Dogpatch Paddle Youth Camps

Dogpatch Paddle Youth Camps offers a range of specific sessions, including Park-to-Park Adventure Camp, Beginner Paddle Board at Crane Cove, Beginner Paddle Board at Mission Creek, Intermediate SUP or Kayak, Teen Explorer's Travel Camp, and Advanced SUP (Paddle Board). Campers take part in activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, volleyball, pickleball, bocce, basketball, beachside games, wading areas, land-based activities, circle time, stretching, and pod games. Every camp begins with a comprehensive safety briefing covering emergency protocols, paddling techniques, and understanding tides and currents, and all campers must be strong swimmers and in good shape for physically demanding camps.

• Ages: 7–16 years old
• Schedule: 2026 sessions run Mar 30–Apr 3; Apr 6–10; Jun 1–5; Jun 8–12; Jun 15–19; Jun 22–26; Jun 29–Jul 3; Jul 6–10; Jul 13–17; Jul 20–24; Jul 27–31; Aug 3–7; Aug 10–14; Aug 17–21, with optional before care from 8am–9am and after care from 3pm–6pm.
• Price: Park-to-Park Adventure Camp: $649 per session; Beginner Paddle Board (Crane Cove): $799 per session; Beginner Paddle Board (Mission Creek): $799 per session; Intermediate SUP or Kayak: $799 per session; Teen Explorer's Travel Camp: $999 per session; Advanced SUP (Paddle Board): $799 per session; before care $50 per week; after care $100 per week; combined before and after care $120 per week.

The program supplies all equipment needed for the week on the water, including paddles, boards, life vests, and related gear, and families receive a packing list after registration. If a camper prefers to wear a wetsuit, they may bring one from home or purchase one at the camp shop, and campers are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate beachwear with flip-flops or water shoes. 2026 Youth Camps at Mission Creek are described as skill-building weeks on protected water with small groups and steady progression, and are noted as being suited to newer paddlers gaining confidence, while Advanced SUP camp focuses on racing form, efficient strokes, fitness, and endurance and is only offered for two sessions. New for 2026, Park-to-Park Adventure Camp focuses on Esprit, China Basin, Mission Bay, Bayfront, and Crane Cove Parks with no paddling, and Teen Explorer’s Travel Camp expands to paddle spots in Marin, the East Bay, Half Moon Bay, the Peninsula, and makes a push for the Bay Bridge.

Each counselor is CPR and first-aid certified and has a strong swimming background, and counselors are described as experts in water safety. The camp states that it is an inclusive camp with an absolute policy of inclusion, welcoming kids of all identities and backgrounds, and counselors are trained to facilitate inclusion for all genders, identities, ethnicities, and learning differences. The outdoor setting is described as allowing for natural physical distancing, and if conditions change, alternative activities are prepared to keep campers engaged. All youth camps are described as the ultimate Bay Area adventure, and summer in Dogpatch is described as having blue skies along the waterfront while fog lingers over Twin Peaks.

The program notes that last year it welcomed a host of campers on sliding scale and scholarships with support from the Power Station and YMCA. 2026 offerings also include a new Mission Creek location for beginner SUP, with Mission Creek camps described as taking place on calm, protected water. Testimonials describe the camp as “the best week we’ve had all summer,” “Best camp ever!!!,” and say that kids “LOVE Dogpatch Paddle,” and one camper reports kayaking all the way to Oracle Park and enjoying the experience. Another testimonial highlights the convenience of access into the water, and an adult participant describes an instructor as patient, encouraging, and fun during kayak lessons.

Last updated March 16, 2026.