Kayaking: A Catalyst for Youth Leadership Development

Teaching leadership skills at a young age helps children and youth grow into strong, well rounded individuals. With the support from the instructors at Endless River Adventures, Need More Outdoors brings together kids to not only experience the joy and reward that comes from learning to whitewater kayak, but were given the opportunity to learn and practice valuable leadership skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their life.

With Need More Outdoors, we strive to empower the youth in Western North Carolina by providing camps such as the Youth Leadership Kayaking weekend. “From mastering fundamental strokes and edging techniques to navigating through turbulent rapids and reading river currents, our campers will gain a comprehensive understanding of whitewater kayaking. Beyond the rapids, our campers will also engage in interactive workshops and team-building activities that foster leadership qualities,” (Britt Payne, Kayak Instructor and Mentor).

Methods such as near-peer mentoring teach leadership skills to youth that include taking accountability for oneself, learning how to cultivate healthy relationships with others, and the ability to delegate tasks. Near-peer mentoring involves pairing individuals early on in their education or careers (in this case learning to kayak) to facilitate a two-way learning opportunity for both participants. At camp, participants who are just slightly ahead skillswise of their peers at kayaking are given the opportunity to teach and assist other campers with learning basic kayaking skills. A win-win for everyone involved!

If you or someone you know is interested Need More Outdoors will be offering more outdoor adventures for the youth throughout this summer.  Opportunities include Eco Splash Camps, Learn to Kayak Camps, and another the Kids Kayaking Leadership Camp and Nantahala Kids Club this Fall!

Let’s get kids outside!

Sources:
Dodstem.us.“DODStem.”Home,dodstem.us/meet/blog/entries/what-is-near-peer-mentoring/#:~:text=Near%2Dpeer%20mentors%20can%20share,increase%20the%20possibility%20of%20bonding. Accessed 21 June 2023.
21K School.“Importance of Teaching Leadership in Early Grades.” 21K School, 28 Dec. 2022,www.21kschool.com/blog/importance-of-teaching-leadership/#:~:text=Teaching%20your%20children%20leadership%20skills,and%20help%20others%20move%20forward.