BELLBROOK — Learning to canoe safely while having a great week on the water at Spring Lakes Park near Bellbrook, young campers at Greene County Parks & Trails’ (GCP&T) Canoein’ and Creekin’ Summer Camp learned about safety gear, parts of the canoe and maneuvering techniques.

In the afternoon, campers explored the creek as they searched for aquatic life.

The camp leader was a certified watercraft instructor and GCP&T staff naturalist. The program was funded in part through a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft.

For more information about Greene County Parks & Trails, call 937-562-6440, email [email protected] or visit gcparkstrails.com.

Submitted photos Max Helmig of Xenia shows off the GCP&T bucket hat all campers received this year.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/web1_hAT-1.jpgSubmitted photos Max Helmig of Xenia shows off the GCP&T bucket hat all campers received this year.

Khalid Nelson of Beavercreek has a special ability that may help him be extra flexible when out on the canoe.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/web1_Arms-1.jpgKhalid Nelson of Beavercreek has a special ability that may help him be extra flexible when out on the canoe.

The canoe crew takes a moment along the Spring Lakes shoreline before beginning the put their newly learned skills to work.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/web1_Canoes-1.jpgThe canoe crew takes a moment along the Spring Lakes shoreline before beginning the put their newly learned skills to work.

GCP&T Naturalist Ashlee Schmitt works with a camper to teach the proper way to exit a kayak.

http://www.xeniagazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/07/web1_2Canoes-1.jpgGCP&T Naturalist Ashlee Schmitt works with a camper to teach the proper way to exit a kayak.