Located at the Upper Keys Sailing Club in Key Largo, our camp enjoys direct beach access to the pristine Florida Bay waters of Buttonwood Sound. We offer a small community atmosphere, a myriad of marine focused activities exclusive to the Florida Keys and unforgettable summer camp memories. If you're looking for a unique camp experience in the Upper Keys this summer, look no further than to our sailing and windsurfing camp.
From sailing to Everglades National Park for a day visit to Nest Key, kayaking and paddle boarding trips to Pelican Island where several native birds have their nesting grounds, to learning to sail and windsurf on a variety of safe, child-friendly boats and equipment, our campers return home appreciating why the Florida Keys are so special.
Led by an experienced staff that prioritizes safety and nurtures a strong camp community, our activities promote independence, skills development and on-the-water decision making that build self-confidence.
Session 1: May 30 - June 9
Session 2: June 12 - 23
Session 3: June 26 - July 7
Session 4: July 10 - 21
Session 5: July 24 - August 4
Camp Hours:
Cost:
*SESSIONS 1 & 2 OF LARGO CONCHS ARE FULL.
ALL PROGRAMS FOR SESSION 2 FOR ARE FULL.
ATTN: SESSIONS 1 & 2 OF LARGO CONCHS
ARE FULL!
If you're looking to introduce your little one to the world of wind and water, our Largo Conchs program provides the perfect combination for both the first-time salt water explorer to the more seasoned, intrepid youngster. Children are introduced to the very basic concepts of sailing, parts of a sailboat as well as boating safety. They'll also enjoy riding on a variety of different sailboats while taking a turn at the tiller with an experienced counselor or instructor on board. Learning never stops as we teach them how to maneuver on kid-sized kayaks and paddle boards and then head off to explore nearby islands. We keep this group to about 12-15 campers per session.
Kids from all over the country step onto our shores each summer to discover the wonderful sport of sailing. It's in our Learn to Sail program where they make that first connection between the wind and our unique marine environment. And for many, that bond, along with friendships made, keeps them coming back year after year. We never stop exploring our beautiful surroundings by sailboat, kayak or paddle board so excursions to nearby islands, including Everglades National Park, are a central part of our daily activities. When weather doesn't cooperate, we keep campers busy with plenty of on land activities and sports. But bad summer weather rarely lasts long in the Florida Keys. By the end of their two weeks, campers will be able to rig their own boats and sail confidently around Buttonwood Sound
For the ultimate adventurers, kids can choose our "Mix & Match" program where they can split their day between sailing and windsurfing.
Windsurfing's resurgent popularity has made its way into youth sports and right onto our sailing program here in Key Largo. Our windsurfing program will teach the basics of sail-handling, board balance and tacking while going on reach, upwind and downwind runs. Campers will practice on stable, light weight boards and different-sized sails so that they can gain confidence quickly. We do group kids of similar ages together often taking the younger campers out in the am and the teens in the pm. Kids in this group will interact daily and participate in activities with the all the other campers in their respective age categories.
Windsurfing is physically demanding, so some kids choose the "Mix & Match" program where they can split their day between sailing and windsurfing.
For teenagers looking to try a new sport, summer sailing can be the perfect fit. While at camp, teens learn basic sailboat handling aboard the two-person Club 420 sailboat. But they'll also have the opportunity to experience riding on a high performance sailboat, cruise on a traditional sloop and enjoy fun sailing on Hobie catamarans. They'll join all campers on the trip to Nest Key in Everglades National Park and explore their surroundings by kayak and paddle board as well.
Teens may choose to do the "Mix & Match" program where they can split their day between sailing and windsurfing.
ZELLE - add rosa@msysp.org as a recipient
VENMO - @msyspkids or Mark Sorensen Youth Sailing
CHECK - Payable to "MSYSP"
PAYPAL OR CREDIT CARD OF YOUR CHOICE - Please click on PayPal link below
We understand that summer plans can change last minute. That's why MSYSP is happy to give you a full refund on your child's registration so long as we are given a TWO WEEK NOTICE. We're also happy to reschedule the session to an earlier or later date in the summer to accommodate your schedule. WE CANNOT GIVE ANY REFUNDS ONCE THE SESSION IS IN PROGRESS DUE TO ILLNESS, INJURY OR ANY OTHER REASON. We also do not pro rate the fee should the child miss any days of the session.
Info & Forms
What to Bring & Wear
Reusable Water Bottle (mandatory)Proper fitting life jacketSturdy lunch with snacksSun blockLong sleeved, dry fast shirtBathing suits underneath clothingSwim short for girlsSandals, Crocs or suitable water shoesInexpensive fishing hat and polarized glassesTowel and change of clothes (optional)Personal snorkel & mask (optional)No phones, ear buds, headphones or electronicsLabel all items with child's name.
Sailor Rules & Safety Guidelines
Every summer we look forward to having parents and extended family at the sailing club to watch their campers sail and windsurf at the end of each session. On Family Days, we'll take family members aboard one of our coach boats and take you up close so you can snap away at your campers showcasing their freshly acquired skills out on the water.
Largo Conchs Family Day:
The last Thursday of the session from 11am to noon.
Family Day for All Other Programs:
The last Friday of the session from 11am to noon. Parents may take their kids home with them afterwards.
*Please know that Family Days are wind and weather dependent and may be cancelled last minute.
What's a winter sports camp in the Florida Keys look like, you may ask? Well it certainly doesn't involve sledding or snow boarding, that's for sure. But with our warm, sunny skies, steady breezes, and crystal clear waters, our winter camp is a paradise for everything wing foiling, windsurfing, and sailing.
ABOUT THE CAMP
Campers will have a choice of activities to mix and match their day. Those campers who wish to only sail can
choose that track exclusively. We have a variety of easy to rig, stable dinghy boats they can learn to sail on. All teens will have the opportunity to sail aboard some of our members' bigger and faster sailboats, as time and weather permit. For those wanting to try something newer and exciting like windsurfing or wing foiling, they can choose one of these activities and mix it up with sailing to complement their day. Lastly, all campers will have the opportunity to go exploring around Buttonwood Sound on kayaks and paddle boards.
CAMP HOURS
9 am to 3 pm daily
WHAT TO BRING
Required gear to bring each day includes a reusable water bottle, lunch with snacks, a proper fitting life jacket, a long-sleeve dry-fast shirt and swim shorts over their bathing suits, a change of clothes, a towel and a light rain jacket to prevent cool water from spraying on them. We also recommend they pack a light wet suit in case of chilly weather. Please know that campers are strictly forbidden to use their phones or any other electronics during camp hours.
LOCATION & TIMES
We are located at the Upper Keys Sailing Club at Mile Marker 100 in Key Largo on the bayside. Simply turn toward the bayside at the Burger King and we are at the end of the road. Activities will begin promptly by 9am and pick up should be no later than 2:15pm.
PRICING INFO (per child per session):
$395 - for local Keys kids and teens only*
$525 - for all other non resident campers
*The locals rate applies to those students who attend school and live on the island chain year-round. If you own a property here but your child goes to school outside of the Keys and doesn't live here full time, your child is NOT ELIGiBLE for the locals rate. Unfortunately, scholarships are not available for our winter camp.
CAMP QUESTIONS:
Contact Rosa Lamela, Executive Director
T. 305.747.2600 | Email: rosa@msysp.org