The Canyon Lake Enrichment Activities and Recreation (C.L.E.A.R.) Foundation collaborated with the Canyon Lake Wakeboard and Waterski Clubs to host its first-ever three-day Wakeboard and Waterski Camp from July 24 through July 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the north ski area.
The camp provided an opportunity for 20 kids to learn how to wakeboard and waterski, as well as gain confidence and forge new friendships.
On day one, campers learned to wakeboard. Boats, drivers, instructors, and equipment were provided by the Wakeboard Club. During lunch, campers ate alongside the firefighters at the Canyon Lake Fire Station and received a lesson in CPR and first aid. Lunch was provided by PZA.
“It was great having the kids at the fire station and having Firefighter/Paramedic Moore teach CPR and first aid,” Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse said. “I hope they all had fun and learned what to do during an emergency. We look forward to next year!”
Day two of camp focused on wakeboarding and waterskiing with the help of both the Wakeboard Club and Ski Club. During lunch at the fire station, an Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District representative presented each camper with a goody bag and gave a lesson about the regional watershed and water quality. The Ski Club and Wakeboard Club also held a raffle with prizes donated by Pacific Freedom Marine. Each camper won a prize. Lunch was provided by Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant.
Campers were given a choice to wakeboard or waterski on day three. The Ski Club provided three boats for skiing and one boat for wakeboarding. During lunch, the Ski Club presented campers with goody bags that included Canyon Lake Ski Club T-shirts. Lunch was provided by the Canyon Lake Market.
“The Ski Club was thrilled to be a part of the learn to ski and wakeboard days this week with CLEAR,” Ski Club President Scott Larson said. “It was a great event and we had a wonderful time teaching and connecting with the kids in our community.”
When not wakeboarding or waterskiing, campers had an opportunity to play on the beach or in the water on a kayak or paddleboard.
Kasey Castillo, CLEAR co-founder and treasurer, shared her thoughts about the camp. “The very best part of Canyon Lake is its people,” Castillo said.
“We relied on so many to pull this camp off. The many volunteers who showed up to donate their time were absolutely integral to its success. The most rewarding parts for me were seeing new friendships made and watching the growth of confidence in these kids. I’m so thrilled to hear the positive feedback from the experience.”
Bradley Morton, CLEAR co-founder and president, shared, “Looking back on my childhood, some of my best memories are of waterskiing at summer camp. It wasn’t merely the moments I was actually skiing, but the entire experience. In addition to the new confidence gained by overcoming my fear and learning how to double ski, then progressing to a single ski, a wakeboard, and then ultimately barefoot skiing at 40 miles per hour.
“In addition to the confidence gained from learning these new skills, I recall fondly the moments in between my turns. The moments of downtime spent riding in the boat, hanging out on the dock, and developing new friendships with other campers and coaches. I was lucky to go back every summer between the ages of nine and 15 years of age. Wow, how I look forward to it as the highlight of my summers.
“Here in Canyon Lake, we have the rare opportunity to create similar memories for our children. This summer, with the critically important support of the Canyon Lake Wakeboard Club and Waterski Club, the CLEAR Foundation began the journey of establishing an annual water sports camp, which focuses on getting our kids off the couch and developing new skills and improved self-confidence. Perhaps, if we are lucky, these kids will someday look back on these rear moments out on our lake as some of the highlights of their youth.
“Is this a lofty goal? Perhaps. However, why not try to create this as a community? After witnessing the buy-in and enthusiasm from both the Wakeboard and Waterski Clubs, we collectively are well on our way to establishing something rare, positive, and impactful.
“The CLEAR Foundation co-founder Kasey Castillo, our board members, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved. It truly was a meaningful collaboration between the clubs and local business sponsors. We couldn’t have started this without you and we appreciate you all!”
CLEAR Director Darcy Burke expressed her gratitude for the support the camp received. “As a CLEAR board member, I’m grateful for our sponsors and the community support,” Darcy Burke said. “Canyon Lake is a gift, and CLEAR is instilling a meaningful relationship with our water resources, water safety, community clubs, and fun! Our first water sports camp was a success because it was a collaborative effort.”
Wakeboard Club President Steve Hauger said the club looks forward to future collaborations. “Working with the city, POA, CLEAR Foundation, EVMWD, and the Canyon Lake Fire Department was amazing,” Hauger said. “The kids of the community really benefit from all watersports, and we look forward to future collaborations.”
The CLEAR Foundation is a nonprofit, philanthropic, charitable foundation geared at enriching the lives of Canyon Lake kids. Its goal is to encourage healthy choices and good judgment through programs and recreational activities that promote conservation, lake stewardship, water safety, awareness, team building, and community involvement. For more information or to inquire about making a donation to the foundation, email [email protected].
