Come learn to Sail!
Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? Our Youth Sailing Camp on the beautiful waters of Clear Lake is the perfect way for kids ages 9 to 17 (birth years 2008–2016) to learn the art of sailing while making lifelong friends! Following the CANSail program, our camp runs Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, packed with fun, learning, and time on the water.
While we don’t offer a bus service, we’re happy to help families coordinate carpooling to make transportation easier.
Participants just need to be able to swim 50 meters while wearing a life jacket, tread water, and bring their own MOT-approved personal flotation device (PFD).
From exciting on-water drills to engaging land-based activities, our sailing programs follow Sail Canada’s nationally recognized CANSail curriculum. Our certified instructors ensure a safe and fun learning experience, with training in first aid, powerboat operation, boat rescue, and more.
A deposit is required to secure a spot, and we reserve the right to cancel sessions if registration is low.
Come sail with us and make some amazing memories on Clear Lake!
Dates and Lesson Fees
| Camp # | Dates | Members | Non-Member | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Camp 1 | Jun 30 – Jul 11 (2 weeks, 9am-4pm) | $500 | $600 | For ages 9 to 17 |
| Youth Camp 2 | Jul 14 – 25 (2 weeks, 9am-4pm) | $500 | $600 | For ages 9 to 17 |
| Youth Camp 3 | Jul 28 – Aug 1 (1 week, 9am-4pm) | $250 | $300 | For ages 9 to 17 |
| Youth Camp 4 | Aug 4 – 8 (1 week, 9am-4pm) | $250 | $300 | For ages 9 to 17 |
What to Bring to Sailing Camp
To make sure your child has the best experience on the water, here’s a handy checklist of what to bring each day:
Life Jacket/PFD – A properly fitted, government-approved personal flotation device (PFD/lifejacket) that matches your child’s weight and size.
Sun Protection – Sunscreen (SPF 30+), a sun hat, and sunglasses with retainers to keep them secure.
Swim Gear – Swimsuit and towel for swimming and water activities.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing – We sail rain or shine! Bring a windproof jacket, rain gear, and warm underlayers if needed.
Extra Clothes – A complete change of dry clothes, including a shirt, shorts, long pants, underwear, and a sweatshirt.
Water shoes (or another closed-toe, non-slip, rubber-soled pair) for sailing. Flip-flops and open-toed sandals aren’t allowed for safety reasons.
Dry shoes for land activities..
Water Bottle – A refillable bottle to stay hydrated. We have drinking water available at the club.
Lunch & Snacks – A peanut-free lunch and snacks. A fridge is available.
Label Everything! – Please ensure all personal belongings are labeled to avoid mix-ups. Electronics, toys, and valuables should be left at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does my child need to be a strong swimmer?
Not necessarily, but they should feel comfortable around water. All participants wear life jackets or PFDs while on the docks and in boats.
Is there early drop-off or late pick-up?
We don’t offer extended care at this time. Please arrange drop-off and pick-up according to the scheduled times.
What’s a typical day at camp?
Morning: Campers arrive, rig their boats, and start with a quick land lesson before heading out for morning sailing drills.
Midday: A supervised 45-minute lunch, followed by a fun group game.
Afternoon: More sailing, additional lessons, and de-rigging boats before heading home.
Throughout the day, campers also play games, practice water safety, and enjoy swimming.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Light rain? We sail as usual, so bring a rain jacket!
Too windy or no wind? We focus on shore-based lessons, knot-tying, and team-building games.
Severe weather? We move indoors for lessons, games, or other activites
Can I drive my child to camp?
Absolutely! Parents can drop off their child at the Peterborough Sailing Club (3121 Cottage Ln, Lakefield) between 9:00–9:15 AM and pick them up at 4:00 PM.
Can my child be paired with a friend?
We group students based on age, skill level, and instructor recommendations to ensure safety and skill development. While we can’t guarantee friend pairings, campers have plenty of time to interact and make new friends.
What if my child can’t attend one day?
If your child will be absent, please let us know in advance by emailing us at Training@PeterboroughSailingClub.org.
What safety measures are in place?
Our instructors are certified in lifesaving and first aid. Campers wear life jackets or PFDs at all times on the docks and in boats, and instructors are always present in support boats to assist.
What is CANSail?
CANSail is a national sailing program by Sail Canada that helps sailors build skills through hands-on learning on the water. It focuses on safe, fun, and progressive training, with six levels designed to keep sailors engaged and excited.
What types of sail boats will campers use?
Campers will sail a mix of boats, including Optimist, Lasers, Albacores and Wayfarers.
Refunds:
Refunds will only be provided if requested 14 days or more prior to the first scheduled class.
A full refund will be offered in the event a lesson course is cancelled due to a low number of participants.