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Sail, Paddle, Power!

 

SPIRIT OF AMERICA YOUTH BOATING EDUCATION COURSE 

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Registration for the 2023 Spirit of America course has closed.

If you would like information for the 2024 course, please fill out our contact form here.

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Chippewa Yacht Club is pleased to partner with the Spirit of America Foundation National Premier Youth Boating Education Program and Medina County Park District to bring a youth boating education course to Chippewa Lake for middle-schoolers aged 12-15 years old.

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Offering a unique, safe, and comprehensive water-based educational and recreational program, the Spirit of America Foundation instills confidence and fosters the Spirit of teamwork in our nation's youth. Our underlying goals also include developing self-esteem while nurturing responsible behavior and positive, lifelong ambitions.

 

Students will have the opportunity to obtain their Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) license, will learn how to operate different types of watercraft including sailboats, paddle craft, and motorboats, and participate in water-based activities that provide the opportunity to develop lifelong skills.  Based on a “learn by doing” program, students develop self-esteem, exercise teamwork, safe seamanship, boating and water safety practices, and demonstrate responsibility.

 

Commitment to participate in all of the following sessions is mandatory for all Spirit of America students:

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Student/Parent Orientation (immediately prior to OBEC)
Mon, June 26, 2023
9-10:00 am at Chippewa Yacht Club
Mandatory for all participating students and their parents. Program synopsis (dates, timing, locations, activities), Q & A, and informational materials presented in preparation for upcoming sessions.

 

Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC)
Mon & Tues, June 26 & 27, 2023
9 am-3 pm at Chippewa Yacht Club
Students will earn their state boating license in a classroom-like setting. Passing this class (70% or above) is mandatory for further participation in the program. Parents are also welcome to attend and earn their boating license for FREE. Please note on your registration if a parent is planning to attend the OBEC class.

 

Drowning Prevention Pool Class

Wed, June 28, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm at Falling Oaks Swim Club
2-hour in-pool session. Students will be properly fitted for a life jacket and be introduced to drowning prevention techniques, equipment awareness, proper use of PFD, and learn capsize recoveries. 
 

On The Water

Thurs-Sun, June 29-July 2*, 2023
9 am-2 pm daily at Chippewa Yacht Club 
Daily hands-on, on-the-water opportunities as well as on-land instruction in canoes, kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, and stand-up paddleboards. Parents are invited to attend the graduation ceremony on the final day of the course. 

*July 2 will be used as a rain make-up date only and may not be needed.

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To register, complete the online form here. Registration requires the completion of a 50-word essay by the student describing why they are interested in being a part of the Spirit of America program. Be creative, tell us a little about yourself and share with us some activities that you enjoy.

The essay can be copied/pasted into the online registration form or e-mailed to us at ChippewaSOA@gmail.com by June 12, 2023. 

 

Cost is $200* per student which includes all course materials needed, a life jacket, and a t-shirt. Payment is due by June 12, 2023 to be considered enrolled in the course. *Need-based scholarships are available upon request. Contact us for more information.

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Space is limited and there is a high demand for this program. Daily attendance at all sessions is expected and mandatory for the successful completion of the course.

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All course communication will be e-mailed to the address you provide.

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Dates and times are subject to change due to lake and weather conditions beyond our control.

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For more information about the Spirit of America Foundation, visit their website.