It wouldn't be summer camp without some fun themed days...
Before your summer camp session begins our Program Director will email you all the daily themes for your camp session. Here are just a few of our favorite themes from past camp sessions that you might see again this year.
Capsize Day
We work on getting over the fear of capsizing very early on in the camp session. Most campers dread their first capsize, but by the end of camp they're begging to capsize their boats!
Corinthian day
Corinthian Day typically happens early in the camp session. We learn that sailors have a special code of conduct that requires we help each other out on the water. The more experienced Seasoned Sailors take the Discover Sailors for "joy rides" and learn what it means to be the leader on the boat. We learn about the nautical flag alphabet and design personal burgees.
Pirate Day
Campers are encouraged to dress and talk like a pirate the whole day. We play games on land like "Captain Says" and games on the water like "Shipwreck" where the goal is to collect as much floating debris from the "sunken ship" as possible. And sometimes there's even been some buried treasure to dig up! We also discuss how pirate ships had a limited range of points of sail as compared to more modern sailboats.
Science Day
It's important to us that sailors learn a thing or two about the science behind sailing and that we use the beach and bay (our giant interactive classroom) to develop environmental stewardship. On Science Day we spend the morning rotating through science stations before splashing around on the bay in the afternoon. We learn about buoyancy and displacement with clay boats, and the ocean layers with slime. We test the water quality and build analog anemometers. We've even been known to bring in docents from the Audubon Society and help with a Western Gull release!
EQUATORIAL Sailing Day, The Sail-Lympics, and Motivational Monday
We have a day to learn about the nautical history of tropical island sailors, we have one day (and one day ONLY) of competitive sailing, and we have guest speakers talk to us about their sailing adventures!
Adventure Sail Days
Once our sea legs are warmed up and we've gotten our bearings, it's time to leave the ACSC sailing cove and head out for full-day adventure sails! Discover Sailors venture off to places like Ballena Bay, Crown Beach, and Seaplane Lagoon. Seasoned Sailors do a circumnavigation of Alameda if the wind and tide cooperate, and Feva and Teen sailors travel as far as Treasure Island, Pier 39, and McCovey Cove!
Whatever Floats Your Boat Friday
By far the goofiest day of camp... wHaTeVeR fLoAtS yOuR bOaT fRiDaY is the day where campers are welcome to bring water toys from home. They get to sail any boat they want with any partner(s) they choose, and if they've had enough sailing they're welcome to play on the beach. It's a ton of fun.
Graduation Day
Sailing Campers work HARD. They push themselves mentally and physically, and they deserve some recognition at the end of their session. We always celebrate the last day of camp with pomp and circumstance, diplomas, and a potluck (when public health guidelines allow it).