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Kayak for Kids


An annual event hosted by Lutheran Social Services and benefiting the Queen Louise Home for Children, this fundraiser began in 2000 with a group of friends who kayaked from Cane Bay around Ham’s Bluff all the way to Frederiksted beach and raised more than $2,500 that first year. By 2011 the event had grown to raise more than $26,000. Participants can kayak or paddle board one of two courses, the Long Course or the Short Course. The Long Course leaves from Cane Bay Beach, with a water stop at Ham’s Bluff, before heading to Frederiksted Beach. The Short Course departs from Ham’s Bay Beach and ends at Frederiksted Beach.

At Frederiksted Beach, the participants are treated  to a picnic complete with food, drinks and music – all kindly donated by the community. This event is NOT a race, so all experience  levels of kayakers and paddler boarders are welcome! However, the participant who collects the highest amount of donations receives a special prize. Other prizes are given away during the raffle, including kayak tours, artwork, jewelry and gift certificates to restaurants, again all kindly donated by the community.

Where:

The Long Course leaves from Cane Bay Beach, with a water stop at Ham’s Bluff, before heading to Frederiksted Beach. The Short Course departs from Ham’s Bay Beach and ends at Frederiksted Beach.

When:

Generally held on a Sunday in mid-June. For the date and start times for this year’s event, please visit our Calendar of Events.

Cost:

Participants pay a fee of $50 per person, and are encouraged to collect donations from the community.

Proceeds Benefit:

The Queen Louise Home for Children, which was founded in 1904 in Frederiksted. It is the only residential foster care home in the United States Virgin Islands. They provide temporary placement to children from birth to twelve years old who have been neglected or abused or have any range of developmental disability. The Home also has an Early Head Start Center which works with at risk infants and pregnant women. Queen Louise Home is staffed by full time childcare workers along with AmeriCorp volunteers. Services include in-house counseling for families and individuals, parenting classes, medical and developmental monitoring, tutoring, infant stimulation, preschool instructions, and follow-up and social services after discharge.

 

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