Wallaceburg 4-H Canoe and Kayak Club get big donation

The Wallaceburg 4-H Canoe & Kayak Club is pleased to be a recipient of $1000 donated by the Southwest Regional Credit Union which has been used to purchase new kayaks for the Club. The kayaks were officially presented last night at the Club’s Rally Night at Mitchell’s Bay Marina.

This is the 10th season for the Club which was the brainchild of Dawne Mudford.

“We very much appreciate this generous donation. The Club supplies the boats for the members,” Mudford said. “With the purchase of three new kayaks, this will allow more kids to come out and enjoy kayaking.”

Many Wallaceburg residents had expressed an interest in making use of the local waterways but there had been no progress in that direction.
Mudford decided that the best way to introduce people to canoes and kayaks was by starting out with kids. That way they would be trained in safety and paddling – something they could take into adulthood.

Of course this developed right along the course as planned. As the parents saw how much fun their kids were having, many decided to come along and give it a try. “Now we have nearly as many adults paddle with us as we do kids!” said Mudford

The Club began humbly 10 years ago with 6 kayaks that had been loaned to the Club by the Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce, as well as any boats they could beg or borrow, as well as canoes that were loaned by the Wallaceburg Scouts and several friends and neighbours.

The first year attracted 22 members. As the word got out about the Club each succeeding year had more than 50 kids (ages 10 to 21) registered, with a waiting list every year.

Now, thanks to the generosity of the community, the Club currently has a “fleet” of more than 20 kayaks and a half dozen canoes, as well as two trailers to transport them. Shell Canada has been a major contributor over the years, as well as Ridgetown Kiwanis, Wallaceburg Knights of Columbus, and this year the Club welcomed a contribution from the Southwest Regional Credit Union who donated funds to purchase three brand new kayaks.

“Members are required to partake in a safety course, provided by the Wallaceburg Power and Sail Squadron,” Mudford said. “This is taking place this evening- April 26th) Members provide their own lifejackets which have been fitted and approved by WPSS. “It’s great to have a partnership with WPSS. They are a wonderful resource.”

Once on the water members learn to basics of paddling both canoes and kayaks, as well as canoe over canoe rescue, kayak self rescue etc.

The Club is always looking for donations of used canoes and kayaks. They are put to good use, taking kids out on the waterways to get plenty of fresh air, exercise, and experience, enjoying their natural surrounds, and away from electronics.

The season begins on May 31st and we paddle every Thursday evening from 6 pm until dusk, putting in at various locations, usually in the Wallaceburg area. However, the achievement program involves a 3 day paddling/camping trip; this year to the Saugeen River.

“We usually attract a lot of attention when people see us paddling along, with nearly 50 people in our colourful boats,” Mudford said.

Leaders of the Club are: Dawne Mudford, Marc Jacques (both of whom have been with the Club since the start) and Dennis Carnegie who started out as a “dad” of a member several years ago.

We have many adult volunteers who paddle with us on a regular basis and others who kindly shuttle vehicles for us and help to load boats on trailers. “It’s a wonderful co-operative effort that has made this Club so successful.” (DM)

The Wallaceburg Canoe & Kayak Club is to date the only known 4H Canoe & Kayak Club in Canada.