Youth Summer Programs
Set Your Child On A New Adventure To Discover The Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge!
The WaterFront Center's Youth Summer Programs in Oyster Bay stand unrivaled, offering a unique blend of sailing instruction and marine exploration for children aged 6-18. Participants can learn sailing basics in the morning, then kayak through salt marshes in the afternoon, immersing in the dual delights of beach and bay. With affordable pricing and flexible half-day scheduling, our programs cater to both novice and intermediate youth sailors, alongside those keen on marine ecology and STEM activities, ensuring a comprehensive seaside educational experience. Offerings are divided into our ecology and STEM-focused "Marine Explorers" program and our introductory-to-intermediate "Youth Sailors" program.
How To Enroll
Registration Now Open!
Create a half-day, full-day, or split-day schedule from our "Marine Explorers" and "Youth Sailing" offerings. Build your child's camp experience tailored to their interests with programs specifically designed for elementary, middle, and high school students.
All full-day options include a lunch period (byo lunch)
Build A Unique Experience
We’re making it easier than ever to customize your child’s summer experience at The WaterFront Center.
All programs are now available as Half-Day Blocks
AM Classes: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
PM Classes: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Build a Full Day by selecting one AM class & one PM class. You can choose a half-day of Marine Explorers and a half-day of sailing, or go all-in for a full day of Marine Explorers!
*Lunch Period* (included w/ full day): 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (byo lunch)
*Supervised Lunch period is included for no additional price with full-day enrollment. Food is not provided.
Early/Late Dropoff
Early Drop Off ($20/day) (Drop off time: Morning - 8:30 am, afternoon 12:30 pm)
Late Pick Up ($35/day) (Drop off time: Morning session: 1pm, afternoon 5pm)
Choose Your Week(s) (Mon-Fri)
Classes are scheduled into 1 Week Sessions (Mon-Fri). Once you know what classes you want to fill your child’s day, choose the week(s) you want to attend:
Week 1: July 1 - 5 (shortened week due to holiday)
Week 2: July 8 - 12
Week 3: July 15 -19
Week 4: July 22 -26
Week 5: July 29 - Aug 2
Week 6: Aug 5 - 9
Week 7: Aug 12 -16
Week 8: TDB
Marine Explorers
Get Lost In Oyster Bay's Captivating Landscape
If your child has a natural-born curiosity for the world around them, they will thrive this summer in our Marine Explorers program. Nowhere else on Long Island can your child explore marshes atop kayaks, encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, and conduct experiments on a historic oyster sloop. Your child will challenge themselves mentally and physically with a slew of hands-on activities designed to engage young minds and build life-long skills.
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Description:
Bay Buccaneers explore beach habitats and meet marine animals as they develop an awareness of the ecosystem around them.Your child will learn about marine life in Oyster Bay through seining, touch tanks, marine scavenger hunts, and other hands-on activities. Our instructors use thematic-based learning to highlight environmental concepts with stories, nature crafts, outdoor exploration, and STEM-based projects.
Each week introduces new topics based on the 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy to build a stronger connection to the water in our explorers! Visit our Explorers' Weekly Activity Schedule to see a full list of activities and how they relate to each week's theme.
Each week of Bay Bucs includes a cruise aboard Oyster Sloop Christeen, our historic flagship. *weather permitting
Grade Level:
Recommended for incoming 1st and 2nd GradersSchedule Options:
• AM Classes: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• PM Classes: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Full-Day Class: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)Price: $375 per week for a half-day session $750 per week for a full-day session
Recommend Class Pairing:
• Lil Puffs | AM only • Opti: Intro To Racing | PM only
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Description:
Sound Swashbucklers explore the local habitats and interact with marine animals as they gain a deeper understanding of how ecosystems connect. STEM-based projects focusing on alternative energies, windmill blade building, and water quality round out a fun-filled week of programming and exploration.Each week introduces new topics based on the 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy to build a stronger connection to the water in our explorers! Visit our Explorers' Weekly Activity Schedule to see a full list of activities and how they relate to each week's theme.
Each week of Sound Swash includes a kayaking expedition and cruise aboard Oyster Sloop Christeen, our historic flagship. *weather permitting
Grade Level:
Recommended for incoming 3rd and 4th GradersSchedule Options:
• AM Classes: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• PM Classes: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
• Full-Day Class: 9:00am - 4:00pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)Price: $375 per week for a half-day session $750 per week for a full-day session
Recommend Class Pairing:
• Opti Beginner | AM only
• Opti: Intro To Racing | PM only
• Adventure Sailing (Ages 8-12) | AM & PM -
Description:
First Mates apply the ecological principles they learned in school to real-life situations with immersive STEM-based activities. Your child will gain hands-on experience conducting field experiments, from kayaking through different ecosystems to building Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs).Each week of First Mates includes a kayaking expedition and cruise aboard Oyster Sloop Christeen, our historic flagship. While on Christeen, First Mates will learn about the health of the harbor and how we can keep it clean for all organisms. Dredging and use of a plankton tow will showcase two different environments within the harbor.
Each week introduces new topics based on the 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy to build a stronger connection to the water in our explorers! Visit our Explorers' Weekly Activity Schedule to see a full list of activities and how they relate to each week's theme.
Each week of First Mates includes a kayaking expedition and cruise aboard Oyster Sloop Christeen, our historic flagship. *weather permitting
Grade Level:
Recommended for incoming 5th and 6th GradersSchedule Options:
• AM Classes: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• PM Classes: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
• Full-Day Class: 9:00am - 4:00pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)Price: $375 per week for a half-day session $750 per week for a full-day session
Recommend Class Pairing:
• Opti Beginner | AM only
• Opti: Intro To Racing | PM only
• Adventure Sailing (Ages 8-12) | AM & PM -
Description:
Skippers gain a greater understanding of the marine environment through a variety of hands-on experiments that dive into oceanography, marine chemistry, and wildlife ecology. Your child will discover new frontiers with underwater ROVs, paddle excursions, and research activities as they develop a comprehensive understanding of the estuary.Each week introduces new topics based on the 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy to build a stronger connection to the water in our explorers! Visit our Explorers' Weekly Activity Schedule to see a full list of activities and how they relate to each week's theme.
Each week of Skippers includes a kayaking expedition and cruise aboard Oyster Sloop Christeen, our historic flagship. *weather permitting
Grade Level:
Recommended for incoming 7th - 10th GradersSchedule Options:
• AM Classes: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• PM Classes: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Full-Day Class: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)Price: $375 per week for a half-day session $750 per week for a full-day session
Recommend Class Pairing:
• c420 Beginner | AM only
• c420: Intermediate | PM only
Everyday Is A New Adventure
Our expansive curriculum introduces new topics based on the 7 Principles of Ocean Literacy each week. Developing our students' understanding of the Ocean is essential to protecting our planet and cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.
Below is a preview of the weekly themes our "Marine Explorers" will investigate as the summer progresses. Click the links below to see how each week introduces new topics and builds on previous knowledge through immersive activities and STEM-based projects.
Youth Sailors
A Lifetime Of Unique Experiences Starts Here!
A young sailor's journey starts with a passion for the water and a strong, supportive foundation. Our Youth Sailors program is the ideal platform for your child to become comfortable and excited about the sport of sailing. Whether they are a novice sailor or entry-level racer, your child will take the helm and develop the skills needed for this life-long hobby.
Your child will learn and apply the basic foundations of sailing as they take the helm of their vessel with the guidance of our certified sailing instructors. Enrolling in multiple weeks allows your child to master their seamanship skills and progress into intermediate classes where they will learn racing tactics while utilizing advanced tacking and sail trim.
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Description: Lil Puffs is A great introduction for our youngest sailors! Small class sizes 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 your child is ready for or has aged into Opti Beginner.
Age: 6 - 8 y.o.
Schedule Options: AM Classes: 9:00 am – 12 pm
Price: $405 per half-day per session
Recommend Class Pairing: • Bay Buccaneers | PM • Soundswash Bucklers | PM
*Please note classes may open up to more participants depending on instructor availability. Waitlist is available. The WaterFront Center reserves the right to remove any child from any class.
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Description:
Opti Beginner is designed for children ages 8 to 13 who want to learn to sail and are ready to set the foundations of safety, seamanship, and sportsmanship. Variety, fun, and skill-building are the core of the curriculum, as well as capsize recovery and prevention. Games on the water and boating vocabulary are important parts of this class.Age Level:
Recommended for ages 8 – 13Schedule Options:
• AM Classes: 9:00 am – 12 pmPrice: $445/per half-day per session
Recommend Class Pairing:
• Bay Buccaneers | PM
• Sound Swash | PM
• First Mates | PM*Please note classes may open up to more participants depending on instructor availability. Waitlist is available. The WaterFront Center reserves the right to remove any child from any class.
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Description:
Opti intermediate is for sailors ages 8 to 15 who have successfully mastered sailing upwind or an equivalent program and are ready to move to the world of racing. As an introduction to our racing program, sailors focus on increasing their skills in the boat to prepare themselves for future regattas*In order to qualify for Opti Intermediate, Sailors must be able to sail alone upwind or have completed Opti Beginner with approval from their coach. The WaterFront Center reserves the right to remove any child from any class.
Grade Level:
Recommended for ages 8 – 15Schedule Options: • PM Classes: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Price:
$445 per half-day per sessionRecommend Class Pairing:
• Bay Buccaneers | AM
• Sound Swash | AM
• First Mates | AM*Please note classes may open up to more participants depending on instructor availability.
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Description:
C420 Beginner is designed for young sailors with little to no sailing experience who have “sized out” of the Opti class or are just learning to sail. This class is taught in the 420, a small dinghy designed for two sailors, in which novice sailors will rotate between the skipper and crew positions to learn and build confidence in all aspects of dinghy sailing. Sailors will learn basic rigging, seamanship, water safety, and confidence in sailing at all points of sail.*Please note classes may open up to more participants depending on instructor availability. The WaterFront Center reserves the right to remove any child from any class.
Grade Level:
Recommended for ages 12 – 18Schedule Options:
• AM Classes: 9:00am – 12:00pmPrice:
$445 per half-day per sessionRecommend Class Pairing:
• First Mates | PM
• Skippers | PM -
Description:
In C420 Intermediate, sailors will learn more advanced boat handling and racing skills, including flying a spinnaker, starts, flags, rules of racing, and more. This class is the perfect option for sailors who are looking to sail in high school or college. After completing this program, sailors can advance to the WFC C420 Race Team. Sailors must have successfully passed c420 Beginner before moving into Intro to C420 Race.*In order to qualify for C420 Intermediate, sailors must be able to sail upwind with little to no assistance or have completed C420 Beginner with approval from a coach. The WaterFront Center reserves the right to remove any child from any class.
Grade Level:
Recommended for ages 13 – 18Schedule Options:
• PM Classes: 1:00pm – 4:00pmPrice:
$445 per half-day per sessionRecommend Class Pairing:
• Skippers | AM -
Description:
Adventure Sailing teaches the fundamentals of sailing, safety on the water, and good seamanship in a casual, fun setting. This class taught on Hobie Getaways, is ideal for children who want time on the water exploring Oyster Bay Harbor while learning the fundamentals of sailing. Sailors will rotate between skippering and crewing to learn all aspects of seamanship. During morning classes, one instructor on a coach boat will teach sailors, while in the afternoon, instructors will be on the Hobie Getaways with sailors.*Please note classes may open up to more participants depending on instructor availability. The WaterFront Center reserves the right to remove any child from any class.
Age Groups & Schedule Options:
• AM Classes (Ages 12 – 17): 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
• PM Classes (Ages 8- 12): 1:00 pm – 4:00 pmPrice:
$405 per half-day per session (No full day option available)Recommend Class Pairing:
• Bay Buccaneers (Grades 1 & 2) | AM
• Sound Swashbucklers (Grades 3 & 4) | AM
• First Mates (Grades 5 & 6) | PM
• Skippers (Grades 7 & 10) | PM
*ATTENTION NEW ATTENDEES* Enrolled sailors need to be reviewed based on their skill level and boating experience. Registrations will not be finalized until approved by the Sailing Director/Head Coach. Refunds will be issued if the sailor can not be reassigned to a proper skill level class.
WFC Race Team
Dive Into The World Of Competitive Sailing
Young sailors ready to join the WFC Race Team will excel both on and off the racecourse as they develop their boat handling skills and build friendships with other teammates. Our racing teams are taught by experienced coaches, who introduce sailors to concepts used in competition while maintaining a positive team-based environment. Coaches focus on personalized instruction that harnesses the unique qualities of each sailor.
Our premier youth racing program features individualized coaching, a small coach-to-sailor ratio, high-quality charter equipment, coach boat, and team vehicle and trailer. Youth racing is an exciting circuit of competition ranging from the local to the international level. The WFC Race Team travels out of West Harbor to compete against youth sailors from other programs in the Junior Sailing Association of Long Island Sound (JSA), USODA, US Sailing, and c420 class events.
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Description:
Upon successful completion of Intro to Opti Race, and with the Sailing Director’s approval, sailors are ready to jump into our premier youth racing program. This program focuses on developing racing skills and techniques, which include race starts, strategy, tactics, advanced sail trim, and advanced boat handling. Sailors can advance onto our Opti Race Team and compete in the Green, White, Red, and Blue fleetsAt age 15, over 120 lbs and/or over 5ft 5in, sailors should move into the Club 420. They can either take an Intro to c420 Race class or jump right into the c420 Race Team.
**Note:** We believe that in order to train successful sailors, junior sailors should train in an Opti as long as possible. Please help us with that goal by encouraging your child to sail an Opti. The Opti is not only the largest sailing class in the world; it is the most competitive class for ages 15 and below.
Grade Level:
Recommended for Ages 9 – 15Schedule Options:
• Full-Day Class: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)Session Schedule:
Session 1: $1900 / sailor for 4 weeks July 1 - July 26
Session 2: $1400/ sailor for 3 weeks July 29th - Aug 16
Full Session: $3000/ sailor for 7 weeks July 1 - Aug 16
Program registration fees include coaching, charter boat fees, and boat transportation to regattas.
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Description:
Upon successful completion of the Intro to c420 Race and the approval of the Sailing Director, sailors can join the c420 Race Team. This program focuses on developing racing skills and techniques, including race starts, strategy, tactics, spinnaker trim, how to trapeze, and advanced boat handling.
You may sign up as a team (skipper and crew) or individually. If you sign up as an individual, we will pair you with someone who meets the competitive crew weight (260-270 pounds) and your skill set. Boat ownership is not required.
Grade Level: Recommended for Ages 12 – 18
Schedule Options: Full-Day Class: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Lunch period included; food not provided)
Session Schedule:
Session 1: $1900 / sailor for 4 weeks July 1 - July 26
Session 2: $1400/ sailor for 3 weeks July 29 - Aug 16
Full Session: $3000/ sailor for 7 weeks July 1 - Aug 16
Program registration fees include coaching, charter boat fees, and boat transportation to regattas.
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Description:
Learn to race on one of our J/105s, a proven blue-water racer, that is the most successful one-design keelboat class in the world. Our top coaches will take your child's competitive sailing to the next level. The J/105 is the most prolific one-design keelboat class over 30' in the USA, with over 680 boats sailing worldwide.**Returning or Experienced Sailors Only** Enrolled sailors need to be reviewed based on their skill level and boating experience. Registrations will not be finalized until approved by the Sailing Director/Head Coach. Refunds will be issued if the sailor can not be reassigned to a proper skill-level class.
Grade Level:
Recommended for Ages 14 – 18Weekly Schedule:
Tuesday: On-water practice (additional days may be added for navigation)
Wednesday: Wednesday Night Racing
Session Schedule: July 2 - Aug 21 (7 weeks)
Price:
• 950/ full seasonProgram registration fees include coaching, charter boat fees, and boat transportation to regattas.
