How to Help Your Son Prepare for Camp Shohola’s Watersports: Gear, Swim Skills and Safety

 

Camp Shohola for Boys in Greeley, PA offers one of the most comprehensive waterfront programs in the region. From kayaking and paddleboarding to Red Cross-level swim instruction and sailing, boys from the Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, NYC, and Southern Connecticut metro areas dive into adventure daily. But before your son grabs a paddle or jumps off the dock, it’s important to make sure he’s ready physically, mentally, and with the right gear. This guide helps parents prepare their boys for safe, confidence-building fun at Camp Shohola’s waterfront.

Understanding the Scope of the Watersports Program

Camp Shohola’s waterfront activities are not just recreational; they’re structured, progressive, and designed to teach lifelong skills.

Some of the key offerings include:

• Instructional Swimming: Boys are grouped by skill level using the Red Cross swim curriculum. Non-swimmers are supported at every step.

• Canoeing and Kayaking: A focus on balance, water safety, and navigating still or moving water.

• Wakeboarding and Paddleboarding: For more adventurous campers, these activities require core strength and coordination, with staff providing constant guidance.

• Sailing and Boating: Supervised instruction teaches boat safety, knots, steering, and wind handling all taught in a hands-on format.

Each activity is led by trained, certified staff with strict adherence to safety protocols and camper-to-instructor ratios.

What Swim Skills Should My Son Have Before Camp?

While Camp Shohola welcomes all swim levels including beginners it helps to ensure your son has some basic familiarity with the water.

• Beginner Level: Being comfortable in a life vest, able to float on back or stomach, and take direction in the water.

• Intermediate: Swimming 15–25 yards unassisted, treading water, and entering/exiting from a dock or lake edge.

• Advanced: Strong freestyle and backstroke, diving experience, and experience with lake or open water settings.

If your son is new to swimming, consider enrolling him in a few lessons before camp. Being confident in the water helps reduce anxiety and maximizes his ability to enjoy the activities.

What Gear Should He Pack for the Waterfront?

Camp Shohola provides most watersports equipment, but there are essentials every camper should bring.

Suggested Gear Includes:

• Quick-dry swim trunks (2–3 pairs)

• Rash guard or sun shirt

• Water shoes or closed-toe sandals (for lake and dock use)

• Waterproof dry bag or mesh bag for wet gear

• Extra towel labeled with name

• Sunscreen and chapstick with SPF

Label everything with your son’s full name. Waterfront items are often mixed up or left out to dry near cabins or docks.

Safety, Supervision and Camper Mindset

Camp Shohola takes safety seriously across every program, and the waterfront is no exception.

• Certified instructors run all water activities.

• Life vests are mandatory for boating and paddle activities.

• Campers are trained in water safety and dock behavior from day one.

• Daily check-ins ensure each camper feels safe and knows what’s expected.

Beyond gear and swim ability, a camper’s mindset is just as important. Encourage your son to:

• Listen carefully to instructors

• Respect the boundaries set for different swim areas

• Speak up if something feels unsafe or uncomfortable

Helping your son understand that watersports are about progress, not perfection, goes a long way in helping him build confidence on the water.

At Camp Shohola, the waterfront is more than just a place to cool off; it’s where boys challenge themselves, build new skills, and grow their confidence. With proper swim readiness and the right gear, your son can make the most of every lake day. Camp Shohola proudly serves families from the D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, NYC, and Southern Connecticut metro areas. Contact us today to learn how to prepare for an unforgettable summer on the water.