Youth Summer Education & Sailing Programs
Summer programs, high school and junior sailing programs, private lessons and experiences specially designed for boy scouts and girl scouts.
 |
 |
 |
 |
FIELD TRIPS FOR CAMPS
Enhance your program by sampling ours!
Camps, Yacht Clubs, Day Care Programs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other Youth Groups can spend a morning, afternoon or all day enjoying the many activities we offer at the WaterFront Center. Schedule a sail on the Christeen or explore the different environments adjacent to Beekman Beach such as the marsh, tidal flats or fresh water stream. What will you find in seine and dip nets? Expose your campers to sailing in a Sonar with an experienced instructor, or let them paddle themselves in our kayaks. We can customize a program to suit your needs. 
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
JUNIOR SUMMER PROGRAMS - SAILING
A great introduction for our youngest sailors! Small class size and an emphasis on fun provide an excellent start to learning how to sail. Sailors learn the basics and develop comfort on the water. Enroll in multiple sessions until sailors are ready for Opti I. Lil’ Luffers are introduced to the fun of sailing in a comfortable engaging environment. Sailors enjoy working together with new friends as they learn parts of the boat, capsize recovery, how to steer and trim the sails Schedule: see program schedule for dates  This learn-to-sail class is designed for the beginner and those with limited experience. Sailors learn basic seamanship including rigging, basic boat-handling and points of sail while building confidence to skipper an 8-foot Optimist pram. Small and stable enough to be rigged and sailed alone, the Optimist is the most popular and ideal choice for young sailors. Students will learn knots, wind awareness, tacking, gybing, capsize recovery, all points of sail and sail trim. Sailors in Optimist I will build confidence and comfort on the water as they become captains of their own ships! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  For intermediate Opti sailors, this class builds upon the foundational skills learned in Optimist I and Lil' Luffers. Sailors learn more advanced boat-handling, build self-reliance and are introduced to racing. Students hone their skills and learn new ones as they continue to build confidence. Additionally, this intermediate and advanced class will learn to race, adding an exciting dimension to the sport of sailing. Schedule: see program schedule for dates  Get ready for the excitement of youth racing! This all-new program is for Opti sailors who are ready to race! Sailors practice performance boat-handling and sail trim as they learn racing rules and tactics in preparation for competing at area regattas at some of Long Island Sound’s sailing sites. Youth racing is an exciting circuit of competition ranging from the local to international level. This program will take our sailors out of West Harbor and competing against youth sailors from other programs in the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound (JSA). WFC provides charter boats and transportation logistics to make the transition to regattas easier for families. Each 2-week session includes one ‘away’ regatta, including boat transportation, regatta entry and coach fees. WFC may not transport sailors, but will help to arrange carpools. Sailors may sign up for multiple sessions, and attend multiple regattas. All sailors are invited to attend the final week for no additional fee, during which they will race at the JSALIS Opti Championship (if they qualified at designated qualifying events during the summer racing season) or JSALIS Opti Alternate Regatta. Join the fun of youth racing… join the WFC Opti Racing Team! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  Learn to sail in PiXels! PiXel sailing is an exciting way to learn how to sail or gain confidence in a two person jib and main boat. Sailors build seamanship and teamwork skills while sailing with partners. Schedule: see program schedule for dates  For intermediate and advanced sailors, the Pixel II class builds on the foundation skills learned in previous Opti and Pixel classes. Sailors learn advanced boat-handling, the importance of teamwork and may practice racing. Sailors will enjoy honing their skills as they learn to go even faster! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  Enjoy evening breezes and sunsets on the water! Sailors build seamanship skills as they sail with partners practicing boat-handling and sail trim while learning to race. A fun way to end the day! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  Enjoy learning to skipper and crew a 23’ Sonar with up to four friends. Great for groups, sailors learn to work together to perform basic keelboat sailing maneuvers with an emphasis on safety and seamanship. 2 to 4 sailors per boat. Students will build teamwork as they learn to rig and set sail together. Basic knots, safety protocol, wind awareness, points of sail, tacking, gybing and Crew Overboard Recovery will be covered. Schedule: 3 hours/day for one week; scheduled at your convenience  As the summer fun starts to wind down there is much to do at WFC. 5th - 12th graders are invited to apply for Volunteer Week and work alongside summer friends and instructors to clean up and pack up! Volunteers will have various tasks including: washing boats, rolling sails, cleaning classrooms, taking inventory, storing equipment, sorting and organizing supplies - all while having fun and building a sense of responsibility. This opportunity is open to 5th- 12th graders who have participated in WFC summer programs who are responsible, willing to work hard, take direction and work cooperatively. Volunteers will be accepted by application due by August 10. A great way to earn community service hours! Schedule: 1 week: June 20 – June 17  An extended day program is going to be offered to better accommodate your family schedule. You may reserve extended day care for your child during online registration or any time before or during the program. Pre-care will be held from 8-9am and afternoon-care from 4-6pm. If signing up for extended care after the program has already begun, you must sign up for pre and/or after-care at least 24 hours in advance. These extended hours offer supervised care that may include activities such as beach play, crafts or games. Refund policies for regular program fees also apply to extended care fees. Weekly Morning-Care: $15/day  JUNIOR SUMMER PROGRAMS - MARINE DISCOVERY AND SAILING
Bay Buccaneers are introduced to the natural marine environment through fun and engaging activities. Young explorers discover beach habitats and meet marine animals as they develop an awareness and appreciation for the natural world around them. Thematic learning will highlight marine life and activities including fishing, sailing aboard Christeen, rowing and a visit from a local wildlife organization. This program is enhanced by engaging stories and crafts as Bay Bucs discover the adventure and fun of the waterfront! Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
Swashbuckler refers to a daring adventurer, and this program is packed with adventure! Sound Swashbucklers explore the estuary, kayak, fish, crew on the Christeen, and participate in fun team-building activities. To enrich their experience, a local organization will stop by with some wildlife friends. Daily introductory sailing instruction includes experiences on either an Opti or Sonar. This program is the perfect mix for any young swashbuckler looking for some summer fun. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
First Mates split their days exploring local marine wildlife with their naturalists and sailing on one of our Optis or Sonars under the guidance of an instructor. We provide a comfortable learning environment for all sailors from novice to the advanced. First Mates fish and crew on Christeen, participate in fun team-building activities, kayak and so much more. This program includes an “adventure sail” for the opportunity to appreciate one of our other beautiful local spots. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
Skippers explore the waters of Oyster Bay and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the marine environment. Skippers sail in Optis, PiXels, and are grouped by size and experience. Naturalists lead Skippers in a variety of activities that promote environmental stewardship, such as oceanography, fishing, kayaking, and dredging for local marine life aboard Christeen. This program culminates with a full-day excursion. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
Adventure awaits! Survivors develop and sharpen problem solving skills while they work as a team to build tools for survival. Participants are introduced to a variety of wilderness survival skills including first-aid, water collection, fire and shelter building. Under the guidance of naturalists, self-sufficiency skills are put to the test when they kayak across the bay to camp out under the stars. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
The High School Mariners is a dynamic, multi-faceted marine experience! Participants develop a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment through exciting research activities and experiments, field studies and exploration. High School Mariners explore the estuary on kayaks, SUPS, and adventure sails on Christeen. Half-day focuses on sailing in Sonars and larger keelboats learning seamanship and basic navigation skills in preparation for an overnight cruising expedition to a neighboring harbor. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
As the summer fun starts to wind down there is much to do at WFC. 5th - 12th graders are invited to apply for Volunteer Week and work alongside summer friends and instructors to clean up and pack up! Volunteers will have various tasks including: washing boats, rolling sails, cleaning classrooms, taking inventory, storing equipment, sorting and organizing supplies - all while having fun and building a sense of responsibility. This opportunity is open to 5th- 12th graders who have participated in WFC summer programs who are responsible, willing to work hard, take direction and work cooperatively. Volunteers will be accepted by application due by August 10. A great way to earn community service hours! Schedule: 1 week: June 20 – June 17 An extended day program is going to be offered to better accommodate your family schedule. You may reserve extended day care for your child during online registration or any time before or during the program. Pre-care will be held from 8-9am and afternoon-care from 4-6pm. If signing up for extended care after the program has already begun, you must sign up for pre and/or after-care at least 24 hours in advance. These extended hours offer supervised care that may include activities such as beach play, crafts or games. Refund policies for regular program fees also apply to extended care fees. Weekly Morning-Care: $15/day |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JUNIOR SAILING PROGRAMS
This learn-to-sail class is designed for the beginner and those with limited experience. Sailors learn basic seamanship including rigging, basic boat-handling and points of sail while building confidence to skipper an 8-foot Optimist pram. Small and stable enough to be rigged and sailed alone, the Optimist is the most popular and ideal choice for young sailors. Students will learn knots, wind awareness, tacking, gybing, capsize recovery, all points of sail and sail trim. Sailors in Optimist I will build confidence and comfort on the water as they become captains of their own ships! Schedule: see program schedule for dates
Designed for intermediate and advanced Opti sailors looking to extend their season and stay sharp during the "off season". Practices are skill based and dynamic, providing the perfect opportunity to build racing skills and sailing confidence. Schedule: Spring Season: May 4 - June 15; Fall Season: Sept 7 - Nov 2 
Eager to get on the water? Join us for "spring training" in Optimists! Appropriate for all abilities, students will get a jump start on their sailing season. Schedule: Spring Season: May 4 - June 15; Fall Season: Sept 7 - Nov 2 
Just because summer is over doesn't mean sailing has to be... beat the back to school blues on the water! Savor cooler days and steady breezes while improving sailing skills. Appropriate for all skill levels. Schedule: Saturdays 8 - October 6 
Get ready for the excitement of youth racing! This all-new program is for Opti sailors who are ready to race! Sailors practice performance boat-handling and sail trim as they learn racing rules and tactics in preparation for competing at area regattas at some of Long Island Sound’s sailing sites. Youth racing is an exciting circuit of competition ranging from the local to international level. This program will take our sailors out of West Harbor and competing against youth sailors from other programs in the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound (JSA). WFC provides charter boats and transportation logistics to make the transition to regattas easier for families. Each 2-week session includes one ‘away’ regatta, including boat transportation, regatta entry and coach fees. WFC may not transport sailors, but will help to arrange carpools. Sailors may sign up for multiple sessions, and attend multiple regattas. All sailors are invited to attend the final week for no additional fee, during which they will race at the JSALIS Opti Championship (if they qualified at designated qualifying events during the summer racing season) or JSALIS Opti Alternate Regatta. Join the fun of youth racing… join the WFC Opti Racing Team! Schedule: see program schedule for dates Enjoy learning to skipper and crew a 23’ Sonar with up to four friends. Great for groups, sailors learn to work together to perform basic keelboat sailing maneuvers with an emphasis on safety and seamanship. 2 to 4 sailors per boat. Students will build teamwork as they learn to rig and set sail together. Basic knots, safety protocol, wind awareness, points of sail, tacking, gybing and Crew Overboard Recovery will be covered. Schedule: 3 hours/day for one week; scheduled at your convenience
WFC is proud to offer the premier open access High School Sailing Program on Long Island! Sailors of all skill-levels are invited to join and experience race training in our 420s. Enjoy fleet and team racing, bring your team or sail with ours! WFC provides the fleet, coaching, safety boats, regatta support, and can help you get a team started for your school. Schedule: Monday-Friday 3:30-6pm |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BOY SCOUT PROGRAMS
What is radar used for? Tigers participate in sensory observations and exercises pertaining to the weather and environment. They go on a Beach Cleanup Treasure Hunt, learning what items should be disposed of and what can be recycled. They then look at maritime transportation options and don PFDs to take a ride on a 21' Crosby launch for a short tour of the West Harbor in Oyster Bay. Complete Achievement # 5 & electives # 41, # 33 and # 47. Schedule: By arrangement - April thru Nov 
The Wolf Cubs explore the beach and help clean up litter as we promote positive stewardship for the environment. They also identify shells, rocks, and plant life during the educational walk. Wolf Cubs build their own boats from recyclables and compete in a fun "rain gutter" regatta. Complete Achievement # 6a and # 7c, and electives # 5g. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Bear Cubs create their own model boat from a kit. Using their creativity, imagination and problem solving skills, they also design and build their own boat using a variety of household items and craft materials, and test it in our indoor "harbor." Complete Achievement # 21. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Sailors, fishermen, hikers and cowboys have always been dependent on lines and knots for their livelihood and safety. Bear Cubs learn the importance of lines and their functions on boats. They whip the ends of a line, learn to tie different knots, learn how to keep a line from tangling, coil a line, and perform magic! All scouts take home their own special line for practice. Complete Achievement # 22. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
The small boat sailing merit badge teaches scouts the nuances of sailing a small boat on their own and as a group. Learn about basic seamanship, marlin spike, how to care for a boat, wind direction and other important skills. You will then learn how to take a sail small boat around the harbor with an instructor as you apply what you have learned in the classroom and also learn about capsize recovery. Schedule: By arrangement 
Scouts participate in groups of four sailing 19' to 23' sailboats with an experienced sailing instructor. Learn basic seamanship, marlin spike, rig the sails, leave from and return to the mooring, steer the boat, trim the sails and determine wind direction as you take command of your own keelboat in West Harbor. Safety and emergency procedures are covered, as well as weather awareness and some navigational skills. Schedule: By arrangement 
In kayaks, under the supervision of an experienced instructor, Scouts learn how to Paddle, Pole, and Roll. Experience how to safely balance, start, stop, turn and beach the kayak. Scouts learn about recovering after swamping the boat or falling out. The instructor leads the boys on a guided tour around the shoreline of beautiful Oyster Bay, a National Wildlife Refuge. Schedule: By arrangement - May - October 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GIRL SCOUT PROGRAMS
While reading a wonderful story, a collection of matching shells is created. This helps the Daisy Scouts begin the identification process before they go "shelling" in large tubs filled with soft sand and a wide variety of shells. The girls use their senses to compare and contrast shells. Connections are made from the non-living to the living as participants explore a touch tank with live animals. Weather and time permitting, programs done on site conclude with a beach walk. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Learn about the water cycle and the importance of water conservation. Through hands-on experiments, Brownies investigate the differences between salt water and fresh water. Utilizing creative dramatics, the participants visually explore the effects different sources of pollution have on bodies of water. On-site programs conclude with a beach clean-up walk to explore the seashore and gain a heightened understanding of the importance of being good stewards of our earth. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Ocean water covers about 3/4 of our planet. How does the ocean circulate? How does the ocean affect our weather? What kind of life does a North Shore Long Island estuary support? Brownies will find the answers to these and other questions through experimentation and hands-on habitat studies. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Where does the water you drink actually come from? What is brackish water? What organisms are at the bottom of the food chain? The Junior Girl Scouts investigate these questions and others by taking water samples from various sites on the estuary and examining the contents under microscopes and magnifiers. They conduct experiments to learn about the properties of water. A touch tank of animals typically found in the Bay is presented. A shoreline clean-up is performed to demonstrate how human choices can directly impact wildlife. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Welcome to the sport of sailing! Using 19' to 23' keelboats, Junior Girl Scouts participate in a three-hour introductory sailing lesson on beautiful Oyster Bay. Topics covered include parts of the boat, nautical terms, sail handling, steering the boat, wind awareness, and safety procedures. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
While sailing aboard the historic oyster sloop Christeen, Junior Girl Scouts become the crew, raise the sails, coil lines and learn about the history of Oyster Bay, as well as the oyster industry. Then the Scouts learn how to tie knots, participate in a sensory awareness exercise and explore a touch tank with animals from the Bay. Weather permitting, the girls practice two water safety positions off the boat: the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) and the Huddle. Schedule: By arrangement - May - October 
In kayaks, under the supervision of an experienced instructor, Cadettes complete the category of Skill Builders #2 and its activities for the Paddle, Pole, and Roll Interest Project. Girls experience how to safely balance, start, stop, turn and beach the kayak. Cadettes learn about recovering after swamping the boat or falling out. The instructor leads the girls on a guided tour around the shoreline of beautiful Oyster Bay, a National Wildlife Refuge. Schedule: By arrangement - June - October 
Cadette Girl Scouts participate in groups of four sailing 19' to 23' sailboats with an experienced sailing instructor. Girls complete the category of Skill Builders and two additional activities towards the Smooth Sailing Interest Project by learning to rig the sails, leave from and return to the mooring, steer the boat, trim the sails and determine wind direction. Safety and emergency procedures are covered, as well as weather awareness and some navigational skills. Arrangements can be made to complete the interest project at a later date. Schedule: By arrangement - May - October 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HIGH SCHOOL SAILING
The WaterFront Center is proud to offer the only open-access High School Sailing Program on Long Island! Middle School and High School students are invited to join and experience race training in our new fleet of 420s. Whether you are new to sailing or have been racing for years, High School Sailing is an excellent extra-curricular activity and sport that can extend your junior summer season and prepare you for joining a college team. Enjoy fleet and team racing in 420s and Lasers, bring your team or sail with ours! We provide the fleet, coaching, safety boats, scheduling, regatta support and can help you get a sanctioned team started for your school. Schedule: Spring season runs March 28 through June 12 and the Fall season extends from Labor Day to mid-November. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRIVATE SAILING & KAYAK LESSONS
The WaterFront Center offers a variety of programs suited to young sailors of all abilities. As a US SAILING accredited facility, we offer the highest standard of quality instruction and facilities. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned racer, interested in dinghies, keelboats or cruising, the WaterFront Center has an experience for you. Schedule: Arranged at your convenience 
|
|
|
|
|
MoonBird Design LLC
