Summer Tradition Of Kayak For Kids On June 12 To Benefit Queen Louise Home For Children

ST. CROIX — Lutheran Social Services is inviting the community to participate in the 17th Annual Kayak for Kids event on Sunday, June 12, according to a press release the nonprofit issued Wednesday.

Every summer, the fundraiser for Queen Louise Home for Children has been a fun-filled, summertime tradition for teenagers and adults on St. Croix, says the release.

Anyone can join in on the fun as a kayaker, a stand-up paddler, or a hiker. Experienced paddlers are welcome to start the long course from Cane Bay Beach. Registration begins at 9:30 am and group departure at 11:00 am. There will be a rest stop at Hams Bay at 12:00 pm where paddlers avoiding the wind and waves of Hams Bluff join for the second leg of the course. Hams Bay registration begins at 12:00 pm and group departure at 1:00 pm. Participants and volunteers will finish with a picnic party at Fort Frederik Beach.

There is a $50 registration fee per participant, and payment can be made on-site during registration on the day of the event. Paddlers can contact Freedom City Surf Shop in Frederiksted to reserve kayaks and stand-up paddle boards before the event.

There will also be a group hiking from Cane Bay Beach to Fort Frederik Beach and interested hikers can call 340-772-4099 x 24 for information. All participants are encouraged fundraise for their trip, and a prize will be awarded to the person who raises the most money in sponsorships.

All event proceeds directly support Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix – a residential foster care program that provides a home with love and care to children in the Virgin Islands who have been abused, abandoned, neglected or have severe disabilities and special medical needs. Queen Louise Home receives support from the local and Federal government, however as a nonprofit agency, Lutheran Social Services is responsible for raising over $450,000 annually to ensure children have a safe and loving Home they can turn to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Last year’s Kayak for Kids drew a crowd of 86 participants, and 200 paddlers and contributors raised over $20,000 for Queen Louise Home for Children.

For more information about volunteering or participating in the 17th Annual Kayak for Kids, please call Lutheran Social Services at 772-4099 ext. 24 or email [email protected].

Feature Image: Paddlers pose on Fort Frederick beach after Kayak for Kids last summer (Credit: Q Studio, LLC).