Sailing: Youth Camp Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about youth programs.

Staff

All of our sailing instructors are U.S. Sailing Level I Small Boat Certified. All of our waterfront and instructional staff are fully trained and certified by various national sailing and safety standards that cover curriculum, behavioral management, cultural competency, and more to run safe and fun camps.

Safety & Expectations

Safety is always our top priority. Sailing is an exciting and challenging sport with many rewards. As with any sport or on-the-water activity it does come with some risk. Our staff and safety guidelines are set to eliminate risk.

Weather & Lake Conditions

We use a “Green-Yellow-Red Flag” system to indicate current and anticipated weather conditions on the lake. When wind is above 12 knots (14 miles per hour) or there is the potential for foul weather, instructors exhibit additional caution in their lesson planning based on the skill of their participants. When wind is above 22 knots (25 miles per hour) or there is lightning in the area, all sailing operations are shut down and the waterfront is cleared until conditions are safe.

Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria is a naturally forming algae in Lake Champlain and all over the world. Blooms are especially common on hot summer days near the shore. It can be toxic when people and pets drink it or swim in water containing cyanobacteria. Blooms typically last for a day or two and go away after rain or high wind. Yes, the Lake is safe for swimming when the algae is not in bloom. All of our staff are trained in recognizing cyanobacteria. When cyanobacteria blooms, our staff are vigilant at monitoring it and keeping campers safe. In the event of a bloom, we keep kids out of the water and sail farther offshore away from blooms.

Swimming

While on the docks or boats campers and staff are required to wear Type III life jackets (or higher rated) that we supply. On the first day of camp, all Campers will perform a brief swim assessment so Instructors can understand their comfort level in the water and swimming ability. This swim test is done under the supervision of staff and while wearing life jackets. While you do not need to know how to swim in order to sail, being comfortable on the water means campers are able to focus on sailing and have a better camp experience.

Medications

Our staff are not allowed to administer medications. If your camper has medication they need to keep with them during the camp day please contact the Program Director to discuss and determine the best course of action for the situation.

First Aid

In the event that campers need first aid, all of our staff are First Aid and CPR certified. There are emergency first aid kits with instructors at all times, including on the water. There is also an AED in the CSC lobby.

Head Injury/Minor Concussions

Sailing is a contact sport. Minor head bumps and minor concussions are rare, but can happen due to the boom which swings at or near head height. Any head bump or potential concussion will be handled and treated immediately.

Concussion with Loss of Consciousness/Bleeding

Significant head injuries cannot be treated by CSC staff. CSC staff’s involvement is to monitor for any symptoms that indicate the need for professional medical help. All head injuries will be reported to parents. Parents may be notified immediately by phone or in person at the end of the day, depending on the severity of the collision. The child will only return to activity after primary care Doctor and Parent approval, and will be monitored through the remainder of the program.

Schedule

The schedule varies by day and by camp. Below is an example of a day for a Level I camp. All campers have the same schedule for drop off, lunch, and pick up. Campers in Multi Activities will split their day into a morning activity and afternoon activity (e.g. yoga in the morning before lunch, sailing in the afternoon after lunch).

9am

Camper Drop Off

9:15am
Chalk Talk – Morning Sailing Plan

9:30am

Rig Boats

10am

Sailing!

11:45am

Return to Land

12pm

Lunch

12:45pm

Chalk Talk – Afternoon Sailing Plan

1pm

Sailing!

3:30pm

Return to Land & De-Rig Boats

3:45pm

Debrief

4pm

Pick Up

What to Bring

The CSC needs a completed liability waiver. If you have not completed it and gotten it to us ahead of time, you can bring a completed waiver with you, or arrive a few minutes early to complete it. Forms can be emailed to: info@communitysailingcenter.org.

The Center will provide a life jacket for every participant. You are welcome to bring your own USCG approved Type III Personal Flotation Device if you have one. The Sailing Center reserves the right to review and/or refuse the use of all PFDs brought from home. Please leave cellular phones and other electronic devices at home. If campers are found with these items, they will be confiscated and returned to a parent/guardian at pick up.

What to Bring

  • Completed Liability Waiver on day one
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Bathing suit
  • Towel
  • 2 healthy snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Shoes secured at the heel, appropriate for getting wet (old sneakers work well – no flip flops)
  • Sunglasses (optional) – with safety strap!
  • Insulating layer – fleece vest, jacket or sweater
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker
  • Change of clothes and shoes
  • Medications as needed (for allergic reactions, asthma, etc)

What NOT to bring:

  • Knives or sharp tools
  • Electronics (no cell phones, no smart watches, etc.)
  • Walkie-talkies
  • Valuables that can get damaged or stolen
  • Flip-flops or sliders

Location, Parking, Drop Off & Pick Up

Location

The Community Sailing Center is located at 505 Lake Street, Burlington, VT. To reach us by car, turn right onto Lake Street and follow it past Waterfront Park. Cross the train tracks and keep right to continue past the skate park. We are located at the end of Lake Street, and our front doors face A_Dog Skate Park. We’re also easy to find by bike or foot on the Burlington Bike Path!

If you would like to arrive by boat please call 802-864-2499 with 15 minutes notice as our docks can be very busy during drop off and pick up.

Parking

Parking is available along Lake Street in front of A-Dog Skate Park. Our own gravel lot is easily congested during drop off and pick up. Please park on Lake Street during drop off and pick up and walk into the CSC to minimize traffic.

Drop Off

When dropping off on the first day of camp, you will need to walk your child into the lobby and check in at the front desk. They will check your forms and tell you where your camper’s meeting spot and instructor will be. After day one, campers can head directly to the instructor at the meeting spot at 9am. Our instructors use the morning to meet and prepare for the day. If you are not registered for Early Drop Off, you will be asked to wait in the lobby until 9am.

Pick Up

Our camps run right up until 4pm. When picking campers up, you will need to meet the instructor at the pick up location and sign out your camper(s) each day. If you arrive before 4pm you will be asked to wait in the lobby until 4pm. If you need to pick up your child early, please let the front desk or your camper’s instructor know at drop off.

Early Drop Off (8am - 9am)

Come to camp early and we will start all the fun before camp begins. (Ages 8 and up). This can be added to qualifying camps when you register.

Late Pick Up (4pm - 5:30pm)

Stay at camp late to continue the day’s fun. (Ages 8 and up). This can be added to qualifying camps when you register.

Camper Code of Conduct & Discipline

All campers attending CSC Youth Camps will be asked to follow all safety guidelines outlined by their supervisor and treat other campers with respect. If any camper is unwilling to maintain safe conduct while on Sailing Center grounds, docks or on the water, and demonstrates inability to follow the Code of Conduct, he/she/they will be subject to discipline according to the following steps:
  1. Verbal warning from program staff.
  2. Discussion with program staff, report to Program Director and documentation of behavior.
  3. Notification to parents and documentation of behavior.
  4. Parent conference with Program Director and program staff prior to returning to camp.
  5. Chronic disciplinary issues cannot be tolerated in a waterfront program. To ensure safety and fairness to all campers and program staff, disciplinary action may include but not be limited to immediate dismissal from the camp.