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Schooner Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to know how to sail?
No, children do not need any prior experience on boats to participate in SoundWaters schooner camp. They will learn sailing skills, safety, and science throughout the weeklong camp session.

My child is entering 6th grade in the fall, can I sign them up for Schooner Adventure?
Yes, the grades listed for all programs are designed to be the grade your child will enter in the Fall of 2010. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Where do I drop my child off for Schooner Adeventure?
You will drop your child off at the Schooner SoundWaters,at Brewer Yacht Haven Marina in Stamford, directions to the Schooner can be found here

Do I need to pack my child a lunch?
Yes. SoundWaters does not provide meals. Children must also come with their own water bottle with their name written on it.

Will there be an overnight?
Sessions two -five include two overnights. Campers will arrive Wednesday morning with their personal gear and will board the schooner and sail to Sheffield Island to camp out Wednesday and Thursday night. Tents will be provided.

What do you do in bad weather?
Safety of your camper is the number one concern for the Captain and crew of the Schooner SoundWaters. We will sail in the rain, however we will not sail if unsettled weather such as thunder and lightning is present. If we are on the island during hazardous weather, we can take refuge in the lighthouse.

Does my child need to bring a life jacket?
No. SoundWaters is a USCG inspected passenger vessel and does not require passengers to wear life jackets except at the captains discretion. SoundWaters had USCG approved lifejackets for all passengers and crew. At the beginning of each session campers will practicing putting on the life jackets.

What type of certifications do the staff members hold?
A Coast Guard licensed captain will be onboard the schooner at all times. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified and an AmericanRed Cross certified lifeguard will be onboard at all times.

What is a typical day like?
Each day on the Schooner SoundWaters is different. The activities depend greatly on the weather. Activities may include sailing, swimming, exploration, live animals, a field trip and more. Below you will find a basic schedule (subject to change):

9:00am	Campers arrive and sign-in at Brewer's Yacht Haven Marina. Morning Circle.
9:15am	Get the dock lines ready and get underway.
9:30am	Set the sail with your watch members.
10:00am	Game (ex. Life jacket relay race).
10:30am	Activity (ex. Plot a course using a chart and a compass).
12:00pm	Lunch.
12:45pm	Swim call.
2:00pm	Activity (ex. Haul in onboard trawl net and touch live animals).
3:30pm	Get ready to dock the boat.
4:00pm	Arrive back to the dock. Begin afternoon dockside activities.
4:45pm	Closing Circle.
5:00pm	Parent sign-out at Brewer's Yacht Haven Marina.

What if I have more questions?
For more information please contact Olena Czebiniak at oczebiniak@soundwaters.org or (203) 406-3319.