DELRAY BEACH - Students in a local summer program will paddle down the Loxahatchee River on Saturday as part of a team-building exercise.

The 15 students from the Summer Enrichment Academy at Village Academy will enjoy 5 1/2 miles of canoeing through a nature filled wonderland.

Participants will learn canoeing skills as they wind their way from Riverbend Park in Jupiter for the 8-hour tour.

"This trip serves multiple purposes," said Robert Reardon, a counselor with the Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network, which is sponsoring the summer program. "We are using it to reward them for earning good conduct or grades as well as building their reliance on each other."

Participants may see a variety of wildlife, including river otter, wild turkey and deer, Reardon said. They also will see birds of every kind during the trip. Of course they're likely to see a few alligators too.

The trip is sponsored by the Sierra Club, a grassroots environmental organization in West Palm Beach, which lobbies for environmental policies.

The outreach program's goal is to provide free outings for people who don't normally get a chance to explore nature. Inner city youngsters, mentally and physically disabled people and senior citizens are their focus.

Because the program is non-profit, money and supplies are donated or raised through private and corporate contributions. Sierra Club members will provide food.

The club also sponsors more rigorous adventures, like kayaking expedition, which will include overnight campouts and overnight hikes.

Transportation is provided by the Delray Beach Police Department.

For more information, call 561- 665-0151.