MONT CLARE — Though a wet and wobbly experience for some, two dozen young nature-lovers recently came away smiling from a day spent exploring the Schuylkill Canal and Schuylkill River by kayak.

Thanks to their summer camp leaders, Pete and Eloise Smyrl and other volunteers, the campers were guided safely down the Schuylkill Canal from Fitzwater Station to Lock 60, where they had lunch and then portaged to the Schuylkill River.

The two dozen youngsters from Owen J. Roberts, Pottstown and Twin Valley school districts, including some who are home-schooled, were taking part in the kayaking experience thanks to the Nature Camp at Crow’s Nest Preserve in Elverson, held in conjunction with the Natural Lands Trust.