What’s Right With Schools: Summer program at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak gets kids learning on the water

COLLINSVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) — Books down, paddles in! Students are on the water for the summer in Collinsville.

“They come out here and learn how to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, we play games, we explore the Farmington River. It’s just a great way to get kids outside, get them moving, learn about the river and the area around them,” said program leader Ben Fabian.

It’s the children’s summer program at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak.

Learning skills on the water and yes, what to do if you go under.

“I was trying to reach my paddle over but I was a little too far away and leaning and it just kind of flipped,” explained one student, Allie Champlin.

But perhaps some of the best learning is disguised as a game.

“Once we got in the kayaks we played sharks and minnows and then we played this game called ‘boy vs yop yop,'” said another student, Liam Huang. “It helps me become more social.”

It’s not just the games and life-saving skills on the water, the kids also get to get out and explore little beaches and islands. They can play manhunt and hide and seek like kids.

“Even over there, there’s a beaver den. We got to see birds and all these creatures and animals,” said Caitlyn Champlin of Avon.

There’s a lot to see out here that you may not otherwise stop to notice.

“There’s a heron flying around, there’s a bald eagle that lives right around the corner,” Fabian said.

The program is keeping kids active and learning in the summer months, while getting to know the environment in their own backyard.

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