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Small Boat Sailing
Frequently Asked Questions

Is SoundWaters easy to get to?
Yes. SoundWaters is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from exit 9 off I-95.
Directions to the SoundWaters Center.

If I am not a Stamford resident how do I get into the park?
You will be mailed a parking pass for your session(s). If you lose your pass or need additional passes, you can pick them up on the first day of camp.

What forms do I need to submit besides the registration form?

The State of Connecticut requires us to have a Health Form on file for every camper. You may either use the SoundWaters Health Form found here or the State of Connecticut Department of Education Health Assessment Record. The form must be signed and stamped by the Doctor's office. Please note, there is no need for a separate physical exam, as long as the last routine exam your child took is within the last three years.

If the doctor finds it necessary to send medication with your child to the camp, you need to provide us with an Authorization for Administrations of Medication form found here stamped and signed by the doctor's office for each medication prescribed. Please read the form instructions carefully! The medications must be received by the SoundWaters staff at the same time your child is admitted to camp. We will not be able to admit your child to our camp without the medication and properly filled out Authorization for Administration of Medication Form.

All Medical forms are due back to SoundWaters by June 1, 2012.

Forms may be submitted By Mail: Camp SoundWaters, 1281 Cove Road, Stamford CT 06902 By Fax:(203)967-8306 By Email: oczebiniak@soundwaters.org

Does my child have to know how to sail?
No, children do not need any prior experience on boats to participate in the SoundWaters Opti sailing program. The Opti program is designed to teach beginners and intermediates sailors the joys of sailing while on Holly pond. They will learn basic sailing skills, safety, environmental themes and sail theory.

The SoundWaters Pixel program is for advanced sailors that have already mastered smaller boats. The campers in the Pixel program will spend their day sailing on Long Island Sound improving their skills and enjoying the fun of a two sail, 13’9” boat.

If you have questions on which program to register your child for please call Olena Czebiniak at (203)406-3319

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

Will my child be wearing a life jacket?
Yes, all children in any small boat sailing program are required to wear a life jacket at all times. SoundWaters will provide a life jacket for all sailing campers.

What type of certifications do the staff members hold?
All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. A US Sailing certified instructor is on the water at all times. Along with an American Red Cross certified lifeguard.

When is payment for camp due?
a Non-refundable deposit of $200 per session is due at the time of camp registration. The balance payment of tuition for each session and any additional amounts due for extended hours is due May 1, 2012. An early registration discount of $50 per session, to be applied to balance due, is offered for all sessions registered for by March 31, 2012. If registration is made after May 1, 2012, full payment for tuition an any additional amounts for extended hours is due at time of registration.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. SoundWaters offers scholarships to those that are eligible for free or reduced lunch according to the State of CT. Applications are available here.

Can I watch my child sail?
Yes, Optis can be viewed from the shore of Holly Pond.

If your child is sailing with Pixels they will spend the entire day out on Long Island Sound and cannot be easily seen from shore.

What is a typical day like?
The activities vary depending on weather and session. Below you will find a basic daily schedule (subject to change):

9:00am	Campers arrive and sign-in at Cove Island Park
9:15am	Morning Circle - discuss day activities, record weather and temperature observations, knots, chart a course.
9:30am	Ready boats for day (ex. Rig sails, learn lines, check boats).
10:15am	Launch boats.
10:30am	Sailing - practice tacking and jibing, buoy course, point of sail, wind direction, races.
12:00pm	Dock boats on shore, lunch.
12:45pm	Swim call
1:30pm	Afternoon Sailing - sail to Holly Pond salt marsh, look for horseshoe crabs, sailing drills.
4:00pm	Arrive back on land. Ready boats for bed (clean up sails, wash boat, de-rig for night). Snack.
4:45pm	Closing Circle - discuss and share what you learned throughout day, what you would like to learn tomorrow.
5:00pm	Parent sign-out at bridge.

What should my child bring to camp?
Your child should bring the following things every day (please label everything with your child's name):

• Large bottle of water with their name on it
• Healthy lunch & two snacks
• Sun-block
• Comfortable shoes (active wear)
• Water shoes (no flip-flops)
• Rain gear (weather dependent)
• Long sleeve shirt/sweatshirt (weather dependent)
• Hat
• Swim Suit
• Towel

Cancellation Policy
SoundWaters reserves the right to cancel a session due to insufficient enrollment. In this event, you will be notified and a full refund of amounts paid will be made. No refunds will be made and there will be no credit given for absences, family vacations, withdrawals or camp closings.

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