Q. What?s the main idea behind Kids Camp?
A. To give kids (6-13) a fun and safe experience on the water in self-propelled boats. As Tom Sawyer said about boating, "to have a good time and try to be nice to each other."
Q. Is it a drawback that our child has no prior experience or big muscles for paddling?
A. No. Kids are put in pods of 6, by size and temperament, and the activities are tailored for each pod.
Q. This sounds strenuous. Will our child become exhausted?
A. No. Our staff is well trained at adjusting the activity level as the situation dictates.
Q. Does Kids Camp really prepare kids for future rowing, sailing, or kayaking experiences?
A. Yes, because the kids are having fun they learn skills and principles very quickly.
Q My child is not a strong swimmer. Does this matter?
A. No. Kids and counselors wear comfortable, tailored lifejackets at all times on the water.
Q. Is Lake Union a good place for this kind of weeklong program?
A. Indeed. It has a 7mph speed limit, lots of parks, many interesting sights, and Harbor Patrol support.
Q. Do we have to sign up now? We are waiting on other summer program selection dates.
A. Kids Camp begins to fill quickly after mid-April. You can sign up now and switch weeks later.
Q. How should the kids dress and prepare for the program?
A. Participants tend to dress in layers for the weather of that day, but no special gear is needed. Sunscreen, sandals, a towel, and a change of dry clothes work great.
Q. Can children come before or after the scheduled program hours?
A. Yes. We can make arrangements for childcare with the staff members (see reg. form for rates).
Q. How can we know that Moss Bay will take good care of our child?
A. Since 1986, we have kept an absolutely unblemished safety record.
Q. Do kids have to sign up for the whole day?
A. No. But most half-day enrollees want to switch to full days but can?t because of space limitations.
Q. Will any of the equipment from Kids Camp be available for purchase at a discount?
A. Yes, after each week equipment will be available for purchase at a camp discount.
Q. What additions or improvements have you made to the Kids Camp program?
A. New Sea Loon boats, sailing units, digital photo displays of the kids each day, and video critique of each child.
Q. Are refunds given?
A. Any canclellation before June 1st will be refunded in full on Sept. 1st, 2006. Any cancellation after the 1st of June will be a 80% reusable credit - MB will hold onto 20% of the funds for holding KC space. Campers needing to cancel for medical (doctors note) or family emergency (death in family) issues will also be refunded in full on Sept. 1st, 2006.
Q. What happens after our child is registered for the camp?
A. You will receive a follow up packet a week after we receive your registration. It will consist a larger set of Frequently asked Questions and a survey that will allow you to specify any wishes or concerns that you have about your child?s participation.
Our Philosophy about KidsCamp
At Moss Bay we believe in the concept of "inside-out" learning. By this we mean that young campers in our program will discover for themselves how much they love to row, kayak, or sail. Through our supportive yet low key approach to skill development on the water, kids seek out those activities for which they want to develop more skill. For example, some of the more timid kids end up in high performance racing shells by the end of the camp week its nearly unbelievable. However, other participants may initially want to row, paddle, or sail for a limited time each day, and prefer other activities such as fishing off the dock, or steering a shell for others. By not over pushing the kids to perform, we find that they become more interested in water sports. Similarly, by having limited structure for the program we do not produce the kind of "stricture" that eliminates fun. Regardless, the kids will have safe fun, in a low pressure setting.
Over the years we have been amazed at the number of outstanding collegiate rowers who got their start in our program. Athletes like Bobby Cummins (former World Champion), Brenda Gelsleichter (Canadian Junior National Champion), Steve Todd (former National Champion), Jennifer Steele (twice Junior National Sculling Champion), and Nicola Harper (2x All-PAC 10 Collegiate rower) developed their passion for water sports through Moss Bay. But their initial experiences at Moss Bay were centered on fun, play, and safety, not competition, rigor and sweat.
We trust that you will support the "inside-out" approach to learning at Moss Bay. Our staff fully understands the concept, because they grew up in our program, and will reflect it in the way they train the children to row and kayak. Thank you in advance for supporting this approach to skill development. Even if your children don?t go on and become world class rowers or paddlers, they will develop a life-long skill that they can enjoy in waterways throughout the world.
