2026 Online Handbook
The information below includes some of the important policies and details for campers and parents to know when registering.
Our goal is to ensure that camp is safe, fun, and inspiring for every camper.
Camp Ages
Our kids camps are divided into three levels. Campers may use their current age or the age they are turning this year when choosing the ideal program.
FUNdamentals –Â A beginner level camp for children aged 6 to 8. Campers will gain comfort being on the water and learn foundational paddling skills.
Discover – An intermediate camp for kids age 9 to 11. Campers will start to explore more technical paddling styles and gain confidence paddling their own boat or board.
Adventure – A more advanced camp for kids age 12 to 14. Campers will learn technical skills specific to different paddling styles and improve their confidence on the open water.
Expedition–Â Expedition is an advanced and immersive camp for teens age 14 to 16 to build both their paddling and leadership skills.
What to Bring
Plan for all weather: Better to be over prepared than underprepared.
We will head back out on the water after lunch and breaks so please pack multiple options of dry clothing.
- If your child needs to wear glasses on the water, please send them with glasses straps so they do not get lost.
- A change of dry clothes (participants will be getting wet).
- Wool, or fleece clothing provide the most warmth when wet.
- A bathing suit or water-appropriate clothing
- A towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Some snacks and lunch
- A water bottle
- PFDs will be provided.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
- Changes for 2026 include:
- Our new registration system allows for electronic check-in and check-out with the Amilia app.
- There is a new streetside drop-off zone along Abbott Street. All campers must be dropped-off by an authorized adult on their first day.
- Only authorized adults may pick up your child from camp.
- If an adult arrives to pick up a child that we do not know, they will be asked to show photo ID and will be required to provide the password you have set for your child.
- If you would like your child to walk home by themselves, please provide a signed note indicating they are allowed to walk home by themselves. Please specify if this is for certain days, or for the full duration of camp.
- Bring a signed waiver to the first day of camp
Our Location
The Kelowna Paddle Centre is located at the north end of Pandosy Waterfront Park.
Our address is 3020 Abbott Street, Kelowna BC V1Y1G6.
- Campers typically spend the whole day outside.
- Canopy tents and our lakeside patio provide plenty of shade for campers to rest and cool off when they aren’t on the water.
- Our clubhouse and boathouse provide safe indoor spaces whenever needed.
- Our location is on a shallow bight (a broad, open bay) that provides great visibility and helps protect from waves.
Boats, Boards, & Activities
Campers and staff must always wear a PFD when on the water. PFDs are provided.
Each day, campers will enjoy multiple types of paddling on Okanagan Lake. Camps will also include a mix of games and activities off the water. This provides campers a chance to socialize & play,Âhelps us to teach skills in a more relaxed setting, and includes activities & events that add to the summer camp experience.
Types of paddling could include:
Outrigger Canoe
Va’aare traditional Polynesian canoes with an ama for stability. Outrigger canoe racing is an exciting sport for individuals or crews of up to six paddlers. KPC is home to many crews that compete at all levels, including many of our camp leaders who have represented Canada at the International Va’a Federation World Championships.Â
Paddleboard
Standup paddleboarding (SUP) has grown quickly to be one of the most popular paddle sports. At KPC we have a variety of boards, including fibreglass racing boards and our giant 18′ kraken that can fit entire groups.
Kayak
ÂKayaking is the most accessible and popular paddle sport in the world. Campers can experience a variety of different kayaking disciplines with our range of boats for all ages and abilities.
Surfski
Surfskis areÂspecialized kayaks designed for speed on the open water. These are the fastest boats for individual paddlers at KPC and experienced paddlers can have a blast riding the surf on windy days.
Daily Schedule
Extended Drop-Off & Pick-Up for families who need a bit more flexibility:
- Early Drop-Off begins at 8:00am.
- Late Pick-Up ends at 5:00pm.
- Cost is $100 per week for either option or $150 per week for both.
- Extended Drop-Off & Pick-Up are only available as a package for the full week.Â
Regular Schedule
8:50-9:10am – Drop-Off & Check-In
9:10am – Camp Connection
Includes daily announcements and an fun game or activity for all of camp.
9:40am – Round-Up
Section heads & group leaders connect with their campers to make sure everyone is healthy & happy, and review the schedule for the day.
10:00am – Activity Blocks 1 & 2
12:30pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Activity Blocks 3 & 4
3:30pm – Wrap-Up
Includes an activity to end the day positively and reminders before check-out.
3:50-4:10pm – Check-Out & Pick-Up
Schedule variations include the first day of camp (only 3 activity blocks) and the last day of camp (Paddlefest).
Each section will have one double outrigger canoe block in order to make a trip across the lake.
Registration
- All registrations must be made through the SmartRec registration system.
- Registrations are only considered final when full payment is made.
- The registration deadline is 8 days prior to the start of each camp.
Fees & Discounts
Weekly Registration Fees
- 5-Day camps are $380 per camper.
- 4-Day camps are $310 per camper.
Family & Friends Discount:Â New for 2026!5.
- Register multiple campers at the same time to save $20 per camper.
- All camps must be purchased at the same time within the same account for the discount to apply.
Multidiscount: For campers who register for multiple camps.
- Receive an extra 10% discount per additional week a camper registers for.
- All camps must be purchased at the same time for the discount to apply.
- The Multidiscount is cumulative (e.g. the second camp is 10% off, the 3rd camp is 20% off, etc.).
Refunds for Cancellations
- When a Family or Multidiscount has been applied, any refund will be based on the lowest cost camp at the time of registration.Â
- If cancellation is done at least 6 weeks before the start of the camp, a refund will be issued less a $30.00 administration fee.
- If cancellation is done at least 3 weeks before the start of the camp, a refund of 50% will be issued.
- NO REFUND will be issued if cancellation is done less than three weeks before the camp or once the camp has already started, unless due to injury or prolonged illness.
- A prorated refund may be issued for injury or illness if a doctor’s note is provided.
- NO REFUNDÂ will be issued if a participant has to leave a camp due to disciplinary issues and/or participants violating safety policies and/or the Kelowna Paddle Centre Code of Conduct.
- There will be NO REFUND for no-shows.
Smoke & Air Quality Policy
We now have more indoor spaces for programs at KPC so have updated our policies to better support families without alternative child care options.
Throughout camp sessions, KPC Staff will refer to Environment Canada’s observed and forecasted Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for the Central Okanagan to manage the safety of campers and staff with respect to air quality. When a smoky skies advisory is in place, KPC Staff will also refer to the forecast at firesmoke.ca.
AQHI 1 to 3 (low risk)
Camp will proceed as usual.
AQHI 4 to 6 (moderate risk)
Camp will proceed with modified outdoor activities. This may include:
Reducing the intensity and duration of activities.
Planning additional breaks.
Providing additional monitoring and support for campers, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
AQHI 7-10 (high risk)
Camp will proceed without physical outdoor activities.
Campers who choose to not attend camp may receive a prorated refund (see below).
Non-physical activities may be held outdoors due to indoor space limitations.
AQHI 10+ (very high risk)
Campers will be encouraged to stay home if possible.
Camp will proceed without outdoor activities.
Campers who choose to not attend camp may receive a prorated refund (see below).
AQHI below 7 with a smoky skies advisory
Activities will be modified or moved indoors according to the conditions at KPC.
If the forecast at firesmoke.ca predicts KPC will be affected by heavy smoke,Âcampers who choose to not attend camp may receive a prorated refund (see below).
Extreme Heat Policy
Throughout camp sessions, KPC Staff will refer to Environment Canada’s temperature forecast for Kelowna and current conditions at KPC to manage the safety of campers and staff with respect to extreme heat.
Activities will be modified if the temperature at KPC reaches or exceeds 32° C, or the humidex reaches or exceeds 40° C and Environment Canada indicates a humidex warning. This may include:
Reducing the intensity and duration of activities.
Planning additional breaks.
Providing additional monitoring and support for campers, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
When Environment Canada forecasts the temperature will exceed 37° C or the humidex will exceed 45° C, campers who choose to stay home may receive a prorated refund (see below).
Refunds for Poor Air Quality and Extreme Heat
The following conditions apply on days when campers may receive a prorated refund for choosing to not attend camp (please refer to the Smoke & Air Quality Policy and Extreme Heat Policy above).
- Campers staying home must inform KPC by 8am in order to receive a refund for the full day.
- Campers who contact KPC after 8am or no show will receive a refund for a half day.
