After School and Weekend Classes

The Young Mariners After School Program

The Young Mariners After-School Program (YM) is offered to 120 students from 5 schools and 3 community programs during the school year. The program includes swimming lessons at Stamford’s Yerwood Center to develop confidence and enthusiasm for on-the-water activities. Swimming proficiency is a prerequisite for the Summer Blue Water Bound sailing program.

In addition, the YM program includes a variety of field trips and workshops:

• Activities with the Norwalk Aquarium that focus on ecological studies (including Seal and Whale Watching studies), Hands-On Sea Animal experiences, classroom seminars, and handicrafts like scrimshaw
• “What Knots to Know!” knot-tying classes taught by local volunteer sailors
• The “History of Navigation” taught by Landfall Navigation in Stamford
• American Red Cross teaches basic safety training and First Aid
• Stamford Power Squadron provides Basic Boating Safety lessons
• Many of the YM’s get to sleep & live the life of the 1800’s sailor aboard the Conrad in a 3 day field trip to Mystic Seaport

All of the above culminate in a Graduation Ceremony, and the chance to enroll in the Summer Blue Water Bound program and our more advanced on-the-water activities.