First Time on the Water
This week a group of kids from CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) joined our paddle camp. Along with a trip to the science center and a day at Newport Dunes, they got out on Newport Back Bay in an outrigger canoe and even got some racing in.
For most of them it was their first time paddling. They picked up the strokes, worked together, and had a good time out on the water.
The group included 3 kids from CHOC’s Spina Bifida clinic and 5 kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities from around Orange County. NCL (National Charity League) and 4 Occupational Therapy doctoral students from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) came out to help.
This is part of our Makapo Aquatics Project, our adaptive paddling program at NAC. We’re working on expanding it to include rowing, so more kids have the chance to get out on the bay.
Thanks to our volunteers, and to CHOC for bringing the kids out. A special thank you to Dr. Aminian for referring these patients and helping make the day happen. Thanks also to Billy and his culture of yes, and to RJ for being willing to make it work. We’re looking forward to more days like this one
