All Clear Racing Sunfish-- how the Camp Annual Fund strengthens our Sea Program

Each and every day during the summer months, halyards of the Sunfish are raised, the engines of the Sea Hunts are revved, and the freedom of the river is at fingertips of every camper. When asked what makes Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer’s seamanship program so great, Summer 2011 Sea Gull Motorboating Chief, Sam Yurow says “One can argue that it is our fleet boats or our tradition of excellence on the sea or the big open water off the foot of the pier. But boil it all down and I think what really makes the difference is the investment we make in training our summer staff to be quality instructors.” This investment is made possible through donations to the Camp Annual Fund.

Summer 2011 Seafarer Sailing UA, Meghan Tammenin comments, “thanks to our new relationship with US Sailing and US Powerboating, many of our counselors are now certified US Sailing Level 1 instructors." This certification is an example of how gifts to the Camp Annual Fund can enhance programs at Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer. It is these donations that help cover the cost that comes with national certification. "In the certification training, not only do we become more proficient ourselves, we really take the time to think about how best to teach this skill to children,” said Summer 2011 Seafarer Sailing UA, Emily Sunderland. She adds, “during staff training, we had the chance to play the part of both the student and the teacher. By stepping into the role of a camper learning to sail, we could see which teaching methods were most effective and most fun, and thus they were more equipped to provide an enjoyable and engaging experience for campers."

“Good training leads to confident and successful staff which ultimately leads to a safe, fun and skill building summer for each and every camper!” says Emily, “I would not be the sailor I am today without the Camp Annual Fund nor would the campers be as competent and confident on the water. And this confidence easily translates to a greater sense of self-worth back in the cabin and back at home. Isn’t that what Camp is all about?”