CReW Youth Challenge Kayak Program

Back on the water with the youth center.

Cheryl and I are going it alone tonight. When we arrived we were greeted by 9 kids again.
This time we were greeted by a group of nine. The first 6 to arrive were selected for the evening and so we got the gear ready for Branden, Kyle, Mark, Chris, Julie and Justin (number 2).
Tonight the plan was kayak polo. We started with the regular warm up and followed with a brief explanation of stern squirts and their value in kayak polo. And then it was game time!
With a group this size it is easy to set up a game. Well, the game was excellent though after 40 minutes the stamina was gone and it was time to change plans. During the game we were happy to see people considering those around them. 2 players could not roll and 1 did not want to go over so the others played with this in mind. If someone dumped and could not roll someone else was there for them. Julie got in place quickly when Chris went over. Nicely done Julie.
And the pushing part of the game was reserved for those that could roll.
Watching the game made me really proud to be able to be a part of their lives. The kids really are something esle. They can be tough, and many other things that we do not repeat, but when they are doing something they are quick to help the ones that need it.
After the kayak polo many called it quits so I took Julie, Justin and Chris up the river. We did not get as pfar as the last night but everyone got to ferry to the first big eddy in the river and for some (Chris) it was a first. Chris is a fine young man who is eager and quick with the “I know how to do this” thing going on. But when he crossed the river and experienced the awesome strength of it and the power in a huge eddy line he was appropriately humble. It looked good on him and he showed well. Another young adult hat I am proud to know. Justin got to practice his rolls as he got dumped by the eddy lines. Nicely done.
Once again, excellent confidence developers.

By the end of the session everyone was smiling or too tired to smile. So we handed out more memberships and headed back home to enjoy the memories of week 7.

See you on the river,

Robert