What Happens on the First Day of Canoe Camp? A Parent’s Guide
The first day of summer camp can feel exciting—and a little uncertain—for both campers and parents. Knowing what to expect helps everyone start the week feeling confident, prepared, and supported.
At the Ottawa River Canoe Club (ORCC), we have intentionally designed the first day of camp to be welcoming, organized, and safe. Whether your child is brand new to paddling or returning from previous summers, here is exactly what the first morning looks like from drop-off to getting on the water.
A Smooth and Organized Drop-Off
Drop-off takes place at the top parking lot, where coaches greet families and run check-in from a clearly marked tent. Staff confirm your child’s name, group, and any important notes, then direct them to join the morning games area.
Once checked in, campers walk over to our main games field, where all campers gather together as one large group. Coaches lead warm-up games, movement activities, and social icebreakers to help kids:
- feel comfortable right away
- meet new friends
- burn early energy
- ease any first-day nerves
Campers remain in this field until approximately 8:30–9:00 a.m., when groups transition to the main club area. This staggered movement ensures safety and supervision throughout the morning.
Group Transition and Arrival at the Club
At transition time, campers travel with their age-specific group and coach. Separating by age at this stage helps:
- tailor instruction to ability levels
- support younger campers more closely
- create manageable group sizes
- build group cohesion early in the week
This smooth flow keeps campers supervised while ensuring the club space stays calm and orderly.
Morning Orientation: Safety, Rules, and Daily Routine
Once at the club, each age group begins a thorough and welcoming orientation session before any water activities begin. This is a key part of the morning and helps every camper feel confident and informed.
Orientation includes:
- introductions to coaches and group members
- overview of the weekly schedule
- camp expectations and behaviour guidelines
- how lifejackets work and when they must be worn
- staying with the group and listening for instructions
- how to safely enter and exit boats
- where equipment is stored and how to handle it safely
- identifying club areas like washrooms, change rooms, and shade zones
Campers also have:
- a washroom break
- time to change into paddling clothes
- a small snack if needed
This foundation ensures campers understand what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe in a calm and supportive way.
Equipment Demo and Proper Fitting
Next, coaches move into hands-on equipment instruction. Campers learn:
- how to fit a lifejacket correctly
- how to adjust and hold a kayak paddle
- how to choose and use a canoe paddle
- how to carry boats safely
- where equipment belongs after use
Younger campers receive extra assistance, and instructors double-check every lifejacket before campers approach the water.
First Activity: Learning Strokes in Shallow Water
Before getting into boats, campers begin in a shallow-water area to learn the basic strokes in a comfortable and low-pressure environment.
Coaches demonstrate and help campers practice:
- forward stroke
- reverse stroke
- sweep turns
- keeping balance
- proper hand placement
This lets campers understand how paddles work and how to control a boat before stepping into one, which greatly boosts confidence.
Getting Into Boats and First On-Water Session
Once campers are ready, they get into their boats with coach assistance. Depending on age and water conditions, they may start in:
- stable kayaks
- canoes
- SUP boards
- outriggers (especially on wavier days)
The first paddling session stays close to shore and focuses on:
- getting comfortable in the boat
- building balance
- practicing steering
- learning to paddle as a group
- understanding how to stay together on the water
Coaches stay close by at all times and offer constant support.
What Happens if a Boat Tips?
Capsizing is a normal, expected part of learning to paddle—and it is often one of the most fun and memorable parts of the week.
Kids quickly discover that:
- lifejackets keep them safely afloat
- instructors are nearby to help
- the boat stays with them
- tipping isn’t scary at all
Many campers laugh, float, and ask to do it again. It’s a powerful confidence-building moment.
Afternoon Activities: Variety, Adventure, and Waves
After lunch, sunscreen, and shade time, the afternoon often includes a mix of:
- kayaking
- canoeing
- SUP
- outrigger canoeing
- beach visits
- team games
- skill challenges
On wavy days, campers may paddle in stable outriggers to safely explore what the water is doing—an adventure many kids call the best part of camp.
If the water isn’t suitable, the afternoon shifts to dryland games and activities, ensuring campers stay active, engaged, and safe.
Free Time: Confidence, Independence, and Friendships
One of the most loved parts of ORCC summer camp happens right after lunch: free time. This is uniquely ORCC and central to how kids build confidence and social connections.
During free time, campers can choose to:
- paddle a boat of their choice
- swim or float in the supervised dock area
- practice skills from earlier in the day
- try new boats with coach help
- relax or socialize on the dock
Coaches supervise closely while still allowing kids to take the lead. This balance of freedom and safety helps kids:
- build independence
- make decisions
- explore at their own pace
- form genuine friendships
Many returning campers say free time is their absolute favorite part of camp.
Pickup: Proud, Confident, and Tired in the Best Way
At the end of the first day, campers usually head home:
- proud of what they accomplished
- excited for tomorrow
- full of stories
- tired in a happy, satisfied way
Parents often hear about games, new friends, the first time a boat tipped, or how fun it was to try different boats during free time.
Final Thoughts
The first day of canoe camp is carefully structured to help every camper feel safe, welcomed, and confident. With experienced staff, thoughtful routines, hands-on instruction, and plenty of space for fun and independence, campers begin their week with a strong foundation.
If you have questions or want to discuss your child’s needs ahead of time, ORCC staff are always happy to help.
We can’t wait to welcome your child to the water this summer!