Outdoor rec class learns to kayak in high school pool

Kayaking is a favorite recreation opportunity for many in North Central Washington. It’s not uncommon to see kayakers enjoying local bodies of water. What is unusual is seeing these watercraft in the Wenatchee High School Pool. Audrey Moore teaches the outdoor recreation class at WHS and got her class in kayaks and in the school’s pool last week. Many of the students in her were excited about kayaking for the first time. During the course, students learned how to enter and exit the kayak, use their paddles correctly and practice different strokes and edge techniques. Students also learned about balance and how to safely exit their kayaks in the event they flipped upside down. Moore said there was lots of smiling and laughing throughout the lesson and with a few tipping over into the water. 

Through a partnership with the local nonprofit Trails Recreation Education Advocacy and Development (TREAD) Moore was able to borrow kayaks for her class. TREAD advocates for outdoor recreation in the Wenatchee Valley and throughout Central Washington through education, communication, and collective impact work. Moore connected with TREAD through an acquaintance and worked with TREAD’s volunteer coordinator Ryan Graig to create a unique learning opportunity for her class. “Ryan has been so helpful in reaching out to community members and seeing who is available and willing to help support WHS's Outdoor Recreation Classes!, Moore said. Graig helped clean and transported the kayaks to WHS so students could participate in this unique indoor learning opportunity.

Moore plans to continue this unit for future classes and hopes to expand the Ourdoor Recreation program to offer more of these types of learning experiences. “I think that hands-on learning is invaluable for student growth. With the wide variety of recreation opportunities that are available in the Wenatchee valley, it is important to have a safe place to learn about and get started with them.”

Wenatchee School District Strategic Plan Priority: Partnerships
Relationships, between students, staff, families, schools, and community that enhance student well-being and success.