Youth Paddling Symposium
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Paul Smith’s College and Matt Burnett Guiding will present the second annual Youth Paddling Symposium, four days of introductory paddling and camping instruction for youth age 10-15, in 2025. This program is set for July 14-17. Registration is now open!
The Youth Paddling Symposium was created based on the premise that even though paddling is among the most popular outdoor, life-long activities in the Adirondacks, it can be inaccessible due to the financial barriers of purchasing gear and access to instruction to develop adequate skills to paddle safely.
The Youth Paddling Symposium is presented by the NFCT in partnership with Paul Smith’s College and Matt Burnett Guiding, with additional support from NRS, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters and the Adirondack Foundation’s Uihlein-Ironman Sports Fund. The program includes:
- Introduction to camping (setting up tents, building campfires, shelter building, first aid)
- Introduction to paddling & paddling safety
- Introduction to fishing
- Paddling excursions
- Campfire storytelling
The Youth Paddling Symposium costs $300/kid, which covers all costs including gear, food and instruction. Scholarships to cover the cost of participation are available; fill out our scholarship form by clicking here.
Please note: Space is limited to 24 kids.
