River School - Paddling & STEM

About this event

Leave the city behind and join us on the river for Resilience Youth Paddling Adventures! This program for children focuses on learning stand-up paddleboarding and/or kayaking skills and discovering the estuary through hands-on activities. A certified Guide, plus assistants, experienced in working with youth, will provide instruction. The program will begin in protected embayments on the Hoboken side of the Hudson River with stunning views of Manhattan as the backdrop. As students' paddling skills improve, the Guide (plus assistants) will lead the group out on the river to complete mini-expeditions. The program will include cooperative games, environmental education activities and hands-on, age-appropriate, S.T.E.A.M. projects. These inquiry-based, service-learning projects focus on conservation of the Hudson River Estuary and may include catch-and-release exploration with nets and/or juvenile oyster monitoring and/or climate change focused art projects. We believe that challenge builds resilience and experience builds understanding. Resilience youth paddling programs provide fun, cooperative, and challenging on-water adventures that help build personal resilience, compassion for others and a greater understanding of the Hudson River ecosystem. All Resilience programs follow the American Canoe Association "Paddle Safe/Paddle Smart youth curriculum and industry standards for risk management. The “challenge by choice” model will be used to ensure comfort while allowing students to participate at their own level and develop skills at their own speed. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to participate in outdoor adventure on the water and along the shore in our waterfront parks. Join in on the fun and challenge of paddleboarding and kayaking in an incredible urban estuary.