OREGON CITY WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Five Days of Firsts on Oregon’s Rivers: Paddler’s Discovery Camp for 8–12‑Year‑Olds
A five-day, Level 1 paddlesports course in Oregon City that teaches kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, tubing and whitewater rafting—useful for parents and guardians planning an introductory water-activity week for kids.
Five Days of Firsts on Oregon’s Rivers: Paddler’s Discovery Camp for 8–12‑Year‑Olds.
Paddler’s Discovery Camp is a five-day, Level 1 paddlesports program in Oregon City that places children on the Willamette and Clackamas rivers for a focused introduction to life on the water. Over a week of guided sessions—kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, tubing and a whitewater rafting component—participants explore river skills, teamwork and outdoor confidence in an organized day-camp structure.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Two local rivers, many ways to paddle
The program uses both the Willamette and Clackamas rivers to expose campers to a range of flatwater and moving‑water environments, letting young paddlers experience different craft and conditions across the week.
A sampler of paddle sports
This camp cycles through kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, tubing and whitewater rafting so kids gain basic competence in multiple craft rather than specializing in a single discipline.
Level 1 — built for 8–12 year olds
Run as an introductory Level 1 course, the camp is designed for children aged 8–12 and welcomes those without prior paddling experience, focusing on safe, confidence‑building progressions.
What the day feels like
What five days on the water feels like
Each day of the five‑day course delivers a compact, hands‑on block of instruction and guided time on the water. Campers rotate through craft and activities—learning basic strokes, balance, and river awareness in the morning, then applying those skills to partner and group activities in calmer or moving water. The week culminates with a whitewater rafting session that ties together the skills practiced earlier in the program.
THE ROUTE
Two local rivers, many ways to paddle
The program uses both the Willamette and Clackamas rivers to expose campers to a range of flatwater and moving‑water environments, letting young paddlers experience different craft and conditions across the week.
THE DISCIPLINES
A sampler of paddle sports
This camp cycles through kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, tubing and whitewater rafting so kids gain basic competence in multiple craft rather than specializing in a single discipline.
THE CAMP
Level 1 — built for 8–12 year olds
Run as an introductory Level 1 course, the camp is designed for children aged 8–12 and welcomes those without prior paddling experience, focusing on safe, confidence‑building progressions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp is built for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Campers should bring water, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, clothing that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothes for afterwards.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages is Paddler's Discovery Camp for?
The camp is for children ages 8–12.
How long is the camp each day and overall?
The program runs 7 hours per day over five days.
Do participants need prior paddling experience?
No experience is required; the course is Level 1 and geared toward beginners.
Where do we meet for the camp?
Meeting location: 1701 Clackamette Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045.
What activities are included during the week?
The week includes kayaking, canoeing, stand‑up paddleboarding, tubing and whitewater rafting on the Willamette and Clackamas rivers.
What should campers bring each day?
Bring water, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, clothing that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothes for afterwards.