Eugene Sail School 2021
Skeen family photo
As the story goes... my first time on a boat was when I was three days old ....It was my love and passion from the very beginning. Click here for 2014 Sail School video.
As the story goes... my first time on a boat was when I was three days old ....It was my love and passion from the very beginning. Click here for 2014 Sail School video.
I was given the opportunity to be the Director of the Eugene Yacht Clubs week long Sail School that takes place July 18-24 2021. This overnight all volunteer adult and youth camp was also to be used as my senior capstone project for Portland State University where I will be receiving my Bachlor of Science majoring in Social Science and minoring in Psychology.
CAmp Mission
Eugene Yacht Club has a 50 year long history of its sailing camp. Originally it was just for kids 8-18 and about 20 students. In 2019 it was close to 125 adult and youth Students, and 4o volunteers. All of us doing every part of the camp from teaching, rescue boats, cooking and cleaning, evening activities and camping. The focus of this week is to not just learn to sail and enjoy the challenges of nature, But to also build a community based on what sailors call "CORINTHIAN SPIRIT". This encompasses a tradition of encouraging a respect for the environment, and the volunteers who work and make the camp possible. Also this week is the cornerstone for building a community where equality and being of service are as important as wining the race.
The Directors Role
As the camps Director I will be responsible for -organizing all of the volunteers,-making sure they are trained in their positions- The boats are all lined up and ready to be used- Communicating to the club members and guests,-Registration,-Delegating the menu planing and food shopping to the Kitchen experts. -Instructors have what they request to cary out their lessons - The evening activities for adults and all kids on the grounds including younger siblings of students- Setting guidelines for the routine and safety expectations.
The week of sail school has many moving parts. The most important role I will have is to facilitate the volunteers.
The week of sail school has many moving parts. The most important role I will have is to facilitate the volunteers.
Why Is this Important ?
Within the Volunteers at EYC there is a very special group. This is a group of 4 youth 13-18 who make up the Jr Board. These kids have an opportunity to stretch their comfort zones and become leaders and mentors in our community. They will be the ones doing a lot of the hard work the week of camp, catching boats, righting capsized boats, calming nerves of other youth and adults. they all have and eagle eye out for someone in need of cheering on or a friend. This caries over into the summer season when they plan activities, night sails and fundraisers to go to regattas and help with several of the charity events EYC does including Waterfest for paralyzed sailors or the Eugene Boys and Girls clubs day on the lake. It is a chance to be of service and see the impact we each have to make a difference.
I was one of these jr.s in my youth and know how the freedom to become who I was and the safe place to be a leader changed me from a shy timid girl to a person with confidence and a voice who could use it to make changes and champion others in the process . |
We can't control the wind but we can adjust the sails ...
The week of sail school didn't go as planed. Four Days before camp was to begin a TOXIC BLUE GREEN ALGAE was found in the lake. along with evidence of illness from exposure to the water in the lake. Is there away to do a week long sailing camp without getting in the water? Maybe not. The EYC community adjusted. The "Corinthian Spirit" took over. The Jr s came up with games the parents cooked on the grill, a instructor brought a movie projector . Sailing Olympic games were designed and a GIGANTIC waterslide ( well water) was delivered. It might not of been a week long Sail School but all of the attributes I know are established during this magical Sailing camp happened. Maybe just for three days ... but it was a blast. The "Corinthian Spirt" was in action and everyone adjusted their sails. I believe in the importance of this camp especially now. We are overwhelmed with grief and stress, We forget the importance of play, community and JOY and all of the skills and opportunities we have to create a better community even while playing.
Gutter boats the closest to sailing we got ....