Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Sailing Camp

Q:Who is the camp director?
A:Amy Zang has been running this camp since 1994. She has guided and helped hundreds of campers and staff enjoy the sport of sailing on the Potomac River.

Amy is a teacher with a focus in special education. She spent 20 years teaching in Fairfax
County and she is currently a mentor teacher who assists in the teacher training program at
GMU. Amy also holds her sailing certifications from US Sailing as a level 1 instructor, a level 1
instructor trainer and a keelboat instructor. She is thrilled to combine her love for
sailing, for children and for young adults, along with her knowledge and expertise in the field of
learning.


Q:Will my children be able to sail together?
A:If your children are registered for the same program (Sunfish, Flying Scot, etc.) they can sail together. Sometimes that is not always the best for the children. We find that the same dynamics which happen at home, then happen at camp. Often, we find it is better to let each child meet someone new at camp and let them develop skills without being shadowed by their sibling. However, if the children absolutely want to sail together, they can.


Q:What is your refund policy?
A:A full refund will be given up through April 28th. From April 29th until 3 days prior to the start of that session there is a $200 cancellation fee for each camp reservation that is cancelled. There are no refunds made for cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to the beginning of that camp session.
Consideration for medical or other reasons beyond one's control will be made by the camp director, Amy Zang, on a case by case basis by rescheduling to another camp session this current season, if space allows.

Q:What is a typical daily schedule?
A:9:30 Campers report to their group areas
9:40 Morning land lessons begin
10:10 Campers get ready to go out on the water (use restrooms, fill up water bottles, apply sunblock)
10:20 Rigging of boats
10:30-12:15 Morning Sailing Session
12:30-1:30 Lunch break/ camp store visit
1:40 Afternoon land lesson begins
(use restrooms, fill up water bottles, apply sunblock)
2:00-3:30 Afternoon Sailing Session
3:30. Derigging of boats
4:00 Parent pick up


Q:Who are the staff?
A:The majority of our staff were campers when they were younger. They loved sailing and sailing camp so much that they wanted to share this with other children. We also have "new" staff who join us and these staff members often learned to sail at a different summer camp or perhaps a high school or college sailing team.

The pillars of our staff are adults who are educators. These staff are here to guide the younger staff and keep things shipshape.


Q:What training has the summer camp staff particpated in?
A:All staff have successfully completed:
• two-day hands-on sailing camp counselor course
• online boating safety course
• online Teaching and Coaching Fundamentals course
• current CPR and First Aid training


Q:What do you do if there is inclement weather?
A:Camp meets rain or shine, as long as it is safe for us to be outside, camp is ON. We are an outdoor camp and will stay outdoors, even in the rain.

Thunderstorms and other dangerous weather patterns can create a challenge. There is a room we can go into for a short period of time, should this type of weather occur. If dangerous weather (i.e. thunderstorms) lasts for hours and we are not able to go back on the water the remainder of the day, you will receive a message from the camp asking you to please come pick up if you are able to. We will, of course, stay with all campers until the end of the camp day if you are not able to come pick up your child.

If dangerous weather is forecasted to be imminent, camp will be cancelled by 5am that day and you will be notified. It is our goal not to cancel camp(s) and will only cancel in the most extreme situations.


Q:What items/ equipment will my child need for camp?
A:All children must have their own (properly fitted) life jacket. You may send them with their own or purchase one from us. These lifejackets are available for sale ($15-$20) when you register your child for camp.

All children must have rubber-soled shoes that can get wet and stay on their feet, either by straps or velcro or laces. NO flip-flops are permitted on the boats (they may wear flip-flops on land in between sailing sessions)


Q:Do you provide food for the campers?
A:There is an option for campers to buy lunch daily at the marina grill. We offer hamburger, cheeseburger, hotdog, chicken tenders, grilled cheese and French fries.

There is also a small camp store that sells soft drinks, ice cream, candy, and chips. The campers will have an opportunity to go to the camp store during lunch time each day.
Alternatively, campers may bring their own lunch and snacks in a cooler.