Aquatics Training Programs

Paddle Craft Safety Basic - Canoeing

This course is designed to teach leaders basic canoeing skills that they can share with scouts as the unit prepares to add boating adventues to their activity plan. Participants will learn techniques for teaching younger scouts boating basics and help them earn the Canoeing merit badge. Units planning aquatics merit badges, treks to Northern Tier, whitewater rafting, and/or Sea Scout cruises will benefit from leadership with this certification. 

During the course participants will review safety equipment and procedures, pros and cons of equipment options, equipment care, solo and tandem canoeing, basic canoeing strokes, and an introduction into how to read river currents. 

Paddle Craft Safety has additional modules available in Basic Kayaking, River Canoeing, and River Kayaking for thise who wish to continue their learning. 

To earn certification, participants must attend and participate in the complete course, demonstrate competency with the practical skills and pass a written exam with an 80% score. Certification is valid for 3 years. 

Prerequisites: 

• Must have completed the SWIMMER level test within the past 12-months of the course
• Complete Safety Afloat training (available at my.scouting.org) and bring a copy of the certificate to the course
• Bring a BSA Health form parts A & B with them to the course
• Read sections 1 & 3 of the Aquatics Supervision book (available free here)
• Preferred but not required: Ideally, youth participants will have earned Canoeing merit badge prior to taking this course

What should I bring to the training: 

• packed lunch and snacks
• water bottle
• water shoes
• quick-dry clothes
• bathing suit/wetsuit for capsize drill
• warm change of clothes
• towel
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• hat

Can we spend the weekend at Sinoquipe? 

Yes, you can reserve a cabin or campsite and make a weekend of it. Simply make a reservation using the SAC Tentaroo registration system (additional fees apply). 

PADDLE CRAFT SAFETY BASIC - CANOEING

• WHEN: Saturday May 11, 2024 8:45am to 5:30pm
• WHERE: Camp Sinoquipe - Waterfront
• WHO: Scouts & Scout Leaders age 15+
  • Must have a minimum of 2 participants to conduct the training course
  • Maximum class size 10 participants
• FEE: $25/participant
• REGISTRATION OPENS: February 26, 2024
• LATE FEE: begins April 15, 2024
• REGISTRATION CLOSES: May 4, 2024