CReW Youth Challenge Kayak Program

On Tuesday May 26th CReW spent the evening at the Boys And Girls Club in Cornwall for the kick off registration day for the 2009 Youth Challenge Kayak Program.

We were met by Dianne (the Executive Director) and quickly set up some boats and gear as well as the rigistration table and videos.

At 6:30 a few kids started trickling in. We met kids between the ages 8 and 18. Some of the crowd from last year came back including Julie, Justin and Daylan. The rest of the kids that came out were new.

At the end of the evening (8:30) we had 10 kids signed up. This does not look like a big number and we (CReW and B&G) had to regroup to review the previous years. Every year that we announce the registration we are stunned by the lack of people that show up. Why does this happen? Well, it is for the very reasons that we exist!

The kids that end up joining us during the summer months are often in need of some direction and guidance. Part of this is understanding the importance of commitment. This can be commitment to a project, to family, to volunteers and most importantly to themselves.
This is one of the values that we teach and at the end of the season we see some positive results.

Am I worried about reaching the children and teens of the area? Absolutely not.
Each year we have the same worry and in another month when the program starts we always fill to capacity. The kids know we are here, and know that they can register any  time between now and the first week of the season (In July).
Does this mean that they take us for granted? Maybe.. On the other hand we are there to provide them with a new sport and help them learn about themselves and the world around them. Commitment, self esteem and respect are all things that are learned on the water in the group.

So was the Registration evening a success? YUP!
We have 10 kids so far and have hear from others since. They have the Month of June to get in the program and have a summer of fun!
Our volunteers and Instructors are ready to go and we will be back at the Youth Center (B&G) to visit the kids again before July.

We also have a facebook group were we can get new s out and receive feedback: CReW: Youth Challenge Kayak Program.

 Hang in with us and watch the kids this sumer as they grow!

See you on the river,

 Robert

www.cornwallwhitewater.com