Join the Outdoor Recreation School and instructor trainer Nancy Uschold, for an immersive weekend of training to experiment and expand your paddle sport teaching skills. The Advanced Communications Workshop (ACW) focuses on methods to promote seamless integration and address the needs of individuals with speech and language impairments, hearing impairments or deafness, and visual impairments or blindness. This hands-on course is designed for (but not limited to) American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Instructors. It provides a basic understanding of disabilities along with a toolbox of techniques for skill acquisition and risk management. Upon successful completion, current ACA Instructors will earn the Advanced Communications Endorsement. Participants in this course use existing teaching experience with new methods as we consider working with specific individuals or audiences. Participants in the course should be comfortable teaching foundational paddling skills in a kayak. If you have questions about if this course is right for you or other questions about this course, reach out to Grant.Armour@ThreeRiversParks.org. Please note that there will be pre-coursework to do. The meeting on September 9 will be over Zoom from 6–8 p.m. Central time; the rest of the program will be in-person at Fish Lake Regional Park on September 12 and 13 from 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Equipment provided. $300/person.

Nothing says August like pedaling or paddling across the lake with your family. Explore the variety of watercraft available at Cleary Lake Regional Park during this open boathouse event: paddleboats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) will be arranged on the sand. Get out on the water on a paddleboat or try a mini-canoe lesson, available to on a first-come, first served basis. We’ll also play in the sand, so dress for mess. The Readmobile, a library on wheels, will be on site with books and activities for curious minds. This free program is made possible with support from CAP Agency, the Family Resource Centers of Scott County and Scott County Library. All children are welcome to observe; participants must weigh at least 30 pounds and wear a flotation device (provided). Meet at the Cleary Lake Boat House. This program is in partnership with Scott County. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn the essentials of paddling on a river and enjoy the scenic Crow River with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. We will cover how to identify and mitigate common river hazards while enjoying the meandering nature along the banks of the lesser-known of the Park District’s three rivers. Previous kayaking experience required for all participants. Shuttle between enter and exit points is provided. $60/person.

Bring your date or friend for an evening of play. Create memories together as you dip your paddles and test your balance. Outdoor Recreation School instructors will cover the fundamental skills and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in multiple positions (laying, sitting, kneeling and standing) and get comfortable getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to SUP or looking to build skills and confidence, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. Each person should register and pay. $35/person.

Bring your date or friend for an evening of fun on the lake. Create memories as you work together to paddle your canoe, practice paddling while facing each other, and learn or brush up on some coordinated paddle strokes. Top the evening off by watching the sun set over scenic Hyland Lake. Outdoor Recreation School instructors will provide basic instruction, but some canoeing experience is recommended. $12/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to create fun memories on the water. Learn kayaking safety and proper paddling techniques. $12/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School to create fun memories on the water. Learn kayaking safety and proper paddling techniques. $12/person.

Get your family out on the water with instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School. We will help you improve your paddle strokes to be more effective and efficient while having fun and making safe paddling decisions. Enjoy learning and exploring the lake together. Each person must register and pay. $12/person.

Enjoy paddling a canoe with your family and friends around a nature center pond. While exploring on the water, look for turtles, birds, insects and other wildlife. This program will cover the basics of paddling a canoe (safety, parts of a canoe, entering and exiting, and paddling strokes). We will focus on wildlife viewing and not on advanced canoeing skills. One adult participant is required in each canoe. $10/person.

Learn safety skills and proper paddling form and techniques with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Beginners and anyone who has never had formal kayak instruction will gain knowledge and skills from this class. Equipment provided. $50/person.

Learn safety skills and proper paddling form and techniques with Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Beginners and anyone who has never previously had formal kayak instruction will gain knowledge and skills from this class. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $50/person.

Leave the adults at home and join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a splash-filled introduction to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) made just for kids. You’ll learn the basics of SUP equipment, simple paddle strokes and how to stay safe on the water in changing conditions. Try paddling in different positions—laying down, sitting, kneeling and standing—and build confidence getting on and off your board in the water. We’ll mix in fun challenges and water games so you can test your new skills, practice your balance and make a splash with friends. $20/person.

Leave the adults at home and join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a splash-filled introduction to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn the basics of SUP equipment, simple paddle strokes and how to stay safe on the water in changing conditions. Try paddling in different positions—laying down, sitting, kneeling and standing—and build confidence getting on and off your board in the water. We’ll mix in fun challenges and water games so you can test your new skills, practice your balance and make a splash with friends. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $20/person.

Join the Outdoor Recreation School for a summer of paddling and celebrating our Big Year of Rivers! Learn new skills, refine your paddling technique and explore parks by watercraft. Some paddling experience recommended. Paddle sports alternate between kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. Locations vary by week. The final day of club will meet for an extended program time of 5:30–8:30 p.m. to paddle on the Mississippi River. Please note that the Outdoor Recreation School is offering two Paddle Clubs this summer. Please limit your registration to just one Paddle Club so that more folks have an opportunity to join. Park locations will vary each week of club. You will be emailed a schedule from your Lead Instructor prior to the first week of club. $190/person.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Spend your days on and in the water! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Spend your days on and in the water with other teens! Build your paddling skills with coaching from Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Go on adventures and play games while paddleboarding, kayaking, log rolling and canoeing. No previous experience required. Equipment provided. We will do alternative activities in the event that weather conditions prevent us from doing planned water activities.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors and a Richardson Nature Center naturalist for a guided canoe experience. You’ll start by learning basic canoeing techniques, like paddling, steering and working together. Once on the water, slow things down and tune into your surroundings as the naturalist helps you spot and learn about local birds. Whether you’re brand new to canoeing, curious about birding or just looking for a relaxing way to connect with nature, this program offers a peaceful blend of skill-building and discovery. No prior experience necessary. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $12/person.

Dip your paddle and paintbrush into creativity! In this relaxed canoe experience, we’ll start by learning basic paddling skills from an Outdoor Recreation School instructor, and watercolor techniques from a Silverwood Park art instructor. After a gentle tour of the lake for inspiration, we’ll settle in, let the canoe drift and paint the scenery around us. No art or paddling experience needed, just curiosity, creativity and a love for being on the water. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $24/person.

Ready to find your balance? Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the fundamental skills and versatility of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You’ll learn about the equipment, basic paddle strokes and how to navigate the water safely in variable conditions. Practice paddling in a variety of positions—laying, sitting, kneeling and standing—and gain confidence getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to paddleboarding or looking to refine your skills and build confidence, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. $35/person.

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lesson designed to build skills, confidence and community. Learn the fundamentals of SUP including equipment basics, essential paddle strokes and how to navigate safely in changing conditions. Practice paddling in a variety of positions—laying, sitting, kneeling and standing—and gain confidence getting on and off your board in the water. Whether you’re brand new to paddleboarding or looking to refine your skills in a supportive, women-focused environment, this session is designed to meet you where you’re at. Come as you are and leave feeling strong, balanced and empowered on the water. $35/person.

Dip your paddle, build skills and connect with other women on the water in this welcoming three-week series at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Each week, join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to explore the lake using a different watercraft—kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe—giving you a chance to try them all while building confidence on the water. Instructors will cover the basics of paddling, steering and water safety before heading out for a relaxed paddle to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Whether you’re brand new or looking to expand your paddling skills, this supportive series is a great way to learn, laugh and experience the lake from a new perspective each week. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $75/person.