Summer Day Camps
At NOC's Summer Day Camp our goal is to inspire fun outdoor adventure while teaching your kids paddling skills, building their confidence, and helping them to make new friends along the way.
Kids will be dropped off each morning to gear up for a day on the water! The week starts off on Fontana Lake where we will do a skills assessment with the group. Kids will then be separated into skill levels so that we can plan the best path for the week to meet the goals of each camper. Participants will spend time on the lake focusing on learning new skills and refining the skills they already have through fun drills and games then put them to use on the river. Rivers paddled will depend on skill level, as well as other determinants, but participants will get ample time on the water!
The final day of camp is “Family Fun Friday” where parents are invited to watch their kids show off their new moves and skills on a section of the Nantahala. Parents that have their own equipment (boat and gear) and have the skills to paddle the Nantahala are welcome to be on the water with the group. There are many riverside road pull-offs for parents that aren’t on the water to follow along to take photos. A riverside lunch and closing ceremony will cap off the end of a successful week.
Youth camps are also a great way for parents to take advantage of our other Paddling School Courses for themselves while their child is participating in one of our camps.
*Daily Lunch included for camper, plus two additional family members on Family Fun Friday (tentative)
My kids loved the activities and learned so much.
NOC has been a part of our family for years. It was a no-brainer that our kids would grow up with them too!
My children left camp able to teach me new things and I've been paddling for years!
Sample Itinerary
For more information, check out the 2021 Parent Handbook.
Packing List
NOC provides the primary gear needed for each course, including boats, paddles, PFDs, helmets, dry tops, and bottoms. Participants will need to provide individual gear outlined below.
Necessary items (for all classes)
- Shorts or Swimwear
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Synthetic T-shirts
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Towel and Change of clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- Clothing and personal items
- Rain gear
- Band-Aids/Tape
Optional items
- Synthetic long underwear
- Light fleece hoodie/pullover
- Nose clips
- Sunglasses and eyeglass strap
- Hat or visor
- Ear plugs