Voyageur Canoe Training Program / Image Credit: Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America
The American Canoe Association is proud to announce the two outstanding recipients of the 2025 Marge Cline Memorial Grant. This grant honors the legacy of Marge Cline by supporting programs that promote youth paddling programs in the Midwest. This year’s recipients, the Symons Recreation Complex and the Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America, exemplify Marge Cline’s passion for fostering paddlesports within their communities.
Symons Recreation Complex – Youth Kayaking Safety Courses & Pine River Promotion
The Symons Recreation Complex has been awarded funding to support introductory river kayaking safety classes for youth in their community. By offering these courses, Symons aims to encourage kids to be active outdoors while building confidence and comfort in the water using kayaks.
Beyond youth paddling instruction, Symons is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and waterway accessibility. In collaboration with Richland County, they plan to organize events focused on the cleanup and promotion of the Pine River as a premier regional paddling destination. With kayaking gaining popularity as a tourism draw for the county, their efforts will emphasize river safety and responsible recreation to benefit both residents and visitors alike.
Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America – Canoe Maintenance & Youth Paddling Programs
The Crossroads of America Council, Scouting America, has received the Marge Cline Memorial Grant to support the maintenance and repair of their fleet of canoes. This funding will ensure that their paddling programs continue to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for youth in their scouting community.
Through their paddling courses, the Crossroads of America Council equips young scouts with essential canoeing skills, water safety knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for outdoor adventure. By maintaining their canoes, the council can continue offering these invaluable experiences to new generations of paddlers, fostering confidence, teamwork, and respect for the natural world.
The ACA congratulates both recipients on their well-deserved awards and looks forward to seeing the impact of their programs in the coming year. These initiatives uphold the spirit of Marge Cline’s legacy—ensuring that paddlers of all ages and backgrounds have access to safe and meaningful experiences on the water.
For more information on the Marge Cline Memorial Grant and future funding opportunities, visit https://americancanoe.org/education/youth-paddling-development/marge-cline-memorial-grant-program/