Schooner Camp

What is Schooner Camp?

In the Summer of 2011, DC Sail began offering a week-long Sailing and Marine Studies program to youth ages 12 to 17. 

After a few years' hiatus, we are excited to revive this program for youth sailors in the summer of 2024!

The camp, which is held aboard our 65-foot schooner, American Spirit, from Monday through Friday will educate students on subjects pertaining sailing on a Schooner, seamanship, local history and marine science with a focus on local flora and fauna. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects are part of the excellent, award-winning, on-the-water and dockside curriculum.

Students will come aboard DC's only schooner and by the end of the week will be skilled sailors able to manage the boat! Camp participants will be responsible for all crew responsibilities and will learn each day the skills necessary to sail a large sailing vessel, including piloting, navigating, crew coordination, and more! 

Staff: Schooner Camp will be led by our United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain and a complement of three skilled Crew which may include US SAILING certified Instructors that will be aboard American Spirit during our program. All Staff are highly trained with a week-long intensive training schedule prior to the start of programming. They are fully background checked and have also completed US Sailing's Safe Sport program along with certification in American Red Cross training.

Camp Weeks: In 2024, DC Sail is offering four weeks of Schooner Camp.

Schooner Camp - Session 1 - July 22nd to July 26th

Schooner Camp - Session 2 - July 29th to August 2nd

Schooner Camp - Session 3 - August 5th to August 9th

Schooner Camp - Session 4 - August 12th to August 16th

Space is very limited each week and we anticipate the sessions will reach capacity.

Sign up now to register your child for a week of Schooner Camp this summer!

Scholarships: DC Sail offers partial scholarships (final cost - $100) per week to applicants who have an annual household income of less than $50,000.00. 

If you are interested in application for a scholarship for your child, please proceed with the online registration and select, Schooner Camp Scholarship registration type. Complete the payment of $100.00. You will submit the Registration and Liability Waiver Form and also the Schooner Camp Scholarship Application along with required supporting documentation and present to the Camp Director on the first day of camp that your sailor will attend.