Winter an ideal time to sign your children up for sailing camps before the spring rush. Your options are wide open, as the Chesapeake is home to dozens of junior sailing programs and camps, large and small, for all skill levels. Some camps offer varied outdoor experiences; others focus on only sailing. It can be a challenge to filter through the many options: yacht club programs, YMCA camps, community sailing programs, small-boat programs, keelboat programs, racing-focused programs, day camps—half or full day—and overnight camps. Among the factors to consider are: time frame, convenience of camp times mixed with your other summer commitments and schedules, budget, distance to travel, transportation, and the need for before- or after-camp child care. Over the years, parents and camp professionals have recommended sitting down with your child and discussing what he or she hopes to get out of the experience: making new friends, gaining skills, getting a chance to be away at camp and be more independent, or have some fun. Knowing your goals as a parent and your child’s goals will help you narrow down your search. This is only a sampling of camps’ websites--there are more! Call these schools to ask questions, ask for references, and register early for what could be a wonderful summer adventure for your kids. Christchurch School Summer Camps on the River. Kids 8-15, day and boarding. Christchurch, VA. DC Sail. Kids Set Sail camps (ages 7-14) and Schooner Camp (ages 12-17). Washington, DC. Downtown Sailing Center. Ages 8-16. Eastport Yacht Club Junior Fleet Programs. Ages 6 and up (adult classes, too!). Annapolis, MD. KidShip at Annapolis Sailing School. Ages 5-15. Annapolis. J/World Annapolis. Kids on Keelboats for ages 12-18. Maryland Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program. Ages 8-16. Optimists and Club 420s. Pasadena, MD. Rock Hall Yacht Club Sailing School. Sailing for kids and adults. Rock Hall, MD. Sailing Camp. Ages 5-14. Day camps and six-day cruising camps. Herrington Harbour Severn Sailing Association. Kids 6-18. Annapolis, MD. West River Sailing Club. Ages 6 and up. Galesville, MD. Find more sailing schools near you... American Sailing Association directory Search by Zip Code U.S. Sailing directory Search by map Please share your thoughts on top sailing schools on the Chesapeake and its tributaries by emailing [email protected]