Middle School Learn to Row
A Joint Partnership with Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc and Yale University Community Rowing

Session 1: July 8-12
Session 2: July 15-19

A pilot summer camp tailored for middle schoolers.

Discover the excitement of rowing with us this summer! Our camp offers middle school students a unique opportunity to dive into the world of rowing, completely free of charge. Through our joint partnership, campers will learn the basic fundamentals of rowing, engage in calisthenics to enhance their fitness, and gain essential knowledge about equipment safety. 

Led by experienced coaches, campers will not only develop their rowing skills but also foster teamwork and discipline in a supportive environment. Don't miss out on this unforgettable summer experience - register now and embark on a journey of discovery and fun in New Haven Harbor!

REQUIREMENTS:

• No experience required!
• Open to any and all entrants of middle school age - grades 6-8.
  For high schoolers, click on the organization's name for their summer rowing camps: Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc and Yale University Community Rowing
• When registering, parents/guardians, use YOUR contact information up until it specifically requests the camper's information.
• After registering online, please print and sign the following waiver packet.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• 2-3 rowing/fitness sessions per day
• Official Yale and Canal Dock gear (UV hat/visor and polyester t-shirt)
• Refueling snacks and fluids

• First 15 Minutes – Drop-off/group meeting/snack
• 60 Minutes: Rowing & fitness
• 20 Minutes: Break/water/snack
• 90 Minutes: Rowing & fitness
• 40 Minutes: Warm down and wash and store equipment
• Final 15 Minutes: Break/water/snack/pick-up

For a complete schedule, click here.

LOCATIONS:

Payne Whitney Gym Lobby (Day 1)
70 Tower Pkwy
New Haven, CT 06511

Canal Dock Boathouse (Days 2-5)
475 Long Wharf Dr
New Haven, CT 06511

COMMUNICATION:

• We will always communicate via the emails you use for registration.
• For questions regarding our Middle School Learn to Row, our staff can be reached via email at camp@canaldock.org

WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS:

• We can row if it is raining as long as there is no lightning, debris in the harbor, or strong winds.
• In the event that we cannot row on the harbor, practice will be held indoors at Canal Dock Boathouse. Our boathouse is equipped with Concept2 RowErgs, projector for video feedback and workouts, and yoga mats.

CLOTHING AND ATTIRE:

• The best clothing to wear is TIGHT FITTING. Rowers usually wear t-shirts and spandex shorts (basketball shorts and giant/baggy shirts will get caught in moveable parts and can result in tears or grease stains - ruining that article of clothing). Soccer length shorts are safe. Wear what is comfortable for you. 
• It will be important to bring running shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for protection from the sun (bug spray may come in handy, although we have zero to little mosquitos on the coastline). There is ZERO shade when out on the water so prepare accordingly. Disposable water bottles, ice, and refueling snacks are provided at no additional cost. Campers are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle - keep in mind, anything over a liter will not fit in the storage compartment in a boat. A coach is able to hold it in the safety launch if necessary. Canal Dock does not support the use of shared water bottles - let's prevent the preventable!
• Campers will not be allowed out on the water without a water bottle. This is imperative with high temperatures days. We want to keep all of our campers well hydrated and safe.

PARENT ACCOMODATIONS/VIEWING

• Payne Whitney Gym on Day #1
  For today, we will not be able to accommodate parents/guardians. For campers needing transportation, we will meet at [insert location] where forms and waivers will be collected prior to boarding the bus.  For those being dropped off at Payne Whitney, we will meet in front of the main doors to collect your forms and waivers. Once everyone is present, we will travel as a group to the pool for our Swim Assessment. Campers will be able to change in the locker rooms after the pool. We will then travel as a group to the official Yale Crew training facilities in the basement. Campers will be offered snacks as we watch a 30min safety video. Basic rowing form will be taught on the Concept2 RowErgs (rowing machines), and end with taking strokes in Yale's indoor rowing tanks. Campers will be bussed back to [insert location] for pick up.
• "On the Water" days at Canal Dock
  We will definitely be going out on the water if the weather permits! Feel free to bring a lawn chair, shade umbrella, and some shades. Parents/guardians are welcome to sit on the back platform along the railing. All we ask is that you give your child space to grow and learn, and not be a distraction. At no point are parents allowed on the dock unless a staff member authorizes.
• Keep in mind that our boathouse has other programs, members, and private events that may be occurring at the same time as camp. At no point are parents/guardians allowed to explore the inside of the boathouse without staff present.

SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK

Facebook: canal_dock
Instagram: canal_dock; row.haven