CAG continues to build on the great location and available facilities for more paddling program this coming summer. Photo by Carol Workun.
By Carol Workun
At the Main Event in June 2013, the Community Activities Group of Old Ottawa East launched a survey to ask the community what they wanted to see in the way of recreation. People said paddling on the Rideau River was an area to explore.
CAG struck a partnership with Rideau Canoe Club and saw the first paddling camps on the Rideau River last July.
The ‘Regatta Ready’ camps were a great success.Three two-week camps fully sold out to youth aged 11 – 14. Camps used the renovated Brantwood Park field house as a base. Everyone involved enjoyed them greatly.
The new partnership with RCC was firmly cemented.
Building on that success CAG is offering, again in partnership with RCC, six weeks of camp this summer – the return of last year’s successful Regatta Ready, and a new one-week camp: Canoe Kids for 7 – 12 year olds. Early signs are that these camps are going to be as successful as last year’s.
CAG officials are proud to have expanded the camp offering to a wider age range –there are now camps for children and youth aged 7 – 15 years.There is also a series of learn to canoe and kayak courses being offered to potential paddlers 16 and up.
Full details of all the camps and adult courses are outlined below.
So, what’s next?
CAG will continue to work closely with RCC for future programming, expanding the array as demand and number of boats permit.
It will continue to leverage its existing facilities to support such programming. Brantwood Park field house is an excellent indoor space for camps and paddling programs, the surrounding park an additional asset. The existing dock at the end of Clegg is perfect for water access.
CAG is working closely with the city on the matter of boat storage. This season will see a temporary storage container in the parking lot adjacent to the dock.
The city has indicated a more permanent storage facility can be discussed, if CAG can demonstrate a number of years of continued demand for paddling in the community.
Beyond programming? There is the possibility in coming years of boats for community use, so that people have access to the river for paddling without the need to own or to transport their craft to Brantwood.
Register NOW for summer 2015
Canoe Kids (7- 12 years)
A fun filled week long camp for children aged 7 – 12 years that will provide an introduction to safe paddle sports
Brantwood Park field house, 39 Onslow Crescent
July 13 – August 21
Monday – Friday, (one week camps), 8:30 – 5:00 p.m., $250
Regatta Ready (9 – 15 years)
In this two week camp certified coaches from Rideau Canoe Club will guide campers aged 9 – 15 years through the skills required to sprint kayak
Brantwood Park field house, 39 Onslow Crescent
July 13 – August 21
Monday – Friday, (two week camps), 8:30 – 5:00 p.m., $440
Some half day options available in all the above camps.
Recreational Paddling (16+)
Learn the skills you need to confidently and safely canoe or kayak on the Rideau River
Brantwood Park field house, 39 Onslow Crescent
July 9 – Intro to kayak
July 16 – Intro to canoe
July 23 – Intermediate kayak
July 30 – Intermediate canoe
Thursday 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., $45
More information, including pre-requisites and registration, online at www.ottawaeastCAG.ca.
