Moraine Sail Camp makes waves with record turnout
MUDDY CREEK TWP — With sails raised and spirits high, a record number of youth hit the water this week as the Moraine Sailing Club hosted its most popular youth camp ever at Watts Bay Marina on Lake Arthur.
The yearly spectacle at Moraine State Park attracted a record 52 adolescents aged 8 to 15 from across Western Pennsylvania, all of them eager to soak up the ins and outs of successful sailing.
“It has become very popular,” camp director Amy Barley said. “Word of mouth has spread that it’s a successful camp, and the kids really learn a lot. It’s kind of like getting concert tickets online. I opened the registration on March 1 and within an hour, we’re completely full.”
The week began with campers diving into the basics — identifying boat parts, learning how to rig their sails and reading subtle cues from wind and water to optimize the experience. They then put those lessons into action through a series of drills, including a capsize challenge that teaches them how to stay calm, flip their boats and continue sailing.
Safety is at the heart of the program, with more than two dozen volunteers guiding children through crucial lessons designed to keep them steady while navigating open water.
Nico Soler, a paramedic with Allegheny Health Network, was on-site to ensure the camp runs smoothly.
“They learn all of the safety procedures like the importance of wearing a life jacket and whistling if there’s ever an emergency,” said Barley, who has more than two decades of sailing experience. “So we’re teaching safety around boats and the water, but also the intangible things like teamwork, leadership and initiative.”
Since its inception more than a decade ago, the camp has become a beloved event for participants and volunteers alike.
“I think it’s pretty unique that we have 40, 50 families who want to send their children out to learn sailing in Western Pennsylvania, because we’re not known as a boating mecca,” said Moraine Sail Club board member Mark Mann. “So it’s pretty nice of them to come out and be a part of it.”
On certain Saturdays throughout the summer months, the club’s members share their expertise with adults through learn-to-sail programs.
But what’s most encouraging, Mann said, is the amount of youth that have taken a vested interest in sailing during the one week that’s devoted to them.
“They’re out on the water every day for five days,” he said. “We spend some time on land going over the basics, but the best way to learn is by doing, and every camper gets that experience. We want them to understand knots, wind and technique, but more than anything, it’s about getting out there and sailing. And they do every single day, which is great.”
