Junior Summer Camp & Programs

Hands-on learning, sailing, science, and adventure on the water

Registration opens February 2 at 12:00 PM (noon)

Sessions fill quickly — early registration is strongly encouraged.

CHOOSE YOUR SUMMER PROGRAM

  • Hands-on learning, sailing, and marine exploration for a full waterfront adventure. Campers rotate through sailing, science, STEM activities, and outdoor exploration.

    Grades: 1st–9th

    Schedule: Full day | 9:00am – 4:00pm
    Program: Session 1 (1-week) | Sessions 2–4 (2-weeks)

    Hands-on learning, sailing, and marine exploration for a full waterfront adventure. Campers rotate through sailing, science, and outdoor exploration.

    Full-Day Marine Education & Sailing Summer Camp
  • Half-day sessions tailored for beginner to advanced sailors. Programs focus on skill development, confidence, and fun on the water.

    Ages: 6–18

    Schedule: Half-day | 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm
    Program: Session 1 (1-week) | Sessions 2–4 (2-weeks)

    Sessions are tailored for beginner to advanced sailors. Programs focus on skill development, confidence, and fun on the water.

    Sailing-Only Programs

  • Ages: 6–18

    Schedule: Full day | 9am - 4pm
    Program: Session 1 (1-week) | Sessions 2–4 (2-weeks)

    Thematic learning, enriched by stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration, focuses on marine life with activities including seining and STEM programs.

    Marine Education Only Programs

  • Ages: 12–18

    Schedule: Multi-class
    Program: 3-weeks, 4-weeks, or 7-weeks

    Train and compete at higher levels with expert coaching. Designed for sailors ready for advanced instruction and team racing.

    Competitive Race Teams

  • Ages: 8–16

    Schedule: Half day | 8:30am – 2:30pm
    Program: 1-week sessions (dates listed)

    Learn to fish, practice catch-and-release techniques, and explore the marine environment aboard the historic Ida May.

    Reel Explorers Fishing Camp
  • Use hand tools to design and build a wooden model sailboat while learning craftsmanship and maritime tradition.

    Ages: 10–18

    Schedule: Half-day | 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm
    Program: ‍ 2-weeks (dates listed)

    Use hand tools to design and build a wooden model sailboat while learning craftsmanship and maritime tradition.

    Build a Pond Yacht Woodworking

SKILLS CAMPERS BUILD

Across all programs, campers develop:

  • Confidence on and around the water

  • Teamwork and communication

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking

  • Environmental awareness and stewardship

  • Scientific observation and data collection

  • Independence and resilience

HOW OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS WORK

Our Junior Summer Programs offer age-appropriate, outdoor learning experiences for children and teens ages 5–18. Programs combine marine science, sailing, STEM exploration, and environmental stewardship in a fun, supportive waterfront setting.

What families should know:

  • Programs run Monday–Friday

  • Camps are offered as two-week sessions, with the exception of the first session, which is a one-week program.

  • Activities are adapted for weather and group needs

  • Campers bring a packed lunch unless otherwise noted

WHO OUR PROGRAMS ARE FOR

Our Junior Summer Camp & Programs are ideal for children who:

  • Enjoy being outdoors and learning by doing

  • Are curious about the ocean, boats, and nature

  • Thrive in hands-on, experiential learning environments

  • Are beginners or experienced sailors — no prior experience required for most programs

Programs are grouped by age to ensure activities are developmentally appropriate, confidence-building, and fun.

2026 SUMMER PROGRAM SCHEDULE

All programs run Monday–Friday. Camps are offered as two-week sessions, with the exception of Session 1, which is a one-week program.

Program Ages / Grades Session Dates Time
FULL-DAY EXPLORERS CAMP
Explorers – Full-Day Camp Grades 1–9 Session 1 (1 Week) June 29 – July 3 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explorers – Full-Day Camp Grades 1–9 Session 2 (2 Weeks) July 6 – July 17 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explorers – Full-Day Camp Grades 1–9 Session 3 (2 Weeks) July 20 – July 31 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Explorers – Full-Day Camp Grades 1–9 Session 4 (2 Weeks) August 10 – August 21 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SAILING-ONLY & EDUCATION-ONLY PROGRAMS (HALF-DAY)
Sailing / Education-Only Ages 6–18 Session 1 (1 Week) June 29 – July 3 Half-Day
Sailing / Education-Only Ages 6–18 Session 2 (2 Weeks) July 6 – July 17 Half-Day
Sailing / Education-Only Ages 6–18 Session 3 (2 Weeks) July 20 – July 31 Half-Day
Sailing / Education-Only Ages 6–18 Session 4 (2 Weeks) August 10 – August 21 Half-Day
REEL EXPLORERS FISHING CAMP
Junior Anglers Ages 8–10 One-Week June 29 – July 3 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Bay Masters Ages 10–13 One-Week July 13 – July 17 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Pro Casters Ages 13–16 One-Week July 27 – July 31 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
All Reel Explorers Ages 8–16 One-Week August 10 – August 14 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
Build a Pond Yacht Ages 10–18 Session-Based Select Sessions Half-Day

Tuition & Session Pricing

Tuition is based on session length and program type. Explorers and Sailing programs are immersive learning experiences, while specialty programs offer focused skill-building opportunities.

Explorers Program – Full-Day Marine Education & Sailing Camp (Grades 1–9)

Session 1: Blue Planet

One-Week Session

Dates: June 29 – July 3

Schedule: Full day | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

A focused, immersive introduction to marine science and ocean systems — ideal for first-time campers or families seeking a one-week option.

$850 total tuition

Sessions 2–4

Two-Week Sessions

Dates: July 6 – August 21

Schedule: Full day | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Two-week sessions allow learning to build in depth and complexity, giving campers time to explore, experiment, and grow confidence.

$1700 per two-week session

Most Popular

Marine Education Program – Full Day (No Sailing)

Session 1: Marine Education

Ages: 6–18

Schedule: Full Day | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

One-Week Session

A full-day marine science experience focused on hands-on exploration, experiments, ecology, and environmental learning — without sailing.

$850 total tuition

Sessions 2–4: Marine Education

Ages: 6–18

Schedule: Full Day | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Two-Week Sessions

Two-week sessions allow learning to build in depth, with extended projects, data collection, and environmental investigations.

$1700 per two-week session

Sailing-Only Programs

Session 1: Sailing-Only

Ages: 6–18

Schedule: Half-day | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

One-Week Session

$450 total tuition

Sessions 2–4: Sailing-Only

Ages: 6–18

Schedule: Half-day | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Two-Week Sessions

$900 per two-week session

Other Specialty & Half-Day Programs

Reel Explorers Fishing Camp

Ages: 8–16

Schedule: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM

One-Week Session

$800 total tuition

Build a Pond Yacht

Ages: 10–15

Schedule: Half-day | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Two-Week Sessions

$750 per two-week session

Multi-Session Savings (Per Child)

New for Summer 2026! Families can now save when registering a child for multiple sessions.

  • 5% off when a child is registered for 2 sessions
  • 10% off when a child is registered for 3 sessions
  • 15% off when a child is registered for 4 or more sessions Best Value

Discounts apply per child and are automatically applied at checkout when multiple eligible sessions are registered for the same child. No discount codes required.

FULL-DAY MARINE & SAILING CAMP

  • Schedule: Full day

    Highlights:

    • Intro to marine science and beach habitats

    • Sailing aboard IDA MAY or CHRISTEEN (weather permitting)

    • Crafts, games, and outdoor exploration

  • Schedule: Full day

    Highlights:

    • Sailing fundamentals

    • Kayaking and harbor exploration

    • Hands-on marine science activities

  • Schedule: Full day

    Highlights:

    • Sailing (Optis / Hobies)

    • Marine ecology projects

    • STEM-based waterfront challenges

  • Schedule: Full day

    Highlights:

    • Advanced marine science and chemistry

    • Sailing, fishing, dredging

    • Data collection and field research

  • Schedule: Full day

    Highlights:

    • Oceanography and Marine Biology Lessons

    • Keel Boat Sailing 

    • Field Studies and Research Topic discussions

Grades 1–9 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

A full-day blend of marine science, sailing, ecology, and hands-on exploration.

FULL-DAY SESSION THEMES

Sessions are designed as complete learning experiences. Campers enroll for the full session to allow learning to build in depth and complexity.

A DAY AT JUNIOR SUMMER CAMP

While each program is tailored to age and activity, a typical full-day camp includes:

  • Morning check-in and icebreaker activities

  • On-the-water time (sailing, kayaking, or sailing on IDA MAY or CHRISTEEN, weather permitting)

  • Hands-on marine science or STEM exploration

  • Lunch and supervised free time

  • Afternoon - Themed activities, projects, or challenges

  • Reflection, cleanup, and dismissal

Schedules are flexible and adapt to weather, tides, and group needs.

  • Dates: June 29 – July 3

    Learn about the ocean as Earth’s most defining feature. Campers explore freshwater vs. saltwater, density, glaciers, and the water cycle through hands-on STEM investigations.

    What Your Child Will Learn:

    • Water properties and density

    • Freshwater vs. saltwater systems

    • The water cycle and climate connections

    Program Highlights by Age Group

    • Bay Bucs: Density of water, glaciers, water cycle, diorama

    • Sound Swash: Water experiments, temperature, paper clip challenge

    • First Mates: Water quality, watersheds, sea level rise

    • Skippers: Plate tectonics, ocean currents, physics challenges

    • Mariners: Stream tables, data collection, advanced water quality labs

    Best for campers who enjoy: experiments, exploration, and hands-on discovery

  • Dates: July 6 – July 17

    This two-week session blends coastal geology with weather and climate science. Campers investigate erosion, tides, storms, and renewable energy while exploring Long Island’s beaches.

    What Your Child Will Learn:

    • Coastal erosion and landforms

    • Weather systems and climate change

    • Renewable energy and human impact

    Hands-On Experiences

    • Beach walks & sediment studies

    • Dam and coastline engineering

    • Hurricanes in a bottle

    • Wind turbines & renewable energy

    • Ocean currents & climate models

    Best for campers who enjoy: building, problem-solving, and environmental science

  • Dates: July 20 – July 31

    From plankton to sharks, campers explore marine life, food webs, and habitats. This session includes an extended celebration of Shark Week with immersive science activities.

    What Your Child Will Learn:

    • Marine biodiversity and food webs

    • Plankton, habitats, and ecosystems

    • Shark science and conservation

    Signature Activities

    • Plankton tows & microscopes

    • Species identification

    • Shark science labs & fossils

    • Coral reefs & estuaries

    • ROVs, dissections, and ecosystem design (older groups)

    Best for campers who enjoy: animals, biology, and discovery-based learning

  • Dates: August 10 – August 21

    Campers explore how humans interact with the ocean before diving deep into the mysteries of the seafloor. From conservation to deep-sea exploration, this session inspires stewardship and curiosity.

    What Your Child Will Learn:

    • Human impacts on ocean health

    • Conservation and sustainability

    • Deep-sea science and exploration

    Exploration Highlights

    • Water quality & microplastics

    • Fisheries and conservation science

    • ROV building & testing

    • Bioluminescence & deep-sea adaptations

    • Navigation, sampling, and ocean chemistry

    Best for campers who enjoy: engineering challenges, exploration, and advanced science

Learn more

Youth Summer Sailing Programs

Half-Day | 9am - 12pm or 1pm - 4pm
Program: Session 1 (1-week) | Sessions 2–4 (2-weeks)

Program Ages, Schedule, and Details

  • Description: Lil Puffs is the perfect introduction for our youngest sailors! With small class sizes and a focus on fun, this program builds confidence on the water while teaching the basics of sailing aboard Sonars. Sailors can enroll in multiple sessions until they are ready for or have aged into Opti Sailing.

    Schedule:
    AM Class: 9:00am – 12:00pm

  • Description:
    Opti Sailing is designed for children ages 8 to 12 who want to learn to sail and are ready to set the foundations of safety, seamanship, and sportsmanship. Variety, fun, and skill-building are the core of the curriculum, as well as capsize recovery and prevention. Games on the water and boating vocabulary are important parts of this class.

    Schedule:
    • AM Classes: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

    • PM Classes: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

  • Description:
    Adventure Sailing teaches the fundamentals of sailing, safety on the water, and good seamanship in a casual, fun setting. This class taught on Hobie Waves and Getaways, is ideal for children who want time on the water exploring Oyster Bay Harbor while learning the fundamentals of sailing. Sailors will rotate between skippering and crewing to learn all aspects of seamanship.

    Schedule:
    • AM Classes: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

  • Description:
    This program is specifically designed for beginner and intermediate sailors. The C420 introduces the fundamentals of double-handed dinghy sailing. Participants will learn and develop their skills as both skipper and crew, providing a well-rounded sailing experience. After mastering the basics of C420 sailing, sailors will continue to refine their rigging, boat handling, and tactical skills.

    Each sailor may enroll in multiple sessions until they are ready to join the WFC c420 Race Team.

    Schedule:
    PM Classes: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Sailing Race Teams

Full Day - Experience Required

Program Ages, Schedule, and Details

  • Description:
    Upon successful completion of Opti intermediate / C420 Open, and with the Sailing Director’s approval, sailors are ready to jump into our premier youth racing program. This program focuses on developing racing skills and techniques, which include race starts, strategy, tactics, advanced sail trim, and advanced boat handling. Sailors can advance onto our Opti Race Team and compete in the Green, White, Red, and Blue fleets

    At age 15, over 120 lbs and/or over 5ft 5in, sailors should move into the Club 420. They can either take an Intro to c420 Race class or jump right into the c420 Race Team.

    Note: We believe that in order to train successful sailors, junior sailors should train in an Opti as long as possible. Please help us with that goal by encouraging your child to sail an Opti. The Opti is not only the largest sailing class in the world; it is the most competitive class for ages 15 and below.

    Schedule:
    • Full-Day Class: 9:00am - 4:00pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)

  • Description:
    Upon successful completion of the c420 Open and the approval of the Sailing Director, sailors can join the c420 Race Team. This program focuses on developing racing skills and techniques, including race starts, strategy, tactics, spinnaker trim, how to trapeze, and advanced boat handling. You may sign up as a team (skipper and crew) or individually. If you sign up as an individual, we will pair you with someone who meets the competitive crew weight (260-270 pounds) and your skill set. Boat ownership is not required.

    Schedule:
    • Full-Day Class: 9:00am - 4:00pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)

  • Description:
    Learn to race on one of our J/105s, a proven blue-water racer, that is the most successful one-design keelboat class in the world. Our top coaches will take your child's competitive sailing to the next level. The J/105 is the most prolific one-design keelboat class over 30' in the USA, with over 680 boats sailing worldwide.

    Returning or Experienced Sailors Only Enrolled sailors need to be reviewed based on their skill level and boating experience. Registrations will not be finalized until approved by the Sailing Director/Head Coach. Refunds will be issued if the sailor can not be reassigned to a proper skill-level class.

    Schedule:
    • Monday: 5:00 -8:00 pm
    • Wednesday: Race Night 5:00pm - Dark
    • Navigation practice one extra day a week 

*ATTENTION NEW SAILING PARTICIPANTS: Registration is not guaranteed. To ensure that participants are enrolled in the correct class, all entrants will be reviewed by the Sailing Director and will not be finalized until approved. Refunds will be issued if the sailor cannot be reassigned to a proper skill-level class. If you are unsure about the appropriate sailing class for your child, please give us a call.

New for 2026

Marine Education Only Programs

Full-Day | 9 - 4pm
Program: Session 1 (1-week) | Sessions 2–4 (2-weeks)

  • Description:
    Bay Buccaneers discover and explore beach habitats and meet marine animals as they develop an awareness of the ecosystem around them. Thematic-based learning, enhanced by stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration highlights marine life and activities including seining, marine scavenger hunts, and STEM-based programs. Bay Bucs enjoy a sailing experience each session aboard Christeen, our historic Oyster Sloop or Oyster Dredge Ida May.

  • Description:
    Sound Swashbucklers explore the estuary on kayaks, engage with marine animals, and participate in fun and educational outdoor activities. STEM-based programs focusing on alternative energies, windmill blade building, and water quality round out a fun-filled week of programming and exploration. Sailing experiences include Oceanography sail on Christeen, our 1883 historic Oyster Sloop or Oyster Dredge Ida May each session.

  • Description:
    First Mates build on their science foundation by participating in immersive STEM-based activities on Beekman Beach, Building Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV’s), and Kayaking to different locations within Oyster Bay. While on Christeen or Ida May, first mates will learn about the health of the harbor and how we can keep it clean for all organisms. Dredging and use of a plankton tow will showcase two different environments within the harbor. Games and group activities foster an appreciation for the natural world all while having plenty of fun and building new skills.  

  • Description:
    Skippers gain a greater understanding of the marine environment through a variety of hands-on experiments that dive into oceanography, marine chemistry, and wildlife ecology. Students discover new frontiers with underwater ROVs, paddle excursions, and research activities as they develop a comprehensive understanding of the estuary.

  • Mariners explore the estuary on kayaks and SUPs and discover new frontiers with underwater ROVs. Increased responsibility and leadership opportunities help develop a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment through research activities and field studies.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Reel Explorers Fishing Camp

What Kids Will Learn

  • Fishing Skills: Bait/rig selection, presentation, how to feel a strike, hook set, and angling Porgy, Black Sea Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Snappers, and Striped Bass.

  • Techniques: Bottom fishing, chumming, drift fishing, trolling, and more.

  • Knots & Gear: Tie basic knots and use spinning or conventional tackle like a pro.

  • Marine Science: Explore tides, currents, and the local ecosystem with hands-on activities like dredging.

  • Outdoor Smarts: Understand weather’s impact and fishery regulations for future generations.

  • Sailing History on the Ida May: Step aboard the Ida May, a 1925 IDA MAY oyster dredge replicated in 2023, and learn how this working boat shaped Oyster Bay’s past while mastering fishing and teamwork on its deck.

Program Ages, Dates, and Details

Ages: 8–16
Schedule: Half day | 8:30am – 2:30pm
Program: 1-week session (dates listed below)

  • Dates: June 29 - July 3

    Focus: Basics of fishing, knot-tying, and lots of fun for younger kids.

    Set sail on the Ida May, offering a stable deck for up to 10 young beginners to learn fishing and soak in Oyster Bay’s history.

  • Dates: July 13 - July 17

    Focus: Intermediate skills with different types of gear for fishing, plus marine science.

    The Ida May cruises to prime spots, where up to 15 campers hone skills on a historic boat that once worked these waters, guided by experts who know the bay and Long Island Sound inside out.

  • Dates: July 27 - July 31

    Focus: Advanced techniques (gear, tackle, rigging) and deeper ecosystem/history lessons.

    Aboard the Ida May, up to 15 teens tackle big fish on a legendary dredge, blending modern fishing with lessons from its 1925 oyster-dredging days.

  • Dates: August 10 - August 14

    Focus: Fish, sail, and sharpen your skills aboard the Ida May!

    Join friends for a fun-filled week on the historic Ida May. Learn fishing techniques and skills from experts while exploring Oyster Bay’s waters, blending adventure with hands-on learning.

HALF-DAY SPECIALTY CAMP

Build a Pond Yacht – Woodworking

Ages: 10–15
Schedule: Half-day | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Two-Week Session

Use hand tools to design and build a wooden model sailboat while learning craftsmanship and maritime tradition.

  • What: A hands-on, 2-week, half-day program where students aged 10-15 build a wooden model sailboat using hand tools.

  • Where: Building J, next to The WaterFront Center—home of the historic CHRISTEEN oyster sloop and IDA MAY oyster dredge.

  • When: July TBA, 2026 | Half-day session 9 AM - 12 PM

  • Who: Led by an experienced shop teacher and qualified volunteers.

  • Sailing Option: Combine our 2-week Introduction to Woodworking program with half-day sailing sessions for a complete summer of building and sailing.

  • Cost: $750 for 2 weeks, all materials included

    • No prior experience needed.

    • Dress for a workshop: closed-toe shoes, comfy clothes.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Camps are offered as two-week sessions, with the exception of Session 1, which is a one-week program.

  • Campers should bring a packed lunch, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

  • No. Most programs are beginner-friendly and designed to build skills progressively.

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and Responsibilities of Camp Operators

NY State Sanitary Code Subpart 7-2 requires camp operators to provide parents with any enrollment application forms the rights and responsibilities of camp operators:

  • To inform you and the local health department if your child is involved in any serious injury, illness, or abuse incident.

  • To screen the background and qualifications of all staff.

  • To train staff about their duties.

  • To provide supervision for all campers 24 hours a day at overnight camps and during hours of operation for day camps.

  • To maintain all camp physical facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.

  • To provide safe and wholesome meals.

  • To have and follow required written plans for camp safety, health, and fire safety.

  • To notify the parent or guardian, with the enrollment application or enrollment contract, that:

    • the camp is required to be permitted to operate by the Nassau County Department of Health;

    • the camp is required to be inspected twice yearly; and

    • The inspection reports concerning such camps are filed at: 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola, New York 11501