Sailing: Youth Camp Information

Get ready to set sail for camp!

Please review the important information below to be prepared for CSC Youth Camps. 

Location & Parking

Location

All classes will be held at the Community Sailing Center. Our address is 505 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401.

We are located on the Burlington, Vermont waterfront just north of Burlington’s A_Dog Skate Park. We can be reached by car, biking, or walking. 

Parking

There are a few free first come-first serve parking spots in the CSC’s gravel parking lot. There are also several pay-by plate spots along Lake St. 

Please be aware parking can be limited on busy weekend days and evenings. We encourage participants to carpool and bike to the CSC. 

Directions

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 the large blue building located at the end of Lake Street, and our front doors face the skate park. We’re also easy to find by bike or foot on the Burlington Bike Path!

Drop Off & Pick Up

Please park out on Lake Street and walk your campers into the building. Pulling into our parking lot creates a difficult and chaotic situation during the very busy drop off and pick up time. Please use the same process for pick up.
Students of all ages should arrive in time for the prompt start of their scheduled program, but not more than 10 minutes before class. Likewise, participants should be picked up from the Center within 10 minutes after class ends. In order to maximize camper’s day and time on the water, camp starts promptly at 9am and finishes at 4pm. 

First Day

On the first day of your camp, campers will need to be checked in at the front desk. CSC staff will confirm that all paperwork is completed and let you know your camper’s instructor name and meeting place in the building. Any remaining balances will need to be paid at this time. 

Drop Off

Camp will start every day at 9am. Instructors have a daily meeting before camp starts and campers will be asked to wait in the lobby until 9am or the meeting is completed. Once Instructors are ready, campers will be sent to their meeting place with their instructor. We recommend families meet their camper’s instructor on the first day at their meeting place. 

Pick Up

You will need to be at the CSC at 4pm to meet your camper with their instructor at their meeting place and sign them out. In order for instructors to wrap up lessons plans of the day and get campers ready for pick up, camps will run until 4pm. If you arrive before 4pm, you’ll be asked to wait in the lobby until 4pm or when all campers are ready for pick up. CSC Staff will let you know when campers are ready. 

Alternative Pick Up Plans

If someone other than the camper’s parent or guardian will be picking them up or if they are able to leave on their own- please fill out the optional forms online here or fill them out on the first day of camp.

Liability Waiver

Every Community Sailing Center participant is required to sign the CSC’s liability waiver. 

Parents and Guardians can sign the waiver online linked here before the camp or sign a physical copy when you arrive for the first day of camp.  

Packing List

Every CSC camper should pack a small bag or back pack that includes the following items:

  • Reusable Water Bottle (recommend 1 quart/ 32 oz minimum)
  • Bathing suit
  • Towel
  • 2 Healthy snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses -with safety strap!
  • Shoes secured at the heel and appropriate for getting wet (old sneakers work well – no flip flops)
  • Insulating layer -fleece vest, jacket or sweater
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker
  • Change of clothes and shoes
  • Medications as needed (for allergic reactions, asthma, etc)

FAQ

What if my camper can’t make it to class?

  • If you’re unable to make it camp, please call the CSC at (802) 864-2499. If you are running late or need to miss part of a camp, please notify the CSC as soon as possible to limit disruptions for other participants. 

My camper has a doctors appointment or other commitment and needs to leave early/ arrive late?

  • Please let the CSC staff know of any scheduling issues as soon as possible, or by the first day of your camp. We will do our best to maximize camper’s participation while at the CSC. With advance notice, campers can join and leave during the day. 

What if it’s raining?

  • While we will never go out on the water if the weather is dangerous, rain alone is not considered dangerous. Camps will include on-land and on-water activities. CSC Staff and Instructors will plan each day prioritizing camper safety and weather conditions . Camps run at all scheduled times, regardless of the weather.

What will the weather be? 

  • The weather on Lake Champlain is notoriously changeable. Please be prepared for conditions that range from 85° F with bright sunshine and no wind, to 48° in a rain squall with 18 knots of wind. All participants will have a safe space to leave any belonging and the opportunity to change before or after being on the water. 

Do you provide Lunch? Do I need to pack a lunch?

  • The CSC will provide a box lunch to any camper who would like it, through the Burlington Food Project. Parents or guardians need to fill out the Lunch Opt-in Form in order to receive it.  We recommend sending your camper with snacks and a water bottle. Otherwise, please pack a lunch. Campers have an hour for lunch break.

Does my camper need a Life Jacket/PFD?

  • The CSC 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 CSC reserves to right to review all PFDs brought from home. 

Do campers need to know how to swim?

  • For safety reasons, all program participants must complete a swim assessment on the first day of their camp. The swim assessment will be done wearing PFDs (life jackets), and they will wear them at all times near the water. We do not expect them to be strong swimmers, we merely want to assess their comfort in the water.

Can my camper bring their phone or other electronics?

  • Use of electronic devices, including cellphones and smart watches, is not allowed during camp hours. Campers are highly encouraged not to bring any electronic devices of any kind. If cellphones or smartwatches need to be used, campers must ask for permission from their instructors.

Do you offer any extended day options?

  • We offer Early Drop Off from 8am-9am and Late Pick Up from 4pm-5:30pm. You can drop off and pick up at any time during those windows. These programs can only be added on for the entire week and daily options are not available.  You can register for both or either here.

I have more questions!

The WAVES Initiative

The WAVES initiative is an experiential learning initiative for children and adults to enhance their connection to Lake Champlain. We are looking forward to continuing our efforts in ecological education and sustainability this year. Part of this includes minimizing the amount of waste we produce each week. Please join us in the effort and try to pack snacks and lunches in reusable containers, and with minimal individual packaging. We also would like to continue to cut down on the amount of paper cups used at camp – please try and send your child to camp with a reusable water bottle each day.

Youth Camp Guide

Learn more about CSC Youth Camps and what your camper can expect while they are at camp!

Learn more