Class Descriptions| Camp Classes |
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All classes will be offered at Hopkinton State Park and Spot Pond in StonehamBoating is Fun Camp has 5 skill levels to challenge every aspiring boater! All of our classes are meant to be taken either for one week or more weeks, until the camper is ready to move to the next step. We use Acheivement Awards to assist the campers in learning the proper skills. Our staff does not pressure the campers, but they do gently encourage them to challenge themselves. The staff also asseses each campers skills, and move them into the correct classes on a day to day basis. Boating is Fun
Boating Is Fun (Ages 8 - 14)Recommendations: Recommended for first-time boaters and campers who wish to experience both paddling and sailing. We encourage campers to take at least two week-long sessions of Boating Is Fun to properly learn and feel comfortable with new skills. Boating Is Fun is the ultimate introduction to boating! This energetic course combines paddle sports and sailing to create unforgettable memories. Every day is a new experience in this versatile, fun-oriented week. Games focusing on teamwork teach campers to work together on and off the water. Camp counselors support campers through the week as they enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. Campers will learn the basic strokes for kayak and canoe, nautical terminology, and introductory sailing skills. As campers learn, they build confidence and independence. To prepare campers for the occasional capsize, counselors stress water safety and the importance of wearing lifejackets in and around the water.
Introduction to Paddling (Ages 8 - 15)Recommendations: Recommended for the new and basic skills paddlers or for campers who just love being on the water and want to have fun, fun, fun. Feel free to take this adventure-filled course simply for a wacky, action-packed time, or to work toward completing Paddling Achievement Awards.Prepare to get wet and have fun! This program is a great introduction to the popular world of paddling and a fun-filled way for previous paddlers to engage in a laid back refresher course. Through a combination of instruction and game play, campers learn to identify parts of the boat, use basic strokes, balance and control their kayak/canoe to prevent capsize, and perform basic rescue techniques. Campers will learn to paddle forward faster and more efficiently. Tandem kayaking is a great way to learn cooperation and communication, while our single kayaks allow campers more freedom and independence. Campers will experience the excitement of performing the coordination and teamwork necessary to navigate one of our two 10-person Tripper Canoes. On-land activities and games allow for a relaxing atmosphere.
Intermediate Paddling (Ages 9 - 15)Recommendations: Recommended for paddlers who want to learn new stokes and who have completed the Basic Paddling Achievement Award, taken Kayaking I or II in 2008 or have kayaking experience. Intermediate Paddling is for campers who have basic paddling skills and can't wait to learn more! Campers will review and refine skills taught in Introduction to Paddling through games and activities. Counselors will help campers achieve full command of their kayaks/canoes. Fun yet challenging games teach campers to use a combination of paddling skills by focusing on blending strokes together and making an appropriate selection of strokes for specific scenarios. New and returning campers will expand on their knowledge by learning new strokes, rescue skills, and safety braces. Solo paddling will emphasize skills in independence and self-reliance while tandem trips stress the importance of teamwork. Campers may work towards Paddling Achievement Awards.
Introduction to Sailing (Ages 9 - 15)Recommendations: Recommended as a starting place for first-time sailors, future pirates (Arrgh!), and as a basic skills refresher for previous sailors. Campers are recommended to take this course for 2 consecutive weeks to master the basic sailing skills required for the Skipper Achievement Award.Introduction to Sailing is designed to transform new campers into comfortable sailors and/or refresh previous sailors on basic sailing skills. Our number one goal is to reduce the chance of a bad experience on the water and increase fun by providing on and off-shore instruction. Through group lessons and Sailing Buddies, campers will learn to: practice water safety; identify parts of the boat, points of sail, and wind direction; and demonstrate sail and tiller control. During the last day of camp, campers who wish to receive the Skipper Achievement Award must pass a basic skills test administered by a Camp Counselor. Campers are advised to complete the Skipper Achievement Award before moving on to Sailing for Skippers.
Sailing for Skippers (Ages 9 - 15)Recommendations: (Age recommendation: 9 and up) This course is open to all campers, but is recommended for sailors who have received the Skipper Achievement Award, taken Sailing I or II in 2008 or have sailing experience. Because of the variety of intermediate skills possible, sailors are encouraged to repeat this course several times. The skills taught in this course, though easy to learn, require practice to master.Is your camper excited about sailing and adventure? Then look no further than Sailing for Skippers! The goal of Sailing for Skippers is for campers to develop sailing independence and to refine off-shore decision-making. Sailors will review Introduction to Sailing and learn new skills including: identifying additional points of sail, holding a steady course, heading up wind, righting a capsized boat, gybing, and independently leaving the docks and landing. Lessons will be modified based on campers' experiences and abilities. Achievement Awards available in this course include: Man Overboard, Jib, and Spinnaker Achievements.
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