Sign up for Small Waves Strong Minds from Sunnyside Paddling Club

Published: Mon, 02/23/26

Updated: Mon, 02/23/26

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Sunnyside Paddling Club's Small Waves Strong Minds is the ultimate youth paddling program in the heart of Toronto. Campers will be introduced to a variety of paddling disciplines such as kayaks, outrigger canoes, stand-up paddle boards (SUP) and Dragon Boat, providing enriching experiences for developing confidence and independence. Whether new to paddling for the first time or looking to develop their skills, there is something for everyone!

The Program

Small Waves, Strong Minds runs Monday to Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm for ages 7-17. Campers will be grouped by age category with programming tailored specifically to development ability and paddling experience. There is before and aftercare as well. For added flexibility, you can register for part of the week as well (either Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday). The only paddling camp in Toronto that is located on the beach and with a low coach to camper ratio means Small Waves, Strong Minds offers a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience!

The week is divided into disciplines by days with fitness and STEM activities as well. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, is kayak and SUP. Tuesday and Thursday is outrigger canoe and dragon boat. Campers will learn the fundamentals of paddling and by the end of the week compete try dragon boat race elements, complete a longer journey up the Humber River to a picnic spot, and participate in a 1km or 2km paddling challenge. Learning to paddle has never been so fun!

Learn More & Sign Up

Techniques to Lifelong Sport

The program is built with the guidance of the Canoe and Kayak Canada LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) plan to ensure kids focus on developing the proper framework for a lifelong journey in the sport. To ensure the highest quality of technical instruction is provided, the aim is to have a coach to participant ratio of 1:6. This allows for focused individual instruction and feedback so your child(ren) learn(s) at an accelerated rate targeted to their abilities. Overall, technical instruction along with fun, play-based learning is the focus!

Putting STEM into Action

Campers will also have the unique opportunity to integrate the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics into the world of paddling. Hands-on lessons developed by Ontario Certified Teachers and the beautiful location of Sunnyside Paddling Club along Lake Ontario allows campers apply mathematical concepts such as scale and measurements & biodiversity and ecosystem learning in real-world contexts, while fostering observational skills and spatial awareness during the paddling and fitness blocks.

Capstone Activities: Paddling & Boat Design Competition

To cap off the week, campers will engage in two capstone challenges: a 1km or 2km paddling challenge to apply their paddling skills, and a boat design competition to apply their knowledge of buoyancy and stability & measure the performance of their boats.

The paddling challenge encourages campers to push themselves physically and mentally in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Certificates are awarded to everyone for completion of the challenge. The boat design competition allows campers to apply their knowledge from the week’s STEM activities in a fun and competitive environment while further developing their critical thinking and analytical skills. Campers have the opportunity to measure the performance of their boat designs and draw conclusions based on their observations and data analysis.

Small Waves, Strong Minds promises all-round fitness, fun, and learning in the a prime location in Toronto, right on the Sunnyside Beach!

Learn More & Sign Up

Looking for a new activity for yourself? Check out their Learn to Paddle program or consider joining a Dragonboat Team.

For more information, visit their website, or reach out with questions about camp at youth@sunnysidepc.ca.

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

We periodically send special editions of the KidsOutAndAbout.com weekly e-newsletter to showcase an important upcoming event or opportunity. Thanks for being part of our community!

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