Registration is open! Which camp is the best fit for my child?
All detailed camp descriptions are on our Youth Programs page, but if you still want more information about what camp is the best fit for your child this guide should answer your questions.
Looking for a fun, safe, multi-watersports camp where kids 9 and up can stand up paddleboard, and kayak sail? >> SUP + Kayak + Sail Camp is a great option. This camp is offered at Cherry Creek.
Boulder ONLY: Is your child 9+ and like to also try windsurfing in addition to standing up paddleboarding and kayaking? >> Windsurf + SUP + Kayak Camp is perfect!
Is your child 5 or 6 years old? >> Little Puffs Camp is for you!
If your child is 7 years old they could either do our Little Puffs Camp OR the Learn to Sail Camp. Little Puffs camp is a smaller class (8 kids), and taught at a slower pace. This camp is very game and activity-based to keep this age group engaged. Our Learn to Sail Camp will have 7-10-year-olds who are sailing in boats with one other camper. This camp provides more independence and is taught at a slightly faster pace than the Little Puffs Camp. If you have a mature or very adventurous 7 year old who gets along well with older kiddos, then the Learn to Sail Camp would be your best option.
Is your child 7 y/o or older and new to sailing or has only 1 week of previous sailing camp? >> Learn to Sail Camp is the perfect fit.
Has your child already had 2 weeks of Learn to Sail (or Buddy-Based Sailing camp in 2020-2021) with us OR are they coming from somewhere else where they have previously sailed in a boat by themself? >> Intermediate Sailing Camp is the best fit. If your child is 13+ and very tall for their age or over 15 go ahead and call us (303.757.7718), we may recommend another camp based on the size of the equipment and your child’s previous experience.
Has your child had 1 week of Intermediate Sailing Camp? >> Sign them up for their second week of Intermediate Sailing Camp to solidify their solo sailing skills and really prepare them before safely moving on to the next level.
Cherry Creek ONLY: If your child has previously taken 2 weeks of Intermediate Sailing Camp AND they are 8-12 years old, they’re ready for Intro to Advanced Sailing Camp. If they are 12 or older then they can go directly into the Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp. (If they are younger than 8, they will stay in Intermediate for safety reasons). 12-year-olds who are average height or shorter should take Intro to Advanced before moving into the larger boats used in the Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp.
Boulder ONLY: If your child has previously taken 2 weeks of Intermediate Sailing Camp and they are 11 or younger, they will continue to take Intermediate Sailing Camp and will graduate to using a Tera Pro Rig (with a larger more powerful racing sail, pictured below). Incorporating this more challenging boat set up will allow them to continue safely building their skills. NOTE: Boulder does not have an Intro to Advanced Sailing Camp. For safety reasons, we are requiring the minimum age for any Advanced Sailor to be at least 12 as the boats used in this camp require a lot more skill and sheer size to maintain control of.
All locations: If your child has previously taken Advanced Sailing Camp or they have experience sailing a c420 sailboat (pictured below) AND they are 12 or older, they are a perfect fit for Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp. For anyone who is not yet 12, the Intermediate Camp in Boulder, or Intro to Advanced Camp in Cherry Creek, is the right fit. For safety reasons, we are requiring the minimum age for any Advanced Sailing Camp participant to be at least 12 as the boats used in this camp require a lot more skill and sheer size to maintain control of.
Boulder ONLY: If your child has previously taken Advanced Sailing Camp or they have experience sailing a Laser sailboat (pictured below), they are 12 or older AND they weigh at least 110lbs, they are a perfect fit for Advanced Solo Sailing Camp. For anyone who is 12+ but not yet 110lbs, the Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp. For safety reasons, we are requiring the minimum weight and age for any Advanced Solo Sailing Camp participant due to the size of the boat and what’s needed to maintain control.
Has your sailor taken at least 1 week of either Advanced Double-Handed or Solo Sailing Camp and would like to begin learning how to race? >> Race Camp uses the same sailboats as these Advanced Camps and is a great opportunity for these advanced sailors to try their hand at sailboat racing in a new-to-racing-friendly environment. This is offered only once each summer leading up to the weekend of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Junior Olympic Sailing Festival. Those Race Camp participants who want to attend this weekend event are closely supported through this process.
Please see the boats pictured below for your reference:
