easy
4–6 hours daily
Suitable for children with a basic level of fitness and no prior experience required.
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.
Ages 8-15 • Morning and Afternoon Sessions Monday - Friday • 5 Day Camp
5 Days of 3-Hour Lessons
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.
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:
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.
Virginia summers can be hot and humid; bring plenty of water to keep kids energized and healthy.
Apply sunscreen and wear hats as much of the camp activities take place in direct sunlight.
Bring quick-dry clothing and water shoes for kayaking and other water-based adventures.
Bug spray can help keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay during hikes and outdoor play in wooded areas.
Belle Haven Marina sits near historical Alexandria, an area rich in colonial and Civil War heritage.
The marina promotes environmentally responsible practices, including waste reduction and protecting river habitats.
To stay hydrated during active outdoor sessions.
summer specific
Provides protection from the sun during kayaking and hikes.
summer specific
Ideal for comfort during water activities and quick changes.
summer specific
Helps minimize bites during outdoor exploration.
spring specific