Adventure Collective
Youth Basic Summer Camp at Belle Haven Marina, Alexandria - Washington, D.C.

Youth Basic Summer Camp at Belle Haven Marina, Alexandria

Alexandriaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–6 hours daily

Fitness Level

Suitable for children with a basic level of fitness and no prior experience required.

Overview

Discover the perfect summer camp experience for kids at Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, Virginia. Outdoor fun, water adventures, and nature education await your young adventurer.

Alexandria, Virginia

Youth Basic Summer Camp

Ages 8-15 • Morning and Afternoon Sessions Monday - Friday • 5 Day Camp

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About This Adventure

Our summer camps are a place to play, learn, and grow!

Duration

5 Days of 3-Hour Lessons

About

At Belle Haven Marina, your child will learn to sail in an atmosphere where fun, safety, and responsibility are paramount. Children gain confidence around the water by learning safe sailing skills. Wearing life jackets in 14' Sunfish sailboats, students learn to sail confidently and have an all-around great time!

Please note - students will complete capsize drills that require them to enter the water; students are required to wear life jackets at all times when on/in the water. On light air days, students might either be taught to safely paddle a canoe or kayak through the beautiful Dyke Marsh area surrounding the marina, or might cool off with a swim.

Courses are offered weekly through the first week of September, in either a morning session (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) or afternoon session (1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.).

Please note that the multi-student discounts are available for siblings only.

More info

This class covers 15 hours of hands-on lessons aboard a Sunfish. We operate on a small student-to-instructor ratio of no more than 6:1.

Topics covered include:

  • Rigging a Sunfish
  • Knots used in rigging
  • The points of sail
  • Navigational markers
  • Right-of-way rules
  • Man overboard drills
  • Capsizing and recovery
  • Mooring and docking drills

What to bring

​Students are asked to bring a snack and water bottle, sun block and lip balm, and a towel and change of clothes. Students are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can get wet, a hat and sunglasses, and shorts and a t-shirt over a bathing suit.

Adventure Tips

Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

Virginia summers can be hot and humid; bring plenty of water to keep kids energized and healthy.

Wear Sun Protection

Apply sunscreen and wear hats as much of the camp activities take place in direct sunlight.

Dress for Water Activities

Bring quick-dry clothing and water shoes for kayaking and other water-based adventures.

Prepare for Bug Season

Bug spray can help keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay during hikes and outdoor play in wooded areas.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Great blue heron
  • Eastern box turtle

History

Belle Haven Marina sits near historical Alexandria, an area rich in colonial and Civil War heritage.

Conservation

The marina promotes environmentally responsible practices, including waste reduction and protecting river habitats.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Water Bottle

Essential

To stay hydrated during active outdoor sessions.

summer specific

Sun Hat

Essential

Provides protection from the sun during kayaking and hikes.

summer specific

Quick-Dry Clothing

Essential

Ideal for comfort during water activities and quick changes.

summer specific

Insect Repellent

Helps minimize bites during outdoor exploration.

spring specific