SUMMER CAMPS & YOUTH PROGRAMS
NATOMA: A California State Park
Instructors are selected for their boating safety background, skills, and enthusiasm. Each instructor has gone through intensive training. Certifications can include CPR, First Aid Lifeguard training, and California Boating Safety Certificates. Specific certifications may apply in the different disciplines (i.e., US Sailing Instructor, US Rowing Instructor, PSUPA Paddle Certification, AWSA Water Ski Instructor Level 1, and American Red Cross Canoe Certification). The instructors work under the supervision of each program director. We recognize professional supervision as being necessary for smooth running programs. Applications are available online.
WATER SAFETY & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
ALL CAMPERS MUST:
• Be of sound health, with no specific ailments, injuries or disabilities that would affect their ability to have a safe experience.
• Be able to complete a swim test on the first day of camp.
• Wear PFD’s (Personal Flotation Devices). PFD’s will be issued for use and are required at all times when the campers are on the water or on the surrounding docks.
• Campers may choose to wear their own personal, properly fitted, and US Coast Guard approved PFD. Lifejackets will be provided for all campers.
Clothing and Supplies:
Refillable water bottle, lunch (recommend a small ice chest), sun block, hat or visor, bathing suit, lip balm with high SPF, beach towel, aquatic shoes with a heel strap, Rash Guards are strongly recommended, sweats/sweatshirt for cool weather in the mornings.
$1.50-$5.00 CASH ONLY for ice cream sold after camp
Wear proper shoes with a heel strap such as Teva sandals (Bare feet are not permitted!)
3 hour use of party area including:
• Activities for up to 12 children
• Swimming and water activities
• Use of wiggle boards
• 1 Boating Safety Instructor
• 1 defroster/ice breaker game
• Life jackets and equipment for all
• Use of a facility rental area
Extreme Challenge Beach Bonanza
Kayaks
Stand Up Paddle Boards
3 hour use of party area including
• Activities for up to 12 children
• Paddle instruction & lake trip
• 1 Boating Safety Instructor
• Life jackets and equipment for all
• 1 defroster/ice breaker game
• Use of a facility rental area 3
more details and sign-up
3 hour use of party area including:
• Activities for up to 12 children
• 1 Boating Safety Instructor
• Water and land based relays & team building games
• Use of the W.E.T. challenge course
See pg. 5 for activities*
• Life jackets and equipment for all
• Use of a facility rental area
*LIMITED AVAILABILITY ON WEEKENDS
• Parties with more than 12 kids will require an additional lifeguard at $30/hr.
• $20 for each additional child.
• Children under 4 – no charge.
• Parents are not included in the activities, but may rent equipment separately.
• The Aquatic Center does not provide catering; food may be brought into the facility.
YOUTH
Our youth groups are designed for elementary to high school field trips or other organized groups such as Girl/Boy Scouts, church groups, home school activities, and community recreation groups. The average length of time for a youth group is 4 hours, but can range from 2-5 hours in length. The paddle trip and activities will vary depending on the age of participants, group size, and weather. Specific activities can be requested by your group when making the reservation. If your group would like to have access to our WET course as one of the activities there is an extra charge of $5 per participant. We strive to provide the best experience possible for each and every group that visits the Sac State Aquatic Center. When making your reservation we will work with you to tailor your event to meet your needs and requests.
POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES: Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and landbased team challenges.
RESERVATIONS WILL INCLUDE:
• Boating Safety Instructors to lead all activities
• All equipment/boats included
• Paddle trip on Lake Natoma
• Other water/land activities
• Use of picnic area and BBQ
• Life jackets for all participants
TEAM BUILDING
On The Water!
Water Enrichment Training, or W.E.T., is the Sacramento State Aquatic Center’s version of a team build on the water. Our team building events are designed for corporate training days, competitive teams, leadership groups, high school or college field trips, and family reunions. All of the activities in our team builds are designed to promote communication and teamwork while overcoming personal challenges and having a great time on the water. The average team build is 3 hours, but can range from 2-4 hours. The reservation will include Boating Safety Instructors to lead all activities, water and land based team challenges, relay races, W.E.T. challenge course, beach picnic area and barbeque, life jackets, and equipment. We strive to provide the best experience possible for each and every group that visits the Sac State Aquatic Center. When making your reservation we will work with you to tailor your event to meet your needs and requests.
POSSIBLE LAND ACTIVITIES: Land skis, helium hula hoop, bucket brigade, tug-o-war, bear-fish-mosquito, captain of the ship, and team cheers!
POSSIBLE WATER ACTIVITIES: Blind-folded kayaking, lily pads relay race, splash mats, stand up paddle race, wiggle board race, kayak polo, tension traverse and much more.
Minimum: 10
2 hours
3 hours
per person
per person
Let's Go to camp!
Spring Break Camp ................................ April 14-17
Hello Summer Camp ............................. May 27-29
Summer Camp Week #1 ......................... June 2 - 6
Summer Camp Week #2 ......................... June 9 - 13
Summer Camp Week #3 ......................... June 16 - 20
Summer Camp Week #4 ......................... June 23 - 27
Basic Patriotic “Mini” Camp .................. June 30 – July 2
Sailing Patriotic “Mini” Camp ............... June 30 – July 1
Summer Camp Week #5 ......................... July 7 - 11
Summer Camp Week #6 ......................... July 14 - 18
Summer Camp Week #7 ......................... July 21 - 25
Summer Camp Week #8 ......................... July 28 – Aug 1
Summer Camp Week #9 ......................... Aug 4 - 8
SO Long Summer Camp.......................... Aug 11 - 14
SUMMER AQUATIC CAMPS Summer Camp WHAT TO EXPECT!
Activities for various camps include: Sailing, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddling, Motorboat Safety, Rowing, Challenge Course, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing
Camper must provide lunch, refillable water bottle and sunscreen.
It is recommended that parents drop off their campers at the Aquatic Center between 8:00 & 8:30 AM. (Camp instruction begins at 8:30 AM) Parents are advised to pick up their campers between 3:45 - 4:15 PM. Pick up of campers will NOT be permitted between 3:00 - 3:30 PM.
Monday Morning Check-In:
Check-in will be located in our circle drive, just east of our parking lots, from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. Advised parent drop off is 8:00 am for the rest of the week. Please be patient when waiting for your child to be checked in. We need to check in every child individually to make sure that they are properly placed in a group. We try to be as fast and efficient as possible, however, you should still allow extra time on Monday morning. Be prepared to sign your child in for camp every morning. All campers receive a free T-shirt.
To help the morning run more smoothly, parents can do the following:
• Please download the camper packet for each of your campers from the Aquatic Center website. Make sure that the packets are completely filled out. The release form must be signed with emergency phone numbers included, contacts and medical information must be completed.
• Make sure your child has already applied their sun block and they are prepared with a lunch and plenty of water.
• Have the camp balance paid ahead of time. We require that the balance is paid a week before camp starts.
Daily:
After the first day, you will still need to check in your child in the mornings. Advised parent drop off is 8:00 am. Instruction begins at 8:30 am. If the child is not here, we will call you. If you know that you will be late or missing a day, please let us know at (916) 278-2842. Ice cream is sold daily from 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ($1.50 - $5.00)
Check-Out:
Camp instruction and clean up is over at 3:30 p.m. Checkout is between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. at the inner circle drive. Children must be picked up by 4:30 p.m. Your child must be signed out every afternoon. The campers are not allowed to leave on their own or wait at the front of the Aquatic Center alone. This is for their safety! If your child is in a carpool we must have written permission.
What to Bring:
Sun block, lip balm, beach towel, bathing suit, t-shirt, shorts, hat or visor, aquatic shoes with a heel strap such as Teva sandals (bare feet are not permitted!), water bottle, sack lunch, sweats for cool weather, sunglasses with floaties or a neck strap, ski gloves for Water Ski Campers, optional bike helmet for Adventure Campers, lunch and refillable water bottle. It is helpful if the campers bring all of their belongings in a labeled tote bag or small ice chest. The Aquatic Center is not responsible for lost or stolen articles so please label all of their belongings.
We look forward to seeing you on the water!
Spring Break CAMP*
APRIL 14th – 17th
Monday – Thursday • 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Cost: $290 • Ages: 7-17
Instruction & activities include: Sailing • Stand Up Paddling Windsurfing • Canoeing Kayaking
Hello Summer CAMP*
MAY 27th – MAY 29th
Tuesday – Thursday • 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Cost: $255 • Ages: 7-17
Instruction & activities include:
Sailing • Stand Up Paddling • Windsurfing Canoeing • Kayaking
Patriotic CAMPS*
All Camps: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $240 (3 Day Basic Camp)
Cost: $180 (2 Day Camps)
These camps are a condensed version of our basic aquatic camp.
“MINI” CAMP Basic: JUNE 30th - JULY 2nd
“MINI” CAMP Sailing: JUNE 30th - JULY 1st
Afterschool CAMP*
Monday – Friday • 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost: $200 • Ages: 7-17
A condensed version of basic camp offered during our summer sessions. Weeks Offered: Summer sessions #1 - 9 (excluding Hello Summer and Patriotic)
So Long Summer CAMP*
AUGUST 11th - 14th
Monday -Thursday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm • Cost $340 Ages 7-17
Instruction & Activities include: Sailing • Stand up Paddling Windsurfing • Kayaking • Canoeing
For more details and sign-up link
*MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 5 CHILDREN FOR PROGRAM TO RUN. NO GUARANTEES.
CHILDREN ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR A PFD AT ALL TIMES!
Basic Camp
Cost: $425
BASIC CAMP includes:
SAILING • STAND UP PADDLING • WINDSURFING
CANOEING • KAYAKING • BOATING SAFETY
Each day children will participate in a different water sport. Not only will children learn the basic nuts and bolts of these water activities but more importantly, boating safety. Most serious accidents on the water happen because people lack boating safety education. Morning classroom instruction accompanies all water activities so the children obtain the knowledge and safety skills they need before they continue out on the water with hands-on instruction. Children should wear sandals with heel straps, dress in layers, bring a sack lunch,refillable water bottle, and SUNSCREEN!
GUPPIES .......... 7 Yr Olds
STARFISH ........ 8 Yr Olds
TURTLES .......... 9 Yr Olds
DOLPHINS ...... 10 Yr Olds
Sailing:
This day is designed for youth with little to no experience who need to start at the beginning, as well as for those who have moderate sailing experience and can use a refresher. Morning session covers boat rigging, points of sail, and capsize and recovery. Afternoons will be spent perfecting sailing skills on the water.
Windsurfing & Stand Up Paddling:
• Windsurfing - This thrilling sport is rapidly becoming one of the most popular aquatic sports today. Students will be applying their acquired skills along with windsurfing fundamentals toward practical experience on the water. Water play and games are a big part of the windsurfing day.
• Stand up Paddling – (also known as SUP) Each camper will be able to paddle comfortably on their own youth board. Learning the importance of the safety leash and proper paddling strokes and turns.
Canoeing:
This day of camp will give students the skills needed to navigate a canoe across the lake safely and effectively. We will teach: paddling strokes, balance, safety and rescue. The serenity of Lake Natoma provides an excellent setting for this enjoyable sport.
Kayaking:
This day is designed for the youth with little or no kayaking experience. Basic fundamentals taught will include proper boat handling, body positioning, strokes, recoveries, water safety, and equipment care. Campers will tour beautiful Lake Natoma in sit-on-top kayaks.
For more details and sign-up link
CAMPERS
ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR PFD ’ S AT ALL TIMES!
Boating Safety OLYMPICS
Most serious boating accidents involve motor boats. Proper care and handling of equipment are essential for safe and enjoyable boating. Classroom time is essential on Friday. The California Division of Boating and Waterways Aqua Smart Lessons are taught to all campers for boating safety education. The campers participate in our “Boating Safety Olympics” every Friday morning after classroom education including a Boating Safety Olympics: Reach, Throw, Row, Bucket Brigade, Be Polite Don’t Pollute, Dizzy Lizzy, Lifejacket Relay and time on the W.E.T. Course! Awards are also presented to outstanding campers. For a fun challenge, there will be a variety of activities on Fridays: Team Raft Building, Sailing Races, Kayak Relays, Canoe Tug of War, Kayak, and Water Polo. (Activities will vary each week).
AQUA SMART LESSONS
1. Learn to swim!
2. Wear a life jacket!
3. Learn to float!
4. Learn to rescue safely!
5. Look before you leap!
6. Don’t overload your boat!
7. Stay with your boat!
8. Learn the boating rules of the road “water”!
9. Alcohol, drugs and boating don’t mix!
10. Keep our waterways clean!
Sailing Camp
Prerequisite: 1 week of Basic Camp recommended
Ages: 10-17
Weeks Offered: #1 - 9
Cost: $425
Using Zests, Lasers, and Quests, blast your way through an Sailing Summer Camp. This program will cover areas in rigging, sail trim, boat handling, and racing. These skills will be achieved on the water with a week of sailing drills, games, and races. A skills test is given on Friday to test campers knowledge and sailing ability. Campers over the age of 16 can be certified on a Zest.
Campout!
For more details and sign-up link
An Overnight Campout immediately following Family Night (Thursday evening) is offered Weeks #2, #4, #6, & #8 ONLY. Campers will receive a spaghetti dinner, followed by a twilight kayaking trip up Lake Natoma and s’mores by the camp fire to end the night. Campers will then get to sleep under the stars on the lawn and wake up to participate in another fun filled day of camp! The campout also includes a homemade pancake breakfast and Friday afternoon pizza. This campout is optional and is an additional $85.00 per camper if they would like to participate.
Perfecting the capsize drill
Ages: 12-17
Weeks Offered: #2, #4, #6, #8
Cost: $460
Paddle Camp
Prerequisite: Must be at least 12 years old.
Paddle Camp is a fun filled week for campers learning and perfecting their skills in the following activities: to Flat Water Kayaking, Stand up Paddling, Olympic Rowing, Basic Canoeing, Outrigger Canoeing, and an Adventure Race around Lake Natoma.
• Day 1 Kayaking
• Day 2 Canoeing and Outrigger Canoeing
• Day 3 Stand Up Paddling and Slalom River Kayaks
• Day 4 Olympic Rowing and Touring Kayaks
• Day 5 Adventure Race and Skit
Ages: 13-17
Weeks Offered: #2, #4, #6, #8
Cost: $475
Adventure
Camp
Prerequisite: Must be at least 13 years old.
Teens from 13-17 years can join the Adventure Camp by participating in this special advanced camp. Included: one day of sailing and windsurfing at the Aquatic Center, a day of kayaking and canoeing, Olympic Rowing, and an adventure race around Lake Natoma! Campout on Thursday night is included in the cost, as well as Friday lunch.
• Day 1 Stand Up Paddling and W.E.T. Team Building
• Day 2 Olympic Rowing and Kayaking
• Day 3 Sailing
• Day 4 Outrigger Canoeing and Canoeing
• Day 5 Adventure Race and Skit
For more details and sign-up link
Wakeboard & Water Ski Mini Camp*
Prerequisite: Must be at least 9 years old. Ages: 9 -17
2 Day Camp • Cost: $300
The wakeboarding / water skiing minicamp is two days of instruction.
This course is designed for students of all abilities; from the beginner who has never boarded or skied to the intermediate who wants to keep up with the newest techniques. Taught by AWSA trained drivers and instructors.
** The Mini Water Ski & Wakeboard Camps will take place on Folsom Lake. Folsom Lake Drop off and Pick up will be required, as the Instructors will meet campers at the lake.
YouthSki 01 June 10 - 11 Tues & Wed 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
YouthSki 02 June 24 - 25 Tues & Wed 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Youth Ski 03 July 15 - 16 Tues & Wed 9:00 am -3:30 pm
Youth Ski 04 July 22 - 23 Tues & Wed 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Youth Ski 05 Aug 5 - Aug 6 Tues & Wed 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
For more details and sign-up link
Family NIGHT
COME PREPARED TO GET WET!
Thursdays • 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
(All boats come off the water at 5:30 pm)
Parents and family members may participate in their camper’s experience. This is a chance for your child to show off some newly acquired skills. Family members may participate by going canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddling and enjoy W.E.T. Course with their child.
Beginner Olympic Rowing Camp
Prerequisite: Must be at least 12 years old.
Ages: 12 - 14
Weeks Offered: #1-9. Cost: $425
For more details and sign-up link
This camp is designed for the beginning/novice rower. It teaches safety, boat control, proper care of equipment, and correct rowing technique. Students will learn to row in a single shell and 4’s and 8’s. This camp is great for campers with a possible interest in high school rowing. High School students age 15-17 years old interested in joining Capital Crew are encouraged to register for the Capital Crew Novice Introductory Clinics.
CAPITAL CREW NOVICE INTRODUCTORY CLINIC
Price: $180/week 7.5 Hrs/week
MINIMUM ENROLLMENT: 4
MAX. ENROLLMENT: 18
MIN. AGE REQUIREMENT: 13
For more details and sign-up link
This clinic is for High School students as a great introduction to the sport of rowing and have an interest in joining Capital Crew in the fall. Participants will be taught boat safety, boat handling, basic technique, and teamwork. After finishing this clinic, participants should understand how Capital Crew is run.
CAPITAL CREW YOUTH ROWING TEAM
Capital Crew is a program of Associated Students Inc. of Sacramento State
Spring 2025 - $1,075 All athletes
Payable: Sacramento State Aquatic Center.
All coaching and equipment are included.
Spring 2025 Practice starts: January 4, 2025
Fall 2025 Practice starts: Returning Athletes – August 18, 2025
First year Athletes: September 2, 2025
Capital Crew is the Sacramento State Aquatic Center’s Youth Rowing Program. It is a competitive program geared toward high school athletes looking for something that will challenge them both in sport and in life. Founded in 1988, Capital Crew has offered rowing to local high school student athletes and annually attracts an average of 200 participants. Capital Crew trains late August through early May, competing against more than 35 other rowing program in the Southwest region. Capital Crew represents well in local league races, the US Rowing Southwest Youth Championships, and regularly qualifies to participate at the US Rowing Youth National Championships. Our athletes are consistently selected to collegiate programs as well as to represent the United States on the development, high performance, junior elite, under 23 elites, and international elite levels. Capital Crew continues to be one of the foremost programs in the Southwest region. Capital Crew coaches are highly skilled and passionate about introducing rowing to the next generation of athletes. No experience is required to participate in Capital Crew.
For more information, please contact:
Sacramento State Aquatic Center: (916) 278-2842 x9 Email: dbirch@csus.edu
For more details and interest form
Scan here: Capital Crew Parent Handbook
ADVANCED HIGH SCHOOL ROWING SUMMER TRAINING
Prerequisite: Past rowing experience with a competitive youth team
For more details and sign-up link
June 17th – August 8th • Tuesday - Friday • 7:00 am - 9:00 am No practice July 1 – July 4
Price: $75.00/week • Minimum Enrollment: 4 • Maximum Enrollment: 18
These training sessions will focus on learning how to row efficiently in sweep and sculling boats. Land training may also be a part of the program as we access the needs to the group for each week. The goal will be for all athletes to maintain fitness and increase their skill level in preparation for the fall season.
CAPITAL CREW APPRENTICE PROGRAM (CCAP)
(7th-8th grade) Capital Crew Apprentice Program
2025 CCAP SPRING PROGRAM
Jan 6th – April 28th
Mon/Thurs 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Select Saturdays 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Minimum enrollment: 10
Maximum enrollment: 20
This program is dedicated to middle school students who have an interest in rowing. Our focus will be on team fitness will be the goals of the program. If your athlete is interested in joining Capital Crew when in high school this is an excellent introductory program that will help your athlete excel.
For more details and sign-up link
2025 CCAP FALL PROGRAM
Aug 11th – Nov 8th
Mon/Thurs 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Select Saturdays 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Minimum enrollment: 10
Maximum enrollment: 20
If you enjoyed rowing in one of our summer camps as a middle school student, then this is an excellent next step in preparation for joining Capital Crew when in high school. This program will focus on safe and fun rowing with an emphasis on sculling. Possible fall race in October in the U15 quad with coxswain.
For more details and sign-up link
