Best Virginia Sailing Camps Summer 2024 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: 600 acres, 40 cabins and longhouses, outdoor swimming pool, dining hall, 14-acre lake with fishing, canoeing, paddle boats, volley ball court, ball field, campfire areas, hiking trails, high ropes course, challenge course, climbing wall, arts and crafts, 4-square, garden, farm animals, platform tent area, and The Mud Slide (a camper favorite!)

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our programs are designed to foster small group experiences. Two counselors and 10 to 12 coed campers live in "family groups" where they plan, play, laugh, worship and grow together, working to build a Christ-centered community of trust, openness, sharing and forgiveness.

Opportunities abound for making new friends, meeting people from around the world and round the corner, learning and practicing outdoor living skills, developing individual talents and leadership abilities, taking responsibility for and care of God's world, and having barrels of fun.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leadership program.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Camp. Parent & Child, Grandparent & Child.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Established in 1957, Camp Hanover has offered residential Christian camp programs for elementary, middle and high school youth for over 55 years as the outdoor ministry of the Presbytery of the James. A fully accredited member of the American Camp Association, Camp Hanover continues to meet or exceed the camping industry's standards for safe operation, employing best practices to maintain a summer camping program of the highest quality.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Visit Our Camp Website Link: www.CampHanover.org for full program details. 2-night, 3-night, 1-week, and 2-week camps are offered weekly beginning June 16 through August 21. Traditional residential camps, as well as offsite adventure trips, horseback camps, music, drama & art camps, sailing camps and Leadership Training camps are offered throughout the summer.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our mission is to impact the academic and leadership achievement of Hampton Roads youth through sailing and maritime sciences.

OTHER CAMP INFO: fun, hands-on camps include water and shore-based activities led by certified instructors. Your child will experience the water in a whole new way while learning the principles of sailing and water safety! Whether it's our Sail Quest beginner's camp for 10-14 year olds, our Sail Voyagers intermediate camp, or our Sail Tech camp for teenagers, there's plenty of opportunities for young people to get out on the water with us.

Our Harbor 20s are safe and ideal performance sailboats that are perfect for beginners, and can hold up to 4 campers. Each boat will have a certified instructor on board to provide more personalized training for each student.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit Our Camp Website Link: sailnauticus.org for more information.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 18 FJ dinghy sailboats on a beautiful dock ready to launch and sail. With no obstructing buildings surrounding us we get a nice breeze year round for teaching and racing in dinghy sailboats.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We are a US Sailing Accredited Community Sailing Center. We are also a REACH (US Sailing STEM) Education Center. All of our staff and volunteers are safe sport certified. Our teaching staff are US Sailing Certified Instructors. Our aim is to provide sailing instruction to further Sailing opportunities to all in our Community providing access to the water and honing life skills for our youth and their families.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Instructor in Training Classes prepare youth for a career or part time employment as they progress to courses in becoming a Sailing Instructor and leader in our organization or any Sailing and Teaching Venue

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Write to treasurer[AT]youthsailingva.org for scholarships,;all information is kept confidential by the scholarship committee.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Learn to Sail takes place during three seasons and is a great way to have fun with family while learning a terrific sport

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: After school programming available for your group or individually. Please write to learntosail[AT]youthsailingva.org.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
For fees and dates, please visit youthsailingva.org/learn-to-sail

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Sailors interested in becoming instructors or coaches. Contact learntosail[AT]youthsailingva.org 

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 3 large, very comfortable cabins with indoor plumbing and central heat and a/c. We also have a swimming pool, pavilion, dining hall, activity hall, boathouse,and large fields for sports.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: “Camp Piankatank Summer Camp and Retreat center seeks to be a place where children, youth, and adults can enjoy God’s creation along the Piankatank River in a Christian retreat environment that encourages physical, spiritual, social, and emotional growth..”

Our goal is to glorify God by pointing others to Him, whether that’s through our summer camp program, or through the retreats that we plan or host. Camp Piankatank is a Christian summer camp and retreat center owned by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, and located on the beautiful Piankatank River.

During the summer, Camp Piankatank becomes what it was meant to be from the beginning, a summer camp. For many years, Camp Piankatank was operated as just a summer camp. This is our passion, this is why Camp Piankatank exists, and this is why so many people love this place – they have experienced the live-changing power of Christ at Camp Piankatank, and can point to the very place at camp that they first accepted him as their Lord and Savior.

Meet the Directors

Steve and Niki Gourley have been Directors at Camp Piankatank since 2006. They both have a long history at the camp, and have a passion for camp ministry. They understand the impact that camp can and does have on a child’s life, and that’s why they continue to serve here.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We offer a CIT training program for students ages 15-17. After being accepted through the application process, CIT's come for a week of training alongside our counseling staff. During the summer, they attend two weeks of camp as a CIT. Each week costs $150, which is considerably lower than a typical week of camp. However, the training week is free of charge. CIT's will learn responsibility, professionalism, how to lead a group, how to lead a Bible study, and more. For more information, please contact our camp office.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: We do offer financial assistance for families in need. Those interested can contact the camp for a scholarship application.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): In addition to our Autism Family Camp, we also offer two weekend family camps. We have a Mother/Daughter weekend and a Father/Son weekend. It's a great time for parents to get away with their kids and experience God's creation together!

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Outside of our summer programming, we rent out our facilities to all types of user groups. We are a great location to host your church or company retreat, whether it be for a day, weekend, or week. We can offer lodging, meals, high and low ropes activities, water based activities, meeting space with a/v equipment (subject to availability) and more.

Throughout the year Camp Piankatank is available for many different kinds of retreats, and hosts events for all non-profit groups, not just Baptist groups. We offer custom quotes to fit your needs, and we can do as little or as much as you would like us to do. From simply giving your Boy Scout troop a place to pitch some tents, or helping you plan your weekend retreat (with food, lodging, activities, and even a speaker) we are available to help.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Schedule and Prices:

Week 1 – Boys Only Week: ($270 base price) June 22 – June 27,
Tracks Offered: Amazing Adventure, Reel Fish Real Fun, True North Land, Beginning/Intermediate Sailing

Mini-Week 2 - Coed Mini Camp (7-9 year olds): ($130 base price) June 28 – June 30, Amazing Adventure is offered

Week 3 – Girls Only Week: ($270 base price)July 6 – July 11,
Tracks: Amazing Adventure, Saddle Sisters, True North Water, Beginning/Intermediate Sailing

Week 4 – Coed Week: ($325 base price) July 13 – July 18,
Tracks: Amazing Adventure, True North Land, Advanced Sailing

Week 5 – Coed : ($325 base price) July 20 – July 25, Tracks: Amazing Adventure, True North Water, Beginning/Intermediate Sailing, Sailing Excursion

Week 6 – Coed Youth (13+): ($325 base price) July 27 – August 1, Tracks: Extreme Escape, Reel Fish Real Fun, True North Land, Beginning/Intermediate Sailing

Week 7 – Coed Week: ($325 base price) August 3 – August 8,
Tracks: Amazing Adventure, Reel Fish Real Fun, True North Water, Beginning/Intermediate Sailing

The base price automatically registers you for Amazing Adventure/Extreme Escape.

Extra Fees for some tracks:
True North - $60- this covers the use of the camps outdoor equipment.
Sailing – $80 extra- this covers boat use and maintenance.
Sailing Excursion- $110 extra fee, covers boat use and maintenance
Reel Fish Real Fun – $50 extra covers a professionally chartered ½ day fishing trip. Rod/Reel kits are provided for campers who do not have them. Please bring your own if possible.
Saddle Sisters- $160 extra fee, covers daily trips to the horse farm.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
We are currently looking for male counselors to be Christian role models for our amazing campers. Our positions are paid and the contract dates for 2014 are June 8-August 10. We require our staff to be at least 18 years old and one year removed from high school.

If you're interested, please visit our site or contact the camp office. 

CAMP FACILITIES: 32 cabins; outdoor junior olympic sized swimming pool; recreation/dining hall; outdoor basketball court; volleyball court; GA-GA pit; tether ball; low and high ropes course; zip lines; rustic amphitheater; river for swimming, sailing, canoeing, and kayaking; aquaglide inflatable river slide; archery range.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Chanco offers swimming in our pool and in the James River, high and low elements Ropes Course for team building and challenging oneself, archery, arts and crafts, nature education, canoeing and kayaking, zip lines, sailing, skits, singing and competitions, chaplain program. Through a wonderfully diverse program schedule, the counselors help campers develop self-esteem, a sense of independence, make new friends, learn new skills, and have fun in one of the most beautiful spots in Virginia.

Chanco is ACA (American Camp Association) accredited and earned the distinction of "Best Summer Camp" in eastern Virginia in the May 2012 "Best Of" edition of Virginia Living Magazine. Chanco on the James is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia and welcomes all campers and staff of any race, creed or religion.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: CIT program for individuals ages 16-17.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Yes, email hospitality[AT]chanco.org to inquire.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Camp offers campers of all ages a chance to attend Camp Chanco together. Come enjoy the beautiful grounds, hearty meals, and delightful community. A sampling of favorite camp activities such as archery, boating, crafts and zip lines will be offered along with daily worship and singing. Choose to stay active all day or simply enjoy the rest, relaxation and quiet time in God’s beautiful creation in the woods along the banks of the James River. Family Camp is a perfect way to spend quality time as a family without the distractions of electronic gadgets and is a very affordable way to get away without the expense of a major vacation.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Year-round retreat facilities for youth and adult groups.

OTHER CAMP INFO: We host an open house free of charge to the public each spring. Come meet our Executive Director, staff, take a tour of the property and fly along a zip line if you dare! We hope to see you there! Call 1-888-7CHANCO with any questions. Easy on line registration for Camp Chanco can be found at our website Our Camp Website Link: www.chanco.org. We also have a Facebook page with plenty of photos and updates at Our Camp Website Link: www.facebook.com. We hope to see you this summer!

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Chanco on the James is a fun and rewarding work environment. A commitment to the summer staff begins with a training week in mid June and extends through mid August. If you feel a summer position at Chanco is good fit for you, apply today.

Download the application and email it to director[AT]chanco.org, fax it to 757-294-0727 or mail it to 394 Floods Dr Spring Grove, Virginia 23881. Preference will be given to applications received before March 15th.

Camp Chanco staff members serve as mentors in counselor and instructor positions. These staff positions are the foundation for the entire camping program. A positive and enthusiastic camp staff is essential for a fun and rewarding camper experience. All staff positions will meet American Camp Association (ACA) standards and include a full professional background check. Camper safety is our number one priority and this goal depends on a diligent and competent staff.

CAMP FACILITIES: Summer campers sleep in our 12 cabin style buildings called "hogans" equipped with electricity, air conditioning, and bunk beds. A dining hall complex, infirmary (where an RN stays on site all summer), two large open air outdoor shelters, 18 acre lake, 1 mile of river front, outdoor swimming pool, nature hut, amphitheater, fishing dock, 5 acre farm, 3 lodges, a platform tent area, and 9 hole disc golf course are among the other features of our facility.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: The Westview summer camp program has been carefully designed to meet the following goals:

-The appreciation for the Bible and how it affects our daily existence
-The appreciation and love for the outdoors
-The development of knowledge and skills in various camp activities
-The development and improvement of personal skills
-The respect for the property of others, including camp equipment

Westview is proud to be an American Camp Association Accredited camp. Our counselor staff go through a rigorous training schedule of 14 days of certifications and orientation. This philosophy of investing in the people taking care of your children has helped us be named the #1 Favorite Sleep Away Camp by Style Weekly Magazine, Best Summer Camp in the Central Virginia Region by Virginia Living Magazine, and a Summer Residential Camp Family Favorite by CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Young adults that are at least 15 years old by January 1st of a given summer can apply to be a junior counselor. These staff work 2-4 weeks over the course of the summer, and participate in staff training to gain experience and skill. Each summer these staff return they are given more responsibility until they turn 18 and are ready to become a full time group counselor.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarships are available to families with demonstrated financial need, based on funds available.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: All camp facilities are available for rent throughout the year for retreat purposes. Food services and activities led by Westview staff are also available. For more information, please check out our Retreats page at Our Camp Website Link: www.westviewonthejames.org

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
6-day, 5-night resident programs from 7-15 year olds: $475
3-day, 2 night resident programs for 6-9 year olds: $235
6-day, 5-night adventure programs for 13-17 year olds:
$300-$600

For full availability information, please visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.westviewonthejames.org

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Individuals at least 18 years old with at least 1 year of college experience are wanted for summer long employment. Full details available at: Our Camp Website Link: www.westviewonthejames.org

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 2 classrooms with a bathroom and boy/girl changing rooms. We have a well-kept floating dock for all our boats to launch off. We are on Sunset Creek, so we have nice sheltered waters to sail on if the Chesapeake Bay is too rough to sail on.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: All of our instructors are US Sailing certified. We run classes for kids from ages 6-18 on our club-owned Optimists, club 420s, Open Bics, Sonar keelboats and canoes. Once you have mastered the basics of sailing, you may move up through our intermediate and advanced classes. We also offer classes for kids who just want to mess around in boats.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarships are available for those needing financial aid.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have floating docks, brand new Optimists, coach boat, restrooms, classroom, and Ship Store.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: All our sailing instructors are US Sailing Instructor Level 1 certified, CPR and First Aid certified, and US Center SafeSport certified.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Our camps are 1 week long from 8:30am to 3:30pm We start June 21 and go until August 13.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: We incorporate sailing with marine science and fun; play on-the-water games like Quidditch, Tennis Ball Tag, Turbo Basketball, Highway, and more! For 2016, we have partnered with the Virginia Air & Space Museum to provide a math, science and sailing adventure for children ages 8 to 12. Every first Friday we will host a Pirate Day, where campers get to dress like pirates and do various pirate activities, including a treasure hunt. During each session, we will have a Parent Day where parents are encouraged to come watch what their child has learned throughout the camp, and of course take pictures! After completing each course, sailors are sent home with a card showing which objectives and goals they have accomplished throughout the course.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please see website.

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 10 Harbor 20s for sailing and up to four campers will be on a sailboat together with one of our certified instructors to provide a more personalized learning experience.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Sail Nauticus is a Norfolk based non-profit organization committed to positively inspiring, instructing, and impacting Hampton Roads kids through the use of sailing and maritime sciences.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
June 17-21
June 24-28
July 8-12
July 15-19
July 22-26
July 29-August 2
August 5-9

Sail Quest: $275/week
Sail Voyagers: $325/week