Preparing for Summer Camp

We are so thrilled you have chosen to join Olympia Community Sailing for an unforgettable summer on the water! Check out the essential information below to ensure a smooth week of sailing for both you and your sailor.

If any questions come up along the way you can reach us at:

info@olympiacommunitysailing.org (non-urgent questions) OR 360.207.1838 (time-sensitive questions)

Where to Go and When

  • Morning: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    All-Day: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Teen: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • STEAM Ocean Explorers, STEAM Mechanical Masterminds, Youth Intermediate, & Youth Advanced:

    Youth Beginner, Harbor Mice, Teen Beginner, & Teen Intermediate:

  • Please arrive 10 minutes early, on Monday only, to check your sailor in prior to orientation.

    Monday Meetings will begin at your scheduled camp start time and are held at the same assigned location as your sailor’s camp (either OYC or Swantown).

    • Morning & All-Day Camps: 8:30 a.m.

    • Afternoon & Teen Camps: 1:00 p.m.

    Agenda: Rules & Safety, Pick-Up and Drop-Off, Class Details and other Olympia Community Sailing Info

What to Bring

  • What to bring to camp:

    • Snacks (lunch for full-day camps)

    • Water Bottle (full and reusable)

    • Sunscreen (FYI instructors do not apply sunscreen, sailors must do this independently)

    • Weather-Appropriate Clothing (made to get wet)

      • Examples: swimwear, tech material, wool, fleece, etc.

      • Not okay: heavy sweatshirts, jeans, cotton sweatpants, etc.

    • Rain Shell (yes we sail when it’s raining)

    • Extra Layers (some days are chilly)

    • Extra Clothes

    • Cap/Sun Hat

    • Sunglasses

    • Close-toed Shoes that remain comfortable even when wet (for safety, no slides or loose-fitting shoes such as Crocs)

    • Towel

  • One of our favorite summer camp traditions here at OCS is the end of week sail over to the Olympia Farmers Market for ice cream.

    Please send your sailor with $5-8 cash the last day of camp for this field trip!

Safety Requirments

  • Medical and Liability Waiver

    Completion and submission of a medical and liability waiver is required prior to your sailor joining us for camp.


    Click HERE to complete the MEDICAL and LIABILITY WAIVER!

  • Safety Gear Requirements

    OCS requires all participants to wear two essential pieces of safety gear while participating in our classes: a lifejacket and a helmet. These are mandatory for all campers/sailors.

    Do I need to bring a helmet?

    • OCS has universal youth/adult and XS helmets available for our campers at no additional cost. However, if your sailor has a helmet they prefer to wear, go ahead and bring it! Some of our smaller campers (Harbor Mice) are too small for our water sport helmets, and may find a bike helmet from home to be more comfortable. 

    Do I need to bring a lifejacket?

    • OCS has life jackets available for rent for $2/day or $10/week. If you have a lifejacket at home that is comfortable, we recommend you bring your own!

  • Swim/Capsize Test

    Some of our camps require a swim and capsize test to participate, but not all of them. Camps in which an instructor is onboard and driving the boat do not require a capsize/swim test. For the camps that do require them, all students must complete the test in order to continue sailing! We do our best to conduct the test first thing Monday morning, weather/temperature permitting.

    Swim/Capsize Test Required:

    • Youth Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced

    • Teen Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced

    Swim/Capsize Test NOT Required:

    • Harbor Mice

    • STEAM

    What is a Capsize?

    A capsize is when the boat tips over on its side, or flips upside down, (also called a “turtle”). While infrequent, this is a normal part of sailing small boats, and we always start class with learning how to “right” a capsize so our students feel empowered in case of an accidental capsize.

    Test Information:

    • Students wear lifejackets during the test

    • Test is conducted at the Olympia Yacht Club or Port Plaza under the direct supervision of Instructors

    • Students are taught how to "right" a capsized boat before demonstrating the skill. Test involves tipping a boat over into capsize position, swimming around the boat, and then "righting" it. You can watch an example of a capsize test HERE.

    • Bring a full change of clothes, a towel, and/or swim gear on Monday!

    • If you have a wetsuit and get cold easily, a wetsuit on Monday could help you stay warm!

In the event of extreme heat, poor air quality or hazardous weather, (not rain, we sail in the rain), OCS and its staff will make prompt decisions on whether a class needs to be moved inside or cancelled, communicating in advance, when possible, to ensure the safety of all campers and employees.