2024 Camp Schedule for DAI
Green are introductory level camps. Blue are intermediate or advanced camps. Grey are not part of the DAI Scholarship.
Lake Adventure
This camp is designed for adventurers who love to play on the lake, but would like to do more than just sail on it. We will explore Lake Champlain to the fullest from a variety of watercraft, including canoe/kayak excursions out to Lone Rock Point, paddleboarding to North Beach, and sailing adventures around Burlington Bay.
Prerequisites: Basic swimming proficiency.
Ages: 11-15
Times: 9am – 4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday
- June 24-28
- July 1-5*
- July 22-26
- August 5-9
- August 21-25
* The Stars and Stripes edition does not meet Wednesday, July 3.
Level 1
Campers will learn the basics of rigging, points of sail, sailing maneuvers, safety and recovery in a safe, fun environment. Certified instructors lead a variety of land and water based activities designed to promote comfort and independence in the boat and on the water.
Prerequisites: Basic swimming proficiency.
Ages: 11-15
Times: 9am-4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday
- June 17-21
- June 24-28
- July 8-12
- July 15-19
- July 22-26
- July 29-August 2
- August 5-9
- August 12-16
Level 2
This two-week long camp is a perfect follow up to the Level I camp or an ideal choice for young sailors who are already comfortable with the basics. Following a review of nomenclature and basic rigging, safety, and sailing maneuvers, sailors will advance to on-the-water activities that consolidate existing skills and teach new ones during longer sails around Burlington Bay.
Prerequisites: Basic swimming proficiency. Successful completion of Level I.
Ages: 12-16
Times: 9am-4pm
Dates: Two-week camp that runs Monday-Friday.
- June 17-21
- July 8-19
- July 22-August 2
- August 5-16
Level 3
Building on the skills learned in Level I and II, this camp will refine on-the-water skills, boat-handling skills, and introduce advanced equipment. This program is designed for campers looking to advance their sailing skills and be introduced to racing skills and tactics.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I and II. Able to make precise tacks with little over/under steering. Generally able to avoid unplanned jibes. Feel comfortable and in control skippering a heeling dinghy in moderate wind.
Ages: 12-16
Times: 9am – 4pm
Dates: Two-week camp that runs Monday-Friday.
- July 8-19
- July 22-August 2
- August 5-16
Summer Race
The Summer Race Program is a week-long program designed for Level III graduates. This exciting opportunity will build on the advanced skills and sail theory students received in Level III and will include advanced coaching on 420s and Lasers. Sailors will learn racing skills including starts, tactical tips, and winning strategies. Each program is designed around a local Laser regatta that the team can participate in.
Prerequisites: Prior participation in Level III is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to participate in the Summer Race.
Ages: 12-16
Times: 9am – 4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday
- 2024 Session TBD
Laser!
Spend a week learning how to sail solo! This program is for sailors who have completed Levels I – III and who are ready to take on the challenge of learning how to sail a single-handed dinghy. During this program, sailors will learn the ins and outs of Laser sailing and continue to develop their on the water skills in a new vessel.
Prerequisites: Prior participation in Level III is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to participate in Laser!
Ages: 12-16
Times: 9am-4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday
- 2024 Session TBD
Junior Instructor Training Camp
In this one-week training course, Junior Instructors (JIs) will learn the basics of what it means to be a part of the support staff at the CSC. In this camp, JIs will learn the daily flow at the Sailing Center, how to rig, sail and care for our fleet, how to assist staff deliver camp curriculum and how to positively contribute to camp this summer.
All Junior Instructors must be 15-18 years old, and have taken a Laser! Program, Summer Race Camp or an equivalent program in the past, and have a good attitude and a willingness to work. Learn more here. Attendance at this camp is required for all those wishing to participate in our Junior Instructor program for summer 2024.
Prerequisites: Level III & Summer Race or Laser! (Summer Race or Laser! can be taken during the same year as Junior Instructor Program)
Ages: 15-18
Times: 9am – 4pm
Dates: One-week camp that runs Monday-Friday:
- June 17-21
Middle School Sailing
Develop the skill to sail our 23′ keelboats with a team of other middle school students in the Spring. Focus on sailing quickly & efficiently on each point of sail. An introduction to the fundamentals of sailboat racing while learning to independently sail keelboats. Fall sessions are on 420 dinghies.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I.
Ages: Grades 6-8
Times: Practice runs two times a week 3:30 – 6:30 pm
- Spring Session: tbd
- Fall Session: tbd
Northern Vermont High School Sailing Team
The Community Sailing Center coaches high school sailors from around the region through the Northern Vermont High School Sailing Team, each season offering young sailors the chance to develop their skills and compete throughout New England. The team is open to any student in good standing attending public, private, or home school in Chittenden and surrounding counties. The team practices together approximately three days a week after school, with occasional weekend regattas at home or away.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I.
Ages: Grades 9-12
Times: Practice runs three times a week 3:30 – 630pm
- Spring Session: tbd
- Fall Session: tbd
*Spring sailing prerequisite: must have completed level II.
