Sailing & Paddling
Sailing & Paddling
Smallcraft
Set sail for adventure with Camp Nicolet’s fantastic Smallcraft program, where you can discover the joys of sailing and paddling on beautiful Franklin Lake! This program offers a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow through sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and even the occasional windsurfing experience. Imagine the fun of gliding across the water in a sailboat, paddling your own kayak, or enjoying the peacefulness of a stand-up paddleboard – Smallcraft is all about building skills and making unforgettable memories on the lake!
canoeing
At Camp Nicolet, you’ll learn the fundamentals of canoeing through the Smallcraft program, setting the stage for exciting adventures on Franklin Lake and Tiger’s Tail’s sandbar. Mastering your paddling skills is not just fun, but also essential for participating in the introductory Sylvania Wilderness Canoe trip, and ultimately, the challenging Voyageurs Wilderness Canoe adventure as a Counselor In Training.
kayaking
Kayaking forms a fundamental part of Camp Nicolet’s Smallcraft program, where participants develop essential paddling skills and can earn their kayaking activity patch. Single and double kayaks are provided, and techniques are learned applicable to advanced excursions; including the Apostle Islands Sea Kayaking trip for campers aged 14 and older. Embark on explorations of Franklin Lake’s hidden bay and island, venturing into uncharted waters and experiencing the thrill of discovery from the unique perspective of your kayak.
Sailing
Hoist the sails and catch the wind at Camp Nicolet, where Franklin Lake transforms into your personal sailing playground! Imagine skimming across the water on a zippy Hobie Wave, mastering the Laser Performance Bug, or commanding the majestic Interlake, all under the guidance of our awesome instructors. Get ready to feel the adrenaline rush of an intercamp regatta, racing your fellow campers, and show off your newfound skills to earn that coveted sailing activity patch, a testament to your lifetime of sailing adventures!
stand up paddling
Ready to walk on water? Dive into Stand Up Paddling at Camp Nicolet and earn your SUP activity patch by mastering the art of the paddle! From serene glides on calm lake days to thrilling rides through playful waves, you’ll discover the pure joy of balancing and exploring on your own SUP board. Don’t miss the chance to join the legendary Evening Elective, Sunset Paddle, where you’ll cap off the day with a magical SUP adventure as the sun paints the sky!
Testimonials
Testimonials
Because of camp, I have been able to meet so many different people with all different backgrounds. Camp is just a magical place where girls from all over come to be girls, and I can honestly say there has not been a day at camp out of all my years that I did not feel like I had best friends who really cared for me.
Camp Nicolet is a tremendous gift, not just for our daughter, but for our whole family. It’s always nice to remind our daughter that her favorite time of year is the one month she doesn’t have a phone in her hands. Camp is a huge part of who our daughter is – for that we are thankful.
One day, I will return to gather Nicolet up into my arms. One does not forget, ever, being so very lucky to have grown up with such a friend as Nicolet. I treasure it always.
Our daughter would not be the strong, confident person she is today without the experiences she had at Camp Nicolet. Thank you a thousand times over!
The fact that you are able to slow these girls down, detach them from their electronics, and show them all that Nicolet has to offer is amazing to me and very lucky for them. You have not only kept the very special legacy of Nicolet going, but you have added to and changed camp in such a way that you have kept it relevant to this next generation. Thank you for that.
As a preteen who struggled to find her place in school— I absolutely flourished at camp and was forever changed. Camp Nicolet helped me discover who I was and how powerful one girl could become.
Cannot begin to thank you enough for giving my daughter a chance to have the most amazing summer of her young life. she thoroughly enjoyed her time at camp, made so many nice friends, and had so many wonderful experiences (including the backpacking trip along Lake Superior) that she can’t stop talking about it.
My 9 years at Camp Nicolet are some of the highlights of my life. I think of my time on Lake Franklin, laughing, singing, learning new skills, and making lifelong friends. The memories are a source of pure joy and happiness buffering the inevitable challenges of life!
Everyone was so kind and attentive. I enjoyed getting the letters and seeing the excitement in our daughters handwriting. She survived without her phone! We have camp as a reference now, as we remind her of how much she accomplished without devices or streaming media
Camp means more to me that you will ever know. My best friends/sisters are the most important people in my life. I am forever grateful to you for providing me (and my mom!) with nine wonderful summers. I would not be who I am today without Nicolet.
