KINDERSCULLS Rowing Camp

Isn’t my child too young/too little to learn to row? For a long time, the size of typical sculling boats limited rowing to high schoolers and adults.  With the creation of the Little Sculling Boat, the world of sliding seat rowing is now open to the youngest of athletes. The program is designed for ages 4 to 9-- though it's more about size and coordination than about age. The Kindersculls coach promises, "If your child can do a jumping jack, they can be taught to row." 

What happens at camp? The first day will begin with basic dryland technique, moving on to rowing on the water while tethered to the dock or beach, and, eventually, independent strokes under constant surveillance from coaches.  The rowers will design their own blade pattern for their oars, as well as a personalized bow number during daily "craft" and snack time.

Each week ends with a "parent's row" on Friday that starts after the afternoon session ends.  Rowers from both the morning and the afternoon sessions are invited back for a pre-dinner photo shoot and outing with their parents. We'll provide adult sized rowing shells or kayaks to loan to parents who want to get out on the water with their newly minted rowers. 

Will my child be safe at camp even if he/she cannot swim? ALL campers wear life jackets, which we provide, whenever they are near the water. 

The little sculling boats are designed to hold up to 120 lbs… though our adult counselors say even they can get them moving.  The boats are very sturdy and cannot flip accidentally. 

How many campers will there be? There are 16 spots available (8 campers in the morning and 8 campers in the afternoon) That allows a counselor to camper ratio of 4:1.

My child has his/her own life jacket. Do they have to use a camp vest? If your child has a class 3 PDF that they would prefer, they are welcome to use it. Keep in mind, however, that they will be bending a lot at the waist and reaching, so bulky life jackets may prove to be more of a hindrance. 

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate? We have camp every day, regardless of weather.  There is plenty of space inside the URI Boathouse for indoor exercises, crafts, and fun.  We can row through raindrops but we definitely won’t be on the water in stormy weather.  

My child has a very serious allergy--how can I insure that other kids will not bring snacks that my child simply cannot be near? Please inform us in advance if this is the case and we will let all the other parents know that a certain item will be off limits for snack all week. 

What if my child decides that he/she doesn't like rowing?  Kindersculls has never had that happen!   But there are plenty of other activities at camp for the less-than-enthusiast. 

Registering early secures your child's spot.  Please note that the $185 Registration fee is non refundable and represents your commitment to pay the balance in full by July 1.