Camp faq

What is the DSC Summer Camp?

The DSC Summer Camp is a FUN camp where children learn sailing, teamwork, and independence. Safety, education, and fostering a love for sailing are our top priorities. Our dedicated staff is focused on creating lasting memories on the water for every camper. We offer programming for all skill levels, from first-time sailors to advanced sailors who want to improve their technique.

If you have any questions about camp, see the FAQs below or reach out directly to info@downtownsailing.org.

When and Where is Camp?

 Camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. Beginner programs are one-week sessions, while Intermediate programs are two-week sessions. Our location is on the grounds of the Baltimore Museum of Industry at 1425 Key Highway. Please drive slowly in the parking lot! Contact info, map and directions. 

Choosing the Right Program Level

Beginner: This foundational program is essential for learning the basics of sailing. If your camper is new to sailing or still learning basic techniques, we recommend starting here, even if it means repeating the level for confidence-building.

Intermediate: If your camper is comfortable with boat parts, wind awareness, tacking, gybing, downwind sailing, and basic skippering, the Intermediate level will build on these skills, introducing more advanced techniques like spinnaker handling and docking practice.

For guidance on which program best suits your camper, please contact us at  info@downtownsailing.org .

Required Forms

These forms are required for each week of camp in which your child is registered before they can participate:

• Summer Camp Policies and Rules. Carefully review and complete the required page.
• Youth Camp Health History Submit weekly, as required by Maryland State mandate.
• Medication Authorization Required if your child needs to self-administer medication at camp.
• Asthma Action Plan. If applicable, please complete and submit.
• Printable Liability Waiver Submit once annually.

All documents must be submitted by Monday morning each camp week. You may also scan and email them to info@downtownsailing.org . Campers cannot participate until these forms are on file.

What is a typical day at camp?

Your child can expect about five hours of sailing daily, wind and weather permitting. Each day begins with a brief "chalk talk" to discuss the day's learning objectives with the boat groups. Afterward, campers rig their boats and are on the water by 10 AM, returning for lunch around noon. We provide a shaded area for lunch, hydration, and sunscreen application. On particularly hot days, lunch may be extended, with access to the air-conditioned break room at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Frozen treats are often provided on hot days!

In the afternoon, campers return to the water, with all boats docked and de-rigged by 3:45 PM.

If weather or wind prevents sailing, we engage campers in fun and educational on-land activities, including STEM projects, buoyancy experiments, knot-tying races, sailing jeopardy and water quality testing. We always prioritize safety, and in case of thunderstorms, the Baltimore Museum of Industry provides a safe indoor space.

Safety and Supervision

Beginner Campers: Always have a US Sailing-licensed instructor on their boat. level campers will have a US Sailing licensed Instructor on their vessel at all times.

Intermediate Campers: Initially sail with an instructor on board and then receive coaching from a nearby powerboat in week two. Safety is our priority, and instructors are ready to step in at any time.

Graduation Ceremony

Every Friday, families, caregivers, guardians and friends are invited to join us on the dock for a Graduation Ceremony at 2 PM, where your sailor will showcase their new sailing skills! The ceremony concludes by 3:45, and campers are then ready for pick-up.

Fridays are also Pizza Days! Please send $10 with your camper for all-they-care-to-eat Pizza!

How old does my camper need to be for each Summer Camp program?

Beginner Program: Ages 8-16.

Intermediate Program: Ages 10-16.

What about COVID-19?

Camp is held outdoors which reduces COVID-19 transmission risk, and we follow CDC guidelines, however, Campers showing symptoms may be sent home and can return with a negative COVID-19 test result. 

Check in:

Camp check-in begins at 8:45 AM on the first day of each session, where the Camp Manager will direct campers to their assigned boat groups. Afterward, daily check-in and pick-up are handled by each camper's instructor. Make sure to introduce yourself, and to ask them daily about your camper's successes from their lessons!

Boat Teams:

Campers are grouped in 4:1 camper-to-staff ratios. Beginner-level campers always have a counselor on their boat, while Intermediate-level campers may occasionally be coached from a nearby powerboat.

Lunch:
Your camper must bring a lunch that can be safely stored in a cooler. If you would like to discuss meal provision assistance, please email info@downtownsailing.org 

Port-a-John use:
Port-a-Johns are available for camper use at any time. These are kept locked at all times when not in use, so as to prevent public access. Port-a-Johns are locked at 5:00 pm each day and cleaned by Bobby's Pottys each week.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this protocol, please don't hesitate to email info@downtownsailing.org.

What should my child bring? 

• Reusable water bottle with name label

• Bagged lunch

• Protective shoes (light-soled tennis shoes; no flip-flops or sandals without heel straps)

• Hat or visor

• Polarized Sunglasses (optional, with safety strap)

• High SPF sunscreen (to self-apply)

• Jacket (for chilly/drizzly days)

• Change of clothes and towel

The DSC provides lifejackets and plenty of cold water for refilling bottles. Please make sure your child has a water container that is adequate for their thirst on a 3+ hour sail!

Please make sure your child can self-apply their own sunscreen and self-administer any medications they may need to take at camp. Our counselors are trained to encourage positive behavior and prevent dangers such as sunburn, heat-related illness, and injuries; however, campers must self-apply their own sunscreen and self-administer their own medications. 

What should my child NOT bring?

• Sharp tools 
• Electronics (including games, iPods, iPads, Kindles, Tablets, and mobile phones)
• Valuables that could be damaged by or lost to water
• Water guns

Who are the instructors for the camp, and what are their qualifications?

All DSC instructors are certified by US SAILING (Level 1 Basic Keelboat or higher), have passed background checks, and are Red Cross-certified in first aid and CPR. We encourage you to introduce yourself to your child's instructor and celebrate their achievements together!

What happens when it isn’t a good sailing day?

In case of rain or no wind, activities will take place under the large pavilion and tents on the docks. Children will participate in sailing-related games and activities and will learn useful sailor skills like knot-tying. We also offer STEM activities to further share our love of not only sailing, but also the waterways we traverse. If there's no wind, and it's not too hot, campers love participating in a "Rocking Race" on the boats!

We like to have fun and our instructors know it is easier to keep everyone engaged when everyone is actively participating. Relay races, team activities, water quality testing, board games, buoyancy experiments, card games, Four Square, songs and sing-a-longs... The DSC actively strives to provide your child with a memorable camp experience at all times! On the particularly hot, windless days of the summer you can also expect to find us enjoying a movie in the AC of the BMI's theater.

Will my child go swimming in the Inner Harbor?

Unlike most sailing centers, DSC uses keelboats, which are non-capsizable. Campers should not enter the water unless there's an accidental fall overboard. Staff are trained in person-in-water recovery, ensuring camper safety.

What are the rules of the camp?

• Follow instructor and DSC staff instructions
• Hands to yourself
• Walk (no running)
• ALWAYS wear lifejackets on and near the docks and boats
• ALWAYS wear sunscreen
• Respect is for everyone, always  

What is the discipline policy?

Our “three-strike policy” ensures a positive learning environment:

• Strike One – The instructor discusses the issue with the camper and documents the situation in the camp’s logbook. The parent/guardian is notified either at the end of the day or by phone at the time of the incident, depending on the severity of the situation.
• Strike Two– The instructor and Camp Director address the camper together. The situation is again documented in the camp logbook, and parents are immediately contacted and made aware that their camper may lose the privilege of being at camp unless certain behaviors are addressed.
• Strike Three– Immediate dismissal from camp; the camper is taken to the office, and the parent/guardian is notified to pick up their child.

In addition, there are certain situations for which the DSC has a “zero-tolerance rule.”  Specifically, this policy is designed to avoid any behaviors that jeopardize the safety of the participant, other campers, instructors or other members of the community. Some examples include: deliberately jumping off the boat, refusing to wear a life-jacket, refusing to apply sunscreen, bringing dangerous objects to camp, refusing to follow the directions of the instructors, and fighting. Refunds for dismissed students will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

My child is being upset by another child’s inappropriate behavior, what can I do?

The DSC reserves the right to expel any child for inappropriate or dangerous behavior (dangerous to themselves or others) without a refund. If you have a complaint, please speak to our Camp Director. 

My child lives with a disability; can they attend?

We strive to accommodate all children! If your child has special needs, we’re happy to discuss strategies for ensuring they have a positive experience at camp. A Hoyer lift is available on the dock, and trained adults are on-site to assist. If you have any questions about sending your child to our camp, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can strategize for a successful week of camp!

How do I reschedule or cancel?

If you need to reschedule, please send an email to info@downtownsailing.org or call the DSC office at 410.727.0722 as soon as possible.

If you need to cancel, you must let us know  at least 4 weeks in advance of your camp week in order to receive a full refund or credit toward another session. Please note that due to the nature of our payment process, we are only able to process refunds on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. We are always happy to work with you, and we appreciate you working with us.

What if I can't pay right away?

We require that you submit payment upon registration in order to hold your spot. If you have any issues submitting payment, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, please see below.

Does The DSC offer Camp Scholarship / Financial Aid?

We offer scholarships to children with financial need who are interested in attending camp. To apply, please complete the form at: DSC Camp Scholarship Application.

Our Mission at the Downtown Sailing Center is to be a community Sailing Center that promotes access to sailing for everyone. Never hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of assistance in getting your camper onto the water.

Ready to be a Junior Instructor?

Excellent question! Graduating campers who are 16 can apply to become Junior Instructors the following summer. At 17, campers can become Lead Instructors by completing a US Sailing Basic Keelboat Level 1 course.

Questions?

If you have any additional questions about DSC Summer Camp, please email info@downtownsailing.org or phone 410.727.0722. We’re here to help ensure your child has a memorable summer with us!