Canoe Instructors Certification Workshop to Be Held at WCCC

If you’re interested in working with the public in a capacity that involves using a canoe, obtaining the certification to do so is an important part of the process. Fortunately, Washington County Community College has partnered with the American Canoe Association to offer a certification class in canoe instruction as part of a four-day workshop at the beginning of August.

This is the first time that WCCC has offered certification in canoe instruction, but if Scott Fraser, director of the college’s Outdoor Adventure Center, has his way, it won’t be the last. As an avid boating enthusiast himself, Fraser knows the area has a high number of canoe users, as well as many groups – including schools – that that would benefit from having more experience with the waterborne vehicles.

The workshop, which Fraser says is suitable for camp counselors, teachers or advisors to school outing clubs, adults that participate with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and many others, offers a thorough examination of safety practices and teaching techniques. The workshop will include strategies on teaching kids to paddle safely, efficiently, and correctly so they can and will want to become lifelong paddlers as well as strategies on managing risk. “Basically, if you want to be working with youth in canoes, this is the way to go,” Fraser said.

The workshop will run from August 3rd through August 6th. Participants will undergo rigorous training to gain the skills and knowledge needed to take the American Canoe Association’s Level 2 Instructor certification test. The comprehensive cost of the course is $550. For more information, or to register, visit www.wccc.me.edu/oac and scroll down to the workshop listing, or call 454-1060.