Youth Programs
Summer, high school and junior sailing programs, private lessons and experiences specially designed for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
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TRIPS FOR CAMPS AND GROUPS
Enhance your program by sampling ours!
Camps, Yacht Clubs, Day Care Programs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other Youth Groups can also enjoy the many activities we offer. Schedule a sail on Christeen or explore the different environments adjacent to Beekman Beach such as the marsh, tidal flats or fresh water stream. Expose your campers to sailing in a Sonar with an experienced instructor, or let them paddle themselves in our kayaks. We can customize a program to suit your needs. 
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SCHOOL BREAK PROGRAMS
Students use a variety of scientific tools such as microscopes, field guides and sampling equipment to research specific topics in the fields of ecology, environmental science and marine biology. Learn about the importance of Long Island Sound and conduct experiments to evaluate overall health of the water. Using plankton samples students create their own slides for individual observations using compound and dissecting scopes.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 - 1:00pm 
Explore Beekman Beach as animals begin to come out for the spring! Learn about the different biological zones of the beach and set recruitment plates and crab pots around our docks and pilings to take a closer look at what's living on the bottom of the bay. Students take different biological samples to gain a greater understanding of Oyster Bay and learn about its importance. Using dissecting and compound microscopes students will discuss and take a closer look at diverse animals found in West Harbor.
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 - 1:00pm 
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JUNIOR SUMMER PROGRAMS - SAILING
A great introduction for our youngest sailors! Small class size and an emphasis on fun provide an excellent start to learning how to sail. Sailors learn the basics and develop comfort on the water. Enroll in multiple sessions until sailors are ready for Opti Basics. Lil’ Luffers are introduced to the fun of sailing in a comfortable engaging environment. Sailors enjoy working together with new friends as they learn parts of the boat, capsize recovery, how to steer and trim the sails. Schedule: see program schedule for dates  This learn-to-sail class is for beginner and novice sailors. Sailors learn basic seamanship including rigging, basic boat-handling and points of sail while building confidence to skipper an 8-foot Optimist alone. Small and stable enough to be rigged and sailed alone, the Optimist is the most popular boat choice for young sailors. Students will learn knots, wind awareness, tacking, gybing, capsize recovery, points of sail and sail trim. Sailors in Opti Basics will build confidence and comfort on the water as they become captains of their own ships! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  For intermediate Opti sailors, this class builds upon the foundational skills learned in Optimist Basics and Lil’ Luffers. Students hone their skills and learn new ones as they continue to build confidence. Sailors learn more advanced boat-handling, build self-reliance and are introduced to racing. Schedule: see program schedule for dates  First Mates, Opti Basics and Opti Intermediate sailors who are ready to race are invited to join in this special one-week program. Sailors will learn race-specific skills to prepare for the WFC Opti Regatta. This full-day, racing specific program is a great introduction to Opti racing! Schedule: August 5-9  Opti sailors ready to compete practice performance sailing, learn racing rules and tactics in preparation for competing at area regattas. During each three-week session sailors practice boat-handling and sail trim as they learn racing rules and tactics in preparation for competing at area regattas at some of Long Island Sound’s sailing sites. Youth racing is an exciting circuit of competition ranging from the local to international level. This program will take our sailors out of West Harbor to competing against youth sailors from other programs in the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound (JSA). WFC provides charter boat transportation to make the transition to regattas easier for families. WFC may not transport sailors, but will help to arrange carpools. Sailors may sign up for multiple sessions, and attend multiple regattas. All sailors are invited to attend the final week (Aug 5-9) for no additional fee, during which they will race at the JSALIS Championship (if they’ve qualified) or JSALIS Alternates Regatta hosted by WFC. Schedule: see program schedule for dates; August 5–9 included for either session.  Have fun and gain confidence learning to sail with a partner! Rigged with jib and main sails, Pixels are fast and fun. Sailors build seamanship and camaraderie as the learn sail trim and boat-handling. A great choice for those who have grown out of Optis or are brand new to sailing. Sailors will enjoy learning alongside new and familiar friends as they work together to develop strong foundational sailing skills while having a blast on the water. Schedule: see program schedule for dates  For intermediate and advanced sailors, the Pixel intermediate class builds on the foundation skills learned in previous Opti and Pixel classes. Sailors learn advanced boat-handling, the importance of teamwork and practice racing. Sailors will enjoy honing their skills as they learn to go even faster! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  Enjoy evening breezes and sunsets on the water! Sailors build seamanship skills as they sail with partners practicing boat-handling and sail trim while learning to race. A fun way to end the day! Schedule: see program schedule for dates  An all-new program featuring our fleet of new 420s! Crews practice performance sailing, tactics, spinnaker handling and trapeze work and travel to regional regattas to compete. Intermediate and advanced sailors are invited to join the team! WFC provides charter boat transportation to make the transition to regattas easier for families. WFC may not transport sailors, but will help to arrange carpools. Sailors may sign up for multiple sessions, and attend multiple regattas. All sailors are invited to attend the final week (Aug 5-9) for no additional fee, during which they race at either the JSALIS Championship (if they’ve qualified) or JSALIS Alternates Regatta. Schedule: see program schedule for dates. Aug 5-9 included for either session.  Enjoy learning to skipper and crew a 23’ Sonar with up to four friends with an instructor on board. Sailors learn to work together to perform basic keelboat sailing maneuvers with an emphasis on safety and seamanship. Great for groups! Sailors will build teamwork as they learn to rig and set sail together. Basic knots, safety protocol, wind awareness, points of sail, tacking, gybing and man overboard recovery will be covered. Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May - October  9th through 12th graders learn big boat racing skills aboard our J105. Sailors rotate through positions learning advanced seamanship while building teamwork. The Big Boat Race Team will attend the Storm Trysail Safety at Sea Seminar, learn navigation in preparation for the JSA Navigation test, compete in local Wednesday Night Racing, JSA Big Boat regattas including the Dorade and Beach Point Overnight regattas. Schedule: June 25 – Aug 16  JUNIOR SUMMER PROGRAMS - MARINE DISCOVERY AND SAILING
Bay Buccaneers are introduced to the marine environment through fun and engaging activities. Young explorers discover beach habitats and meet marine animals as they develop an awareness and appreciation for the ecosystem. Thematic learning highlights marine life and activities including: fishing, rowing, and a visit from wildlife organizations, enhanced by stories and crafts. Bay Bucs enjoy sailing aboard Christeen and new this year, Sonars! Swimming not required. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
Swashbuckler refers to a daring adventurer, and this program is packed with adventure! Sound Swashbucklers explore the estuary, kayak, fish,and participate in fun team-building activities. They sail aboard Christeen and new this year, we've added half-day introductory sailing instruction on Optis or Sonars. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
First Mates split the day between exploring local marine wildlife with naturalists and sailing Optis or Sonars under the guidance of instructors. We provide a comfortable learning environment for all sailors, novice through advanced. First Mates fish and crew on Christeen, participate in fun team-building activities, kayak and more. This program includes an Adventure Sail to explore a new environment. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
Skippers explore the water of Oyster Bay and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the marine environment. Skippers sail half the day in Optis or Pixels and are grouped by size and experience. Naturalists lead a variety of activities that promote environmental stewardship, such as oceanography, fishing, kayaking and dredging for local benthic marine life aboard Christeen. This program culminates with a full-day excursion. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
A dynamic, multi-faceted marine experience! Participants develop a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment through research activities, experiments and field studies. High School Mariners explore the estuary on kayaks, SUPs and adventure sails. Half day sailing in keelboats builds seamanship and basic navigation skills in preparation for an overnight cruising expedition to a neighboring harbor. Schedule: see program schedule for dates 
Summer participants are invited to apply for Volunteer Week and work alongside summer friends and instructors. Volunteers have various tasks including: washing boats, cleaning classrooms and storing equipment. Open to summer programs participants who are responsible, willing to work hard, take direction and work cooperatively. Volunteers will be accepted by application only. Schedule: 1 week: August 19-23, full or half day  To better accommodate your family schedule, you may reserve Extended Day for your child. Extended Day is held from 8-9am and from 4-6pm. You must sign up for Extended Day at least 24 hours in advance. Extended Day offer supervised care that may include activities such as beach play, crafts or games. Standard refund policies apply.
Extended Morning: $10/day  |
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WINTER, SPRING & FALL PROGRAMS
Beginner and novice sailors learn to rig, basic boat-handling, sail trim and points of sail while building confidence to skipper an 8-foot Optimist alone. Get a jump start on summer lessons or continue the fun through the fall! Schedule: Spring Season: May 4 - June 1; Fall Season: Sept 7 - Oct 5 
For intermediate and advanced sailors looking to stay sharp in the "off season." Practices are skill based and dynamic, providing the perfect opportunity to build racing skills and sailing confidence. Schedule: Spring Season: May 3 - June 14; Fall Season: Sept 6 - Nov 1 
Enjoy competitive series racing with local convenience. The best way to practice racing is to race! Each session you’ll learn some new tips and tricks. Store your boat and gear here or charter ours! Schedule: Spring Series: May 4 – June 8; Fall Series: Sept 7 – Nov 2 
Enjoy learning to skipper and crew a 23’ Sonar with up to four friends with an instructor on board. Sailors learn to work together to perform basic keelboat sailing maneuvers with an emphasis on safety and seamanship. Great for groups! Sailors will build teamwork as they learn to rig and set sail together. Basic knots, safety protocol, wind awareness, points of sail, tacking, gybing and man overboard recovery will be covered. Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May - October  |
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SCOUTING PROGRAMS (BOYS)
What is radar used for? Tigers participate in sensory observations and exercises pertaining to the weather and environment. They go on a Beach Cleanup Treasure Hunt, learning what items should be disposed of and what can be recycled. They then look at maritime transportation options and don PFDs to take a ride on a 21' Crosby launch for a short tour of the West Harbor in Oyster Bay. Complete Achievement #5 & electives #33, #41 and #47. Schedule: By arrangement - April thru Nov 
The Wolf Cubs explore the beach and help clean up litter as we promote positive stewardship for the environment. They also identify shells, rocks, and plant life during the educational walk. Wolf Cubs build their own boats from recyclables and compete in a fun "rain gutter" regatta. Complete Achievement #6a and #7c, and electives #5g. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Bear Cubs create their own model boat from a kit. Using their creativity, imagination and problem solving skills, they also design and build their own boat using a variety of household items and craft materials, and test it in our indoor "harbor." Complete Achievement #21. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Sailors, fishermen, hikers and cowboys have always been dependent on lines and knots for their livelihood and safety. Bear Cubs learn the importance of lines and their functions on boats. They whip the ends of a line, learn to tie different knots, learn how to keep a line from tangling, coil a line, and perform magic! All scouts take home their own special line for practice. Complete Achievement #22. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
BOY SCOUT MERIT BADGES
Scouts learn nautical terminology, how to rig and get underway aboard Sunfish dinghies. A certified instructor will guide scouts through capsize recovery, safety and weather considerations as they develop fundamental sailing skills including sail trim, boat-handling and man overboard recovery.
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May - October 
Scouts learn and categorize the contributions made by the Boy Scouts of America to environmental science over their history. Scouts will learn and be able to define many environmental science definitions and identify different endangered species from New York. They will take part in different experiments that have to do with Ecology, Air Pollution, Water Pollution and Land Pollution. *Scouts may not be able to complete all requirements for this merit badge at The WaterFront Center.
Schedule: Year Round 
Boy Scouts will discover the purposes of fish and wildlife conservation and management. In doing so, scouts learn major problems that continue to threaten New York’s fish and wildlife resources. Scouts will determine the age of fish by their scales, build bird feeders, and observe and record different species of wildlife at the Oyster Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Schedule: Year Round 
Scouts are taught proper technique and care for different types of fishing rods and reels and the significance of different fishing knots and how and when to use them. New York State fishing regulations and the importance of following these laws is introduced. If Scouts are able to catch a fish, and if regulation and health concerns permit, they learn how to properly clean a fish in preparation for cooking it at their home!
Schedule: May - November 
Scouts learn about the different types of kayaks and paddling strokes to maneuver their boat around a buoy course. They also learn safety and rescue techniques such as a capsize recovery to prepare them for kayaking on their own.
Schedule: May - October 
Scouts discover different characteristics of the ocean and its inhabitants. They learn different properties of seawater that are measured by physical oceanographers. Scouts explore different methods that marine scientists use to investigate the ocean, underlying geology and organisms living in the water. *Scouts may not be able to complete all requirements for this merit badge at The WaterFront Center.
Schedule: Year Round 
Scouts learn how a compass works and describe the features of an orienteering compass. They will also learn how to read a topographic map and name 10 symbols on the map. Scouts determine their walking and running pace and use that knowledge in an orienteering course around Beekman beach. *Scouts may not be able to complete all requirements for this merit badge at The WaterFront Center.
Schedule: Year Round 
Boy Scouts will learn and be able to explain the food chain and give examples of four stage land and water food chains. Scouts will learn different ways in which animals are important to plants. Scouts will also learn about the animals that are protected in New York.
Schedule: Year Round 
Boy scouts learn about the study of the Earth’s atmosphere; its weather and the way in which temperature, wind, and moisture act together in the environment. Scouts discover how everyday weather is predicted and about extreme weather such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Safety procedures for when scouts are caught in such weather conditions will also be discussed. *Scouts may not be able to complete all requirements for this merit badge at The WaterFront Center.
Schedule: Year Round 
Boy Scouts learn how to safely and responsibly operate a motor boat with classroom and practical learning on the water. Scouts learn about different types of engines, rules of the road, procedures, knots, anchoring, maneuvering, weather and other skills are all explained and demonstrated. With the successful completion of the US Powerboat Course Scouts earn their NYS Boaters License, and begin the process of earning their Limited OUPV.
Schedule: May - October 
BOY SCOUT ADVENTURE PROGRAMS (no badge)
Scouts participate in groups of four sailing 19' to 23' sailboats with an experienced sailing instructor. Learn basic seamanship, marlin spike, rig the sails, leave from and return to the mooring, steer the boat, trim the sails and determine wind direction as you take command of your own keelboat in West Harbor. Safety and emergency procedures are covered, as well as weather awareness and some navigational skills.
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May – October 
Put your scouting skills to test at sea! Scouts will rely on teamwork, communication and problem solving to crew a 30’ sailboat. With an emphasis on safety, Scouts learn basic navigation, review knots and develop sound seamanship skills. Looking for even more adventure? Ask us how to schedule an overnight cruise!
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May – October 
In kayaks, under the supervision of an experienced instructor, Scouts learn how to Paddle, Pole, and Roll. Experience how to safely balance, start, stop, turn and beach the kayak. Scouts learn about recovering after swamping the boat or falling out. The instructor leads the boys on a guided tour around the shoreline of beautiful Oyster Bay, a National Wildlife Refuge. Schedule: By arrangement - May - October 
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SCOUTING PROGRAMS (GIRLS)
While reading a wonderful story, a collection of matching shells is created. This helps the Daisy Scouts begin the identification process before they go "shelling" in large tubs filled with soft sand and a wide variety of shells. The girls use their senses to compare and contrast shells. Connections are made from the non-living to the living as participants explore a touch tank with live animals. Weather and time permitting, programs done on site conclude with a beach walk. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Learn about the water cycle and the importance of water conservation. Through hands-on experiments, Brownies investigate the differences between salt water and fresh water. Utilizing creative dramatics, the participants visually explore the effects different sources of pollution have on bodies of water. On-site programs conclude with a beach clean-up walk to explore the seashore and gain a heightened understanding of the importance of being good stewards of our earth. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Ocean water covers about 3/4 of our planet. How does the ocean circulate? How does the ocean affect our weather? What kind of life does a North Shore Long Island estuary support? Brownies will find the answers to these and other questions through experimentation and hands-on habitat studies. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Welcome to the sport of sailing! Using 19' to 23' keelboats, Junior Girl Scouts participate in a three-hour introductory sailing lesson on beautiful Oyster Bay. Topics covered include parts of the boat, nautical terms, sail handling, steering the boat, wind awareness, and safety procedures. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
Girls will learn to read a map and chart, use a compass and find their way! Groups will create their own map and use their new orienteering skills to find a buried treasure! Girls will complete requirements to earn a Finding Your Way badge.
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, year round. 
While sailing aboard the historic oyster sloop Christeen, Junior Girl Scouts become the crew, raise the sails, coil lines and learn about the history of Oyster Bay, as well as the oyster industry. Then the Scouts learn how to tie knots, participate in a sensory awareness exercise and explore a touch tank with animals from the Bay. Weather permitting, the girls practice two water safety positions off the boat: the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) and the Huddle. Schedule: By arrangement - May - October 
Where does the water you drink actually come from? What is brackish water? What organisms are at the bottom of the food chain? The Junior Girl Scouts investigate these questions and others by taking water samples from various sites on the estuary and examining the contents under microscopes and magnifiers. They conduct experiments to learn about the properties of water. A touch tank of animals typically found in the Bay is presented. A shoreline clean-up is performed to demonstrate how human choices can directly impact wildlife. Schedule: By arrangement - rain or shine 
We can custom design an Eco Action badge program for your troop! Give us a call!
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May - October 
We can custom design an Eco Action Interest Project for your troop! Give us a call!
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, year round 
Girls will explore the shorefront as they discover the varied marine habitats on Beekman Beach. Using basic research tools, girls will identify varied species and learn how the ecosystem of the estuary works. Girls will also learn about the water cycle, global water systems and be introduced to the many careers related to the sea. Be sure to ask us how to incorporate a Service Project!
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May - October 
Girls will learn safety procedures, how to read the weather and how to prevent and respond to emergencies while afloat all while enjoying learning to sail aboard a 19-23’ keelboat! Working together, girls rig the boat, leave from and return to the mooring, steer the boat, trim the sails and determine wind direction. Be sure to ask us how to incorporate a Service Project!
Schedule: Scheduled at your convenience, May – October 
In kayaks, under the supervision of an experienced instructor, Cadettes complete the category of Skill Builders #2 and its activities for the Paddle, Pole, and Roll Interest Project. Girls experience how to safely balance, start, stop, turn and beach the kayak. Cadettes learn about recovering after swamping the boat or falling out. The instructor leads the girls on a guided tour around the shoreline of beautiful Oyster Bay, a National Wildlife Refuge. Schedule: By arrangement - June - October 
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HIGH SCHOOL SAILING
WFC is proud to offer the premier open-access High School Sailing Program on Long Island! Sailors of all skill-levels are invited to join and experience race training in our new 420s. Sailors practice and compete in fleet and team racing. Bring your team or sail with ours! WFC provides the boats, coaching, safety boats, regatta support and can help you get a team started for your school. Schedule: Spring Season: March — May; Fall Season: Sept 3 - Nov 3 
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