants from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 SFBS summer building camps receive a 5% discount) Enrollment is limited to 8 campers.

 

Our instructors are seasoned paddlers who have extensive experience and training, which includes CPR and Wilderness First Aid.  Additionally, they are skilled artisans, full of encouragement.

Instructors
Dennis Pidgeon
Kimberley Hillerich

Patrick Lentz & Dr. David Wicks

with occasional visits by  Homer T. Gump, faithful and friendly Labrador Retriever

To enroll, please contact: Kimberley Hillerich
cell (502) 298-0932 skippingfish@gmail.com