Youth Boating Camps

Youth Boating Camps

Overview
people playing on an inflatable structure on the water

The Aquatic Center has been involved with youth programs for over 40 years and is recognized as the benchmark for boating safety.  Our focus is creating high-quality camp experiences in a safe, fun and enriching experience.

 The Youth Camps offered are for children between the ages of 7 to 17 and we provide the following camps; Basic which includes: Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddling, Sailing, Paddle, Adventure, Rowing and more.  Please see below for a full information on each camps, age requirement, cost and dates.  For every week of summer camp, we offer a Parents night on the water on the Thursday of each week of camp. 
Due to limited resources, we are sorry to announce for Summer 2024 the Personal Water Craft (“Jet Ski”) Camp has been cancelled. 

2024 Summer Camp Registration Information

2024 Summer Camp registration will open February 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM

Please double check that you can log into your account before February 13 so your registration process will be smooth. 

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

The Aquatic Center will be offering the following camps with new updated pricing for 2023:

Spring Break Camp $290.00
Basic Camp $420.00
Sailing Camp $425.00
Paddle Camp $460.00
Rowing Camp $420.00
Hello Summer Camp (3 days) $255.00
Patriotic Camp (3 days) $235.00
Patriotic Sailing Camp (2 days) $175.00
So Long Summer Basic Camp (4 days) $335.00

2024 Camp Dates

Spring Break Mon-Th 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Mar 25 Mar 28
Hello Summer Tu-Th 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM May 28 May 30
Week #1 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM June 3

June 7

Week #2 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM June 10 June 14
Week #3 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM June 17 June 21
Week #4 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM June 24 June 28
Patriotic  Mon-Wed 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Jul 1 Jul 3
Patriotic Sail Mon/Tues 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Jul 1 Jul 2
Week #5 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM July 8 July 12
Week #6 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM July 15 July 19
Week #7 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM July 22 July 26
Week #8 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM July 29 August 2
Week #9 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM August 5 August 9
So Long Summer Mon-Th 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Aug 12 Aug 15

2020 Summer Camp Photos
2021 Summer Camp Photos
2022 Summer Camp Photos

What to Expect:

Monday morning check in:
Check in will be located in our circle drive at 1901 Hazel Avenue, Gold River, CA,  just east of our parking lots between 7:30 am and 8:30 am.  Please be patient when waiting for your child to be checked in.  We need to check in every child individually to make sure that they are properly placed in a group.  We try to be as fast and efficient as possible however, you should still allow extra time on Monday morning.  Be prepared to sign your child in for camp every morning.  Campers will have their photo taken Monday morning for their camper magnet that will be given out on Friday.  

To help the morning run more smoothly, parents can do the following:  Make sure that camper packets are completely filled out, we cannot accept packets that are not complete.  Signatures must be original and cannot be copies. 

Daily:
After the first day, you will still need to check in your child in the mornings.  Children can be dropped off between 8:00 am and 8:30 am.  Camp begins promptly at 8:30 am.  If the child is not here we will call you.  If you know that you will be late or missing a day please let us know at 916-278-2842.

Check out:
Camper pick up is between 3:45 PM and 4:00 PM at the circle drive.  Your child must be signed out every afternoon by a parent or designated carpool group.  The campers are not allowed to leave on their own or wait at the front of the Aquatic Center unsupervised.  Pickups are not permitted between 3:00 PM & 3:30 PM as children may still be on the water or derigging their boats. 

Ice Cream:

Ice cream is sold daily from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm.  We offer a variety of options and price range can be from $1.00 to $3.75

Carpool

If your camper will be arriving or departing with anyone other than the parents listed on the camper packet you will need to fill out a permission slip form.  If you will be carpooling with other families please make sure each family fills out the form and lists all campers.  We always recommend bringing your child on the first day. 

What to Bring

  • Lunch (recommend a small cooler, there is no refrigeration for camper lunches)
  • Sun block
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Lip balm
  • Beach towel
  • Bathing suit, t-shirt and shorts.
  • Hat or visor
  • Aquatic shoes with a heel strap such as teva sandals (bare fee are not permitted!)  
  • Sunglasses with floaties or neck strap
  • Warm clothes for cool mornings.

It is helpful if the campers label their belongings and bring in a bag.  The Aquatic Center is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.  We do not recommend bringing valuables to camp. 

Important Notices

If you are registering for summer camp online, please download and print the camper packet. Your camper will need this for Monday morning check-in, and without it your camper will not be eligible to participate in activities. Bring the completed packet to the Sac State Aquatic Center with you on the first day of camp and as it will not be accepted early.

We are unable to give out registration information regarding minors.  If you are looking to register your child with a friend, please check with their parent or guardian to confirm what camp the other child is signed up for. 

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Basic Boating Camp

kids in a canoe smiling

In our basic boating camp children will learn sailing, canoeing, kayaking, Stand up Paddling and windsurfing and boating safety.  They will be taught how to capsize and recover in each boat. Camps are offered to children ages 7-17. Each session is Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm Instruction (8:30am-3:30pm)

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Sailing Camp

four sailboats on the water

Prerequisite: 1 week of Basic Camp recommended

Using Zests, Lasers, and Quests, blast your way through an Sailing Summer Camp. This program will cover areas in rigging, sail trim, boat handling, and racing. These skills will be archived on the water with a week of sailing drills, games, and races.

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Paddle Camp

people paddling in kayaks on the water

Paddle Camps is a fun filled week for campers learning and perfecting their skills in the following activities: to Flat Water Kayaking,  Stand up Paddling, Basic Canoeing, Outrigger Canoeing and an Adventure Race.

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Adventure Camp

people in kayaks smiling for the camera

Teens from 13-17 years can join the Adventure Camp by participating in this special advanced camp. Included: one day of sailing and windsurfing at the Aquatic Center, a day of kayaking and canoeing, Olympic Rowing, and an adventure race around Lake Natoma! Campout on Thursday night is included in the cost, as well as Friday lunch.

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Beginning Rowing Camps

group of rowers smiling

This camp is perfect for those new to rowing, offering a fun and structured introduction to the sport.  This camp is geared towards novice/beginners, it covers the essentials: safety, boat control, proper care of equipment and correct rowing technique. Campers will have the chance to practice rowing in single shells as well as team boats.  Campers will receive coaching in both sculling and sweep rowing.  This entry-level camp is an excellent opportunity for those curious about Olympic Style rowing and might be considering it for high school. 

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Hello Summer Camp

kids jumping and smiling

This camp is a three day condensed version of our Basic Camp.  Instruction and activities include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking.

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Patriotic Boating Camp

kids in a sailboat smiling at the camera

Our Patriotic Boating Camp will feature a three day basic camp and a two day Sailing camp.  Camp instruction starts at 9:00 am and camp ends at 3:00 pm. 

Patriotic Basic Camp- three day camp 9:00am-3:00pm

  • Sailing - Skimming effortlessly across the water in an afternoon breeze is an enjoyable sensation that is becoming more and more popular every year. Each student will learn the principles of sailing, water safety, sailing knots, and how to operate their sailboat.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing- Learning the important  paddling techniques for each boat and learning to capsize and recover safely. 
  • Windsurfing and Stand-up Paddling 
  • Boating Safety - Most serious boating accidents involve motorboats. Proper care, handling, and equipment are essential for safe and enjoyable boating. Campers will learn these essential skills in the classroom. The California Division of Boating and Waterways Safety Exam is given to every Basic camper.  

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So Long Summer Camp

Week #10 (Monday-Thursday)

kids windsurfing

This camp is a four day condensed version of our Basic Camp.  Instruction and activities include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking.

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Camp Out for Summer Campers

Will be offered Weeks 2,4,6 and 8

campers gear in the lawn

Campers that are enrolled in that week of camp be registered for Thursday night for a camp-out for even weeks of summer camp.  All campers are welcome to attend the camp out.  Immediately following Parents Night, camp-out will include an evening paddle on the lake, a spaghetti dinner, s’mores and other fun activities.  Pancakes are served by the AC Staff for breakfast.  Friday’s lunch is also included in the camp out.  They will do the sleepover here on the Aquatic Center grounds.