Outdoor Nation PADDLE NATION PROJECT

Making the World a Better Place to Paddle! Since 1880.

ACA | Stewardship Paddling Sustainably

May 2012

Provided through the Baptist Hill Community Education Pro-

gram, the Paddle Nation Project afforded many first time pad-

dlers with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience

on the waters around them.

The program was developed to provide youth with a hands-

on, safe paddling experience and to educate participants

about the benefits of paddlesports as a healthy, active outdoor

lifestyle. Additionally, it served as a venue to teach youth

about the importance of good on-water stewardship.

Youth and adult chaperones that participated in the program

left feeling more confident and comfortable on the water and

had a better understanding of their waterways and local re-

sources for exploring them.

Through leading this program, the ACA has helped to create

a community network that could partner on similar programs

or easily replicate this model.

The two-day program was highly effective in providing target-

ed stewardship education and supplemental paddling skills to

then apply concepts learned in the classroom. Students left

with a better understanding of how the waters that were pad-

dled can be affected by how we conduct ourselves on land on

a daily basis.

In May, the American Canoe Association (ACA) part-

nered with the Charleston County Parks and Recrea-

tion Commission (CCPRC), the Charleston County

School District (CCSD), and Half Moon Outfitters to

provide a Paddle Nation program to middle school

aged students in a traditionally underserved area of

Charleston County. This program gave students the

opportunity to gain on-water experience and paddling

skills, coupled with lessons related to stewardship and

how each student is a stakeholder when it comes to

promoting healthier waters.

Creating future Generations of Stewards

“I learned today that it’s important to pick up trash and recycle and stuff because all of it can get into rivers and dirty up our water and oceans. I’ve been slackin’, so it’s good to come here and learn what I can do at home. We can all help out and do stuff to make our environment cleaner and, you know, more healthy. I’m gonna be better.” — Jerry, a student reflection after stewardship lessons on Day 1

Empowering Youth— Learn, Paddle, Preserve

CONNECTING YOUTH WITH RIVERS AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO HELP PROTECT OUR WATERS

CLASSROOM SESSIONS

Getting the wheels turning! Stu-

dents participated in an interactive

2.5 hour classroom session led by

the ACA Stewardship Coordinator.

Lessons incorporated state-identified

learning objectives for the age group

and focused on good stewardship of

our marine environments.

ON -WATER INSTRUCTION

Equip with skills necessary and boost

confidence!

Certified instructors and camp counse-

lors with the Charleston County Parks

and Recreation Commission led lake

based on-water demonstrations and

lessons to teach first time paddlers the

basics and safety techniques.

APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED

Students were taken on a six–mile

paddle on the Edisto River!

For most, this was their first time

paddling a river and eating lunch on its

banks. Students enjoyed identifying

local wildlife, vegetation, and helping

to leave the Edisto a little cleaner than

they found it!

ACA Paddle Nation Project

Creating future Generations of Stewards

More than just a day. It’s about a lifetime.

“I want to thank you. I’ve done a lot of field trips and programs, and

you have been the most professional group I’ve ever worked with…

you went above and beyond. This is something that these kids

will remember for the rest of their lives and will be able to take

their kids out on the river one day because of what you have done.

It really is more than just a day of paddling around, and it means a

lot.”

—Joel Warren, Baptist Hill Community Education Program

Inspiring Outdoor Play!

The ACA’s Paddle Nation Project directly reached eighteen

seventh grade students from rural Charleston, South Carolina. A

vast majority of these students live in areas without potable

water, and, for most, the program served as their first time hold-

ing a paddle or exploring the infamous river that runs right

through their backyard, the Edisto.

The Edisto River is touted as being the longest free-flowing

blackwater river in North America. A blackwater river is one that

flows through forested wetland areas and is named for the darkly

stained waters that derive its color from the tannins leached out

of decaying vegetation. The resulting waters are acidic in nature

and provide a unique ecosystem for local flora and fauna.

Meandering for more than 250 miles across a watershed of

3,125 square miles and enveloping more than 12 counties, the

Edisto is an invaluable resource to the people of South Carolina.

During the first day of the program, the students were led by

Prior to getting on the water, students were divided into smaller

groups to ensure better, more personalized instruction. Each stu-

dent was outfitted with a personal floatation device (PFD) and were

taught how to make sure that they fit and were adjusted appropri-

ately. Students were taught things like how to handle their paddles,

basic strokes, and how to get in and out of their canoes, from land

prior to even getting into a boat.

Once on the lake, instructors demonstrated proper techniques for

communicating with your partner, how to make the canoe go in the

direction you want, turn around, back paddle, etc. Students were

given supervised paddle time on the lake to reinforce the lessons

learned.

The following day, students met with staff at Givhan’s Ferry State

Park to put in for a 6-mile paddle of the Edisto River. There was one

instructor per student, so students didn't have to paddle on their

own. Over the course of the day, students learned to read a map

about where they were paddling to, got to each lunch on the banks

of the Edisto, explore its serpentine twists and turns, and learn

about the vegetation that lined its banks and the many creatures

that live in its waters or depend on the river for survival.

For all of the students, this was a first-time experience. And while

many didn’t want to see the day end, they were excited by what they

had accomplished and were eager to come back and do it again!

staff from CCPRC to a lake in James Island

County Park to learn basic paddling skills,

techniques, and safety information.

Building Capacity for Future Paddlers

The ACA partnered with Half– Moon

Outfitters in South Carolina to purchase

paddles and supplies for the children of

Baptist Hill Community Education

Program and other youth from CCPRC

to use and continue programs that

explore South Carolina's waterways.

The ACA currently has over 6,000 instructors across the world! These paddlesports ambassadors use their certifications to teach and certify new instructors; run summer camps or outdoor recreation programs; serve as tour guides through some of the most beautiful rivers and landscapes across the country; create education programs that engage youth and the community that teach essential on-water skills and safety information; or work as instructors for programs like First Descents, which offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to leave them feeling empowered.

Through ACA certified instructors and educational programs, over 809,000 youth are reached annually by the ACA.

While safety is most important, the ACA also places great importance on stewardship education and views every new set of hands on a paddle as a new steward for our water-ways. Through educational outreach and community-based programs like the Paddle Green Program, the ACA is helping to create a sustainable network of on-water stewards: actively working towards a cleaner and healthier tomorrow.

Of the 6.14 million tons of debris that enter marine environments each year, 80% of that comes from fresh-water rivers and streams! THAT’S WHERE WE PADDLE!

With more than 50 million people paddling annually, WE CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE if we all cleaned the areas that we explore!

Inspiring Outdoor Play!

Prior to getting on the water, students were divided into smaller

groups to ensure better, more personalized instruction. Each stu-

dent was outfitted with a personal floatation device (PFD) and were

taught how to make sure that they fit and were adjusted appropri-

ately. Students were taught things like how to handle their paddles,

basic strokes, and how to get in and out of their canoes, from land

prior to even getting into a boat.

Once on the lake, instructors demonstrated proper techniques for

communicating with your partner, how to make the canoe go in the

direction you want, turn around, back paddle, etc. Students were

given supervised paddle time on the lake to reinforce the lessons

learned.

The following day, students met with staff at Givhan’s Ferry State

Park to put in for a 6-mile paddle of the Edisto River. There was one

instructor per student, so students didn't have to paddle on their

own. Over the course of the day, students learned to read a map

about where they were paddling to, got to each lunch on the banks

of the Edisto, explore its serpentine twists and turns, and learn

about the vegetation that lined its banks and the many creatures

that live in its waters or depend on the river for survival.

For all of the students, this was a first-time experience. And while

many didn’t want to see the day end, they were excited by what they

had accomplished and were eager to come back and do it again!

The Paddle Nation Project began with

classroom lessons related to the importance of on-water stewardship and conservation of our rivers and streams.

Students learned about marine debris as a

growing global issue and how they could contribute to cleaner, healthier oceans by being good stewards of their local waterways.

In order to understand the issue and

effects of plastics and other debris in our waters, students had to understand the connection between the land they live on, their watersheds, and that all of our rivers and streams eventually flow into the ocean.

Students also had to examine their own

contributions to the problem. What do they use on a daily basis? How could they be more mindful about the waste that they generate? What happens to your waste once it leaves your trash can?

Did you know?Did you know?Did you know?

TRASH MATH! The EPA estimates that the average person throws away 4.43 lbs of trash per day. In South Carolina, the average person throws away 5 lbs/ day. That’s 35 lbs/ week! 1,825 lbs/ year! For a fam-ily of 4, that would be 7,280 lbs of trash/year! For the entire population of South Carolina, approximately 4.6 million, that would mean 23 MILLION POUNDS OF TRASH ARE ENTERING LANDFILLS EACH YEAR! That’s enough to fill and entire football field 9 feet deep!

CIGARETTE BUTTS ARE THE #1 POLLUTER OF WATERWAYS WORLDWIDE! As a class, we learned about local

municipal solid waste and how waste is transported and sorted in our landfills; the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; and the concept of “precycling,” being a conscious consumer and choosing to purchase products that demonstrate sustainable packaging practices.

Together, the students calculated their

household waste production and compared it to national averages. Each student had to identify and pledge at least one way that they would try to reduce their waste output and improve their waterways.

All of the day’s lessons were reinforced

through videos and activities that connected how we behave on-land with effects on our oceans and its inhabitants. In the end, students realized that although they may not be able to see the river from their homes, we all live on the water, and we all live upstream from someone else.

We All Live Upstream!

A GREAT CLASSROOM

ACTIV ITY TO DEMONSTRATE

THE CONCEPT OF

WATERWAY POLLUTION

Prep:

Before class, line up all poster boards and draw

a continuous river through them

On the back of each poster board, write a small

number to denote their order

Markers, colored pencils, etc.

Activity:

Ask the students “Who wants to be a millionaire?”

Have them divide into groups of 3-5.

Explain that you are giving each group a million

dollar piece of riverfront property to be developed

however they want. Money is not an object. The

students will have to live here, so be sure to

incorporate everything that they will need.

Give students 10-15 minutes to develop their land.

Once everyone has created their towns, explain

that these properties are not several different

pieces of land but, rather, one continuous river.

Post all towns in order of the numbers on the back

of the poster boards and assess how they are

Discussion:

Look at river as a whole. Have each

group of students explain their develop-

ment and identify potential sources of

pollution.

For each potential pollutant, students will

pass a marker downstream to the next

“town.” (At the end, the final town should

have a lot of markers passed down to

them.)

Ask the students upstream how they feel about

contributing to it.

BIG PITURE MESSAGE: We ALL live upstream of

someone, both literally and metaphorically, and we

all need to be mindful about how we conduct

ourselves on land.

Then ask the students what they can do to help

reduce pollution that reaches people downstream.

Materials Needed:

Poster boards (1 board per group of students.

Usually 3-5 per group)

Ask the students at the final plot how they feel

about ending up with everyone’s pollution.

TRASH MATH! The EPA estimates that the average person throws away 4.43 lbs of trash per day. In South Carolina, the average person throws away 5 lbs/ day. That’s 35 lbs/ week! 1,825 lbs/ year! For a fam-ily of 4, that would be 7,280 lbs of trash/year! For the entire population of South Carolina, approximately 4.6 million, that would mean 23 MILLION POUNDS OF TRASH ARE ENTERING LANDFILLS EACH YEAR! That’s enough to fill and entire football field 9 feet deep!

CIGARETTE BUTTS ARE THE #1 POLLUTER OF WATERWAYS WORLDWIDE! “I have always heard about the three R’s, but ‘precycling’ is a whole

new term to me. It makes sense, though, to think about the materials and packaging of the goods you buy before you purchase them.” —7th grade teacher accompanying the students

Thank you for so many wo

nderful

MEMORIES!

“The Outdoor Foundation grant allowed the ACA

to develop a successful experiential community program

which taught lifelong skills and a new type

of environmental awareness to participants. The success

of this ACA program has set the standard for all or

new experiential community programs. We are thankful to

the Outdoor Nation Paddle Nation Project and all of our

partners for making this such a rewarding experience.”

— Wade Blackwood, Executive Director, ACA

“Wow!!! The grant program that

the ACA provided, along with the sup-

port from the staff from James Island

County Park and Recreation, was a

HUGE success. After bragging about

how well day one went, I struggle to

put into words how things even got

better on day two. Every part of the

trip was planned perfectly.

The entire staff who participated in this

event were true professionals… The

manner in which they interacted with

our students was a lesson for all educators to learn from. They engaged the students, asked open

ended questions, and most importantly, genuinely listened to what was on the minds of our inquisitive

young people.

The students really had a great time and we are so thankful that you were able to provide this

opportunity for our children. They learned skills that they might not have ever learned and taught them

that stepping out of their comfort zone can sometimes bring great rewards. I am so proud of all of

them. You know you have hit a home run when one of the students put it so simply, ‘this is nothing

like any of the field trips I have ever been on before.’ Such a simple comment spoke volumes to me.

Thanks again for your professionalism in making this experience something that will stick with these

children for the rest of their lives… such a unique opportunity!!!!!”

— Joel Warren, Community Education Director, Baptist Hill High School

“It was wonderful watching the children move

away from apprehension and toward a level

of comfort with the river…. The education and

understanding gained through this experience

melted away their fears and began the

process of connecting them to their

environment. It was a very happy and proud

day for everyone involved.”

— Joe Moore, Charleston County Parks and

Recreation Commission

REFLECTIONS

MANY THANKS! Thank you to the Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Nation for funding this initia- tive!

And to our partners who made this program possible!

Learn more about what the ACA is trying to do to educate youth, motivate paddlers, and reduce marine debris through our Paddle Green Program and stewardship initiatives! If you have questions about how to become a more active steward, contact Cate.

Be sure to

FOLLOW US Online!

Making the World a Better Place to Paddle! Since 1880.

ACA Stewardship

108 Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 P. (540) 907. 4460 x 106 F. (888) 229. 3792 www.americancanoe.org

Committed to cleaner waters and a more sustainable future.

Being one of the four tenets that the ACA was

founded on in 1880, promoting good

stewardship is central to the ACA mission.

For more than a century, the ACA has

demonstrated a long-standing commitment to

protecting and preserving the environments

that we all love to paddle. From Clean Water

Act litigation to Club Fostered Stewardship

grants, we are committed to YOUR waters by

supporting grassroots efforts and represent-

ing the interests of paddlers in federal policy.

Programs like the Paddle Nation Project are

especially important to us because the ACA

wants to educate and inspire future genera-

tions of paddlers to get outside, explore their

waters, and become the new wave of

stewards that will help protect our rivers and

oceans!

Thank you to the Outdoor Foundation for

funding this initiative! We are incredibly

grateful to OF and Outdoor Nation for

supporting so many programs that inspire our

youth to get out and play. The American

Canoe Association is excited to be able to

contribute to paddlesports education for youth

across the country!

With gratitude,

Cate Huxtable Stewardship Coordinator