This 2.5 hour clinic begins where Paddle Safety leaves off.  We still play fun games to build confidence, balance and coordination, but we also teach the girls the basic skills necessary to enter and exit the kayak from deep water and maneuver their kayak in any direction.  Fun on flat-water is the objective. 

Girl Scouts in this class often associate kayaking with "driving" their own car because of the freedom, mobility, empowerment and independence they get from the kayak on the water.

Participation in this program meets all the requirements for the Junior "Small Craft" badge as well as the "kayak" requirement toward the Junior Adventure Sports Badge.

This program is designed for Juniors, although many CSA troops take the Small Craft class as a sampler before the Paddle, Pole & Roll Interest Project, or as an abbreviated review following the Paddle, Pole & Roll Interest Project. 

"You guys rock!!!!  I couldn't wait another minute to tell you how much fun the girls had last night!  What a great lesson!  We didn't even need the games because they enjoyed what they were doing so much.  One of the coolest things was seeing girls who were a bit timid, feel comfortable enough to try things that they normally wouldn't have tried.  What a great time!  Well done all!"
Cris Todd, Troop #1521

"Kelly led my Girl Scout troop through an introductory kayaking workshop [Small Craft badge] and the girls are begging for more, as are the parents who participated.  Kelly's approach was customized to the comfort level of each girl, so they each felt comfortable and excited to be in the kayaks.  They learned a lot, and more importantly, are really looking forward to more kayaking."
Michelle Bloodworth, PhD, Troop #7070