Summer Camp
Summer Adventure Begins Here.
Give your child an unforgettable summer filled with sailing, teamwork, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Whether they're stepping into a boat for the first time or building on existing skills, every day brings a new adventure on the water.
Overview
A Summer They'll Never Forget
Experience the adventure of sailing this summer with the Community Sailing School’s Learn-to-Sail program!
Kids will enjoy learning the fundamentals of small-boat sailing in a safe and fun-filled environment. This week-long camp sees participants go from complete beginners to confident new sailors by the end of the week.
In addition to the high-quality sailing lessons provided by our instructors, there is plenty of fun sprinkled in, with daily unstructured play and swim time, fun themed days, and a picnic at the end of the week when participants can sail their boats across the lake to practice their new skills in a long-distance sailing format.
Participants are encouraged to come back for as many more weeks as they want and instructors will accommodate these sailors to help them progress in their own sailing adventures!
Our instructors and coaches are American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certified, US Center for SafeSport certified, and are also US Sailing Small Boat Level One certified.
What to Bring to Our Camp
Come prepared for a fun-filled day on the water! Packing the right essentials helps campers stay safe, comfortable, and ready for every adventure.
- Sunscreen (apply before arrival; campers should be able to reapply independently)
- A change of clothes
- Towel
- Packed lunch in an insulated lunch bag (Full-Day Camp only)
- Reusable water bottle
- Closed-toe water shoes or secure sandals
- Sunglasses & a hat for sun protection
- Water blaster for designated theme days (optional)
- USCG-approved life jacket (if bringing your own)
A Friendly Reminder
Please label all personal belongings with your child's name to help us return misplaced items quickly. We recommend leaving valuables and electronic devices at home.
Summer 2027 Registrations Are Open
2027 camp registrations are officially open. Join a welcoming community where young sailors learn, explore, and grow through fun, safe, and engaging experiences on the water.
Location
Dodge #4 State Park (MI DNR Recreation Passport Required for entry)
Age Range
Six to eighteen years
Prerequisites
Comfortable being in the water
Dates
To be announced
Hours
9:00am to 3:30pm (full day) or
9:00am to 12:00pm (half day)
Why Sailing Is More Than Just a Sport
Discover a sport that builds confidence, inspires adventure, and teaches lifelong skills both on and off the water.
Build Confidence
Grow with every adventure.
Learn Teamwork
Succeed together on water.
Stay Active
Healthy fun outdoors daily.
Develop Leadership
Lead with courage always.
Create Memories
Friendships that last forever.
Testimony
Trusted by Families. Loved by Young Sailors.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve answered the most common ones to help you prepare for an exciting and stress-free camp experience.
Where do I pick up/drop off my sailor?
YES! Sailing is a non contact sport and sailors are taught how to sail safely before they are allowed to race. Sailors are always supervised on the water and all of our coaches are trained in first aid. Our CEO – Dr Lynn Frikker – is also an Emergency Physician.
What happens if there is inclement weather?
Yes. Community Sailing School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
Yes. Community Sailing School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
What is the instructor-to-student ratio?
Yes. Community Sailing School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
My child wants to race sailboats. Is this an option too?
Yes. Community Sailing School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Are there discounts or scholarships available?
Yes. Community Sailing School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Where can I see photos of my child sailing?
Yes. Community Sailing School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible donations may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Information
How can we help?
Have a question about our programs or need help choosing the right sailing experience? We're happy to answer you.