Swimming, biking and kayaking.

These are all activities that can easily be done in and around Golden, and are also part of the Outdoor Camp that was held last week and this week.

Campers from ages five to eight met each morning last week at various locations around the town. The Cool Kids, as they were called, enjoyed a number of activities that introduced them to some of the outdoor adventures available close to home.

"The philosophy is to have fun in the outdoors, learn about yourself and others, gain some outdoor skills and discover some great play areas right in or around Golden," said Sanne van der Ros, camp co-ordinator.

The Cool Kids ran as half day sessions throughout the week, with campers coming to morning and afternoon sessions. This week the Survival Crew is being offered to kids aged nine to 12, and is being held as a full day session.

During the camp, campers learned about, and got to experience activities such as kayaking at Cedar Lake, climbing at the Dogtooth Climbing Gym and completed the Swim to Survive Challenge at the Golden Municipal Pool.

It is not only important that the campers are having fun while learning these new activities, but also that they are learning the safe and proper way to be adventurous.

"I take no more than 10 kids per group so that the quality of the experience and safety are not compromised," explained van der Ros.

The campers are always encouraged to try the new activities, but at their own speed.

"The kids participate on their own terms, and only will do something they are comfortable with," said van der Ros.

This is now the third year that the Outdoor Camp is being offered, and being run by van der Ros. It was originally started by van der Ros after she worked to find out from the community what was wanted in an outdoor camp.

"When I arrived in Golden three years ago I realized that there was a need for taking kids outdoors during the summer time," she explained. "I was asked by some parents if I would do an outdoor camp."

Since the beginning the camp has been popular, with van der Ros mentioning that often some of the groups are filled during the Town of Golden's summer camp registration night in the Spring.