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The week Explorers got their first kayak badge
On Monday, eleven of our thirty one Explorers had never sat in a boat. By Friday, every one of them had a paddling badge. Here is how the week went.
By the Trailblazer team · October 2026
Monday: the swim test
Every child starts in the shallow end. We check they can float, put their face in, and swim a few metres with a float. Those who cannot yet wear a life jacket for every water session, and that is fine: the badge is about paddling, not swimming.
Tuesday: the pool kayaks
Sit on top kayaks in the deep pool, two instructors in the water. Children learn to hold the paddle, go forward, stop and turn. The favourite drill is the capsize: tipping out on purpose, so it is never a surprise.
Wednesday: games
Kayak tag, ball relays and a slow race where the last boat wins. Games build control without anyone noticing they are practising.
Thursday: the lagoon
The older Explorers, with written consent, paddled a short, calm stretch of lagoon with our instructors and a safety boat alongside. Younger ones stayed in the pool and practised rescues.
Friday: the badge
Badges were handed out at showcase in front of families. Several parents asked how to keep going after camp, so we now share a list of clubs and pools in Calabar that welcome young paddlers.