Parent Center
We are so excited to have your sailor join us for camp this summer! Sailing is an excellent sport for building self confidence, responsibility, and a sense of adventure. Some helpful things for parents to know going into camps are:
- Youth, Teen and intermediate camp participants sail on their own from day one! We keep instructor to sailor ratios low and help sailors build water safety skills right away.
- The majority of our camp participants are new to sailing! Our curriculum is structured to help new sailors pick up skills!
- Jellyfish campers sail with an instructor. If you have a younger sailor who is feeling nervous, consider a Jellyfish class to start!
- We work with families to meet the needs of each student. Please share any physical or learning challenges with us so we can help your child have a great experience!
- You do not need to purchase gear for camp. We have wetsuits and PFDs to loan to sailors, but sailors are always welcome to bring their own.
- Swimming is not a requirement for Sail Camp. Sailors wear properly fitting PFDs at all time. Comfort with water is always a plus.
- See the new 2024 Cancellation Policy here
What do we need for camp?
Campers should be dressed in layers, with a raincoat and water shoes or shoes that can get wet (sandals are not appropriate). Please keep in mind that even if it seems sunny, it is always several degrees colder on or near the water, so warmer clothes will be necessary. A change of clothes is a good idea. There will be space to store backpacks during the day. Jewelry should be removed before class, except for waterproof watches. If your sailor owns a wetsuit or PFD, these are great items to bring as they are often a more comfortable fit than our camp supply.
How can I prepare my sailor for the capsize drill?
On the first day of Youth, Teen, and Intermediate class, sailors learn to capsize their boats and get them back upright. Jellyfish camps do not require the capsize drill. This is done in a controlled and supported setting. This is an important safety test and campers must complete this exercise to continue in camp.
Most children will move through the capsize drill just fine. If you do notice fear in your child at the idea of capsizing, here are some tips to help support them through those feelings to the rewarding growth on the other side:
- Watch this video together so they know what to expect. Having a clear picture of what capsizing looks like takes away the fear of the unknown.
- Identify and address specific fears. The worst-case scenario game can be helpful here: “What’s the worst thing you can imagine might happen when you capsize?” Naming the fears and thinking through them logically can appease the rational part of the brain that is simply trying to get your child to check in and make sure they will be safe.
- Normalize doing brave things scared. Share a story of a time when you noticed anxiety in your body and chose to do the rewarding experience with fear along for the ride. Invite them to reflect on a time from their past when they have done the same. It is normal and healthy for feelings to show up when we're on the growth edge of our comfort zones (and that's where all the best stuff happens).
- Manage your own anxiety. The absolute best thing a parent can do to increase their child’s ease and success is to project calm confidence that your child can do this and will be okay. Children absorb their parent’s emotional state and working through the above steps can be helpful for you too.
If your sailor is hesitant to complete the capsize drill, our kind and patient staff will utilize their many strategies to try to help them through it. If your child ultimately refuses to complete the capsize test, they will be unable to complete the class. We are not able to issue a refund if sailors do not complete the class.
