Kids Explore the Outdoors this Summer at a Lake Metroparks Day Camp!

Hey moms and dads: let your children explore the outdoors this summer at a summer day camp with Lake Metroparks.  Children ages five to 16 will experience the outdoors this summer while participating in one or more of the 50 offerings available.  Lake Metroparks summer day camps offer hands-on fun and educational activities including nature, farming, fishing, wildlife, boating, field trips, and so much more.  Camps are held at various parks throughout Lake County and are led by qualified staff.   Extended care is available for some camps.

A complete listing of Lake Metroparks summer day camps is available online at lakemetroparks.com and in the Spring Parks Plus! activity guide.

 


Pre-registration is required to participate in Lake Metroparks Summer Day Camps and/or the extended hours offerings.  Registration for Lake County residents begins at 8:00 am Thursday, March 1.  Open registration begins 8:00 am March 8. Registration for camps is available online at lakemetroparks.com or by calling 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226.  In person registration is available at the Lake Metroparks Registration Office located at 11211 Spear Rd in Concord Twp.   Registration for extended care is available by phone or in person only.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding – The Latest Aquatic Workout

Written by Andrea Pasquale, Lake Metroparks Recreation Specialist

Developed in the Hawaiian Islands, this sport combines the thrill of being on the open water with a core workout no other paddle sport can provide.  Surfers who were tired of laying flat on the board designed larger more stable boards that allow riders to stand up and use a long paddle. Like other surf sports, finding your balance is the challenge, but once you get it the sport becomes intensely addictive.  

Moving from prone to upright allows the participant a better view both across and down into the water.
Proper technique requires correct hand placement on the paddle and torso rotation to engage large core muscles rather than just your arms. Without torso rotation, arms tire faster and a less efficient stroke results. Foot placement is important for balance on the board: position feet parallel, shoulder width apart, mid-board, not too far forward or back. Knees are slightly bent and flexible with weight shifting at the hips, not the head. Don’t look at your feet because the sport’s best attribute is the out-“standing” view while gliding
on water!  

At Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, Lake Metroparks has four boards for rent. You can take a class to get a few pointers before you go out on your own. This is the fastest growing water sport around, so don’t be left on the beach – get out and try it!

Basic paddleboard classes are offered Saturdays at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park between now and August 27. Class is $15 including rental. Registration is required. 

Click here for more information on this and other boating classes. 

Rentals are available at the beach from 10:30 am – 8 pm every day for $10 per hour.