Description of Summer Kayaking Program

AWeSOMe! is open to anyone needing adaptive equipment or 1:1 instruction due to a permanent physical or cognitive disability.  All students must be medically stable.  We offer flat-water kayak lessons using adaptive equipment as needed to achieve maximum independence and success. 

We work with people with a variety of disabilities including:

• Visual Impairments - a person with complete or partial blindness

• Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities - a person with a physical or mental impairment that affects his/her ability to process information and/or to coordinate and control his/her body.

• Mobility Impairment - a person with an orthopedic or neuromuscular impairment that impacts mobility.  This includes but is not limited to amputation, paralysis, cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and spinal cord injury.

Each student works with one lead instructor on the water and is assisted by one or more volunteers depending on the needs of the participant.

Lessons include on land training, followed by time on the water and last approximately 90 minutes.  All equipment is included in the lesson.

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Participants:

• Each participant must be accompanied by an adult  that remains onsite for the duration of the activity.

• Each participant must be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies them.

• Each participant must be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion following instructions.

• Each participant must be comfortable in the water including floating on his or her back independently with a properly fitted life jacket, turning from facedown to faceup independently while wearing a properly fitted life jacket, and holding his or her breath while underwater.

• Each participant must be able to maintain a balanced, upright position when seated in a kayak with adaptations if needed.  Note: No adaptations providing head or neck support will be accepted.

This year lessons will be held at several locations.  Most will be at the Park and Pilgrim Cove Camp and Conference Center.  All equipment is included in the lesson. 

*Scholarships available based on financial need - Email chris@awesomemccall.org for details.

If  you have questions, or are interested in participating in or volunteering with our summer program please contact Chris Wernert at chris@awesomemccall.org

Thank you for your interest - we look forward to seeing you on the water!