Junior Programs - Spray Beach Yacht Club

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Junior Program

At Spray Beach Yacht Club, we strive for a welcoming, safe environment where Juniors can gain new skills, become comfortable and competent around the water, learn self-reliance and team work, and make lifelong memories at the Jersey Shore.

Spray Beach Yacht Club’s Junior Program (“SBYC”) offers a summer of sailing, swimming, tennis and fun events. The Junior Program began in the 1920s, and since the 1930s has been a core part of our Club’s sailing heritage. The Junior Program today includes professional sailing and racing instruction as well as opportunities to develop swimming and tennis skills.

SBYC also offers Member Families with younger children programs such as the Sand Crabs playgroup and Ducks, an introduction to sailing for ages 5-6.

Juniors 7-18 years

To participate in any of the Junior Program activities youths must have an SBYC Junior Membership. Junior members (ages 7-18) can participate in our Junior Program which consists of Junior Sailing Program and Junior Activities. Those interested in participating in the sailing program must register for lessons and a boat slip or club boat usage. Participation in Junior Activities is open to all Junior members and include tennis, swimming lessons, Monday lunch, and a variety of fun activities for all ages led by volunteers. In order to participate in any activities, parents of juniors must complete the participation waiver and registration form found on the Junior Program registration page. To clarify, Sailing Juniors complete the information during their registration process and non sailors complete the Junior Activities registration process only.

SAILING

SBYC began as a sailing club and is committed to continuing that tradition. The Junior Sailing Program is designed to develop knowledgeable youth sailors and to instill in them a love for the sport of sailing. Sailing instruction for Optimist, Ilca/Laser, RS Feva and Open Skiff fleets is held Monday through Friday, with programs for first-year sailors through advanced racers. Saturday instruction for beginner sailors is available on select weekends.

Director, Parry Barclay, is a world-class sailor, former Optimist National Team coach, and middle school teacher. SBYC sailing instructors have participated in LBIYRA (Long Beach Island Yacht Racing Association) regattas, regional, national and international events. They continue to develop sailing techniques, provide skills-building and team-building opportunities while supporting youth sailors as mentors. Instructor qualifications and experiences include SBYC training, SafeSport, US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification, First Aid and CPR certificates. Sailors must pass a "swim check" prior to going out on the water.

The Junior Sailing Program is an 8 week program; sailors may choose to register for the first four-week session or both sessions at a reduced rate.

SBYC also welcomes Junior sailors who are not current club members, if space is available.
For more information, please contact Membership or Junior Program.

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Tennis

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Tennis

SBYC offers Junior Members group tennis instruction with qualified tennis instructors. Lessons are conducted at the Beach Haven Courts. Tennis lessons are instructional and noncompetitive and volunteer led.

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Swimming

SBYC offers Junior Members group swimming instruction and water-based activities and games. Lead instructor(s) are also certified in First Aid/CPR. This is a parent/guardian-involved volunteer-based activity. All Juniors are welcome to enjoy activities, learn new strokes, improve technique, build confidence in the water and have fun!

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Social Activities and Fun Days

Social Activities and events are open to all Junior Members and will be posted on the SBYC website Junior Calendar. Juniors must be registered Junior Members to participate. Activities include:

Monday Lunches – 12noon-1:00pm on the Wharf. All Juniors are welcome to join their fellow Juniors for an SBYC-provided lunch on the wharf. This is a great way to kick off the week. Parental and grandparent support in coordinating these lunches is always needed and appreciated. Please refer to the sign up in order to lend a hand.

Special Events & Activities – may include a visit to Thundering Surf Day, Mini-golf with the commodores and/or tournament, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Beach Soccer and local boat trips. We require a minimum of one adult volunteer for every five Juniors, but all parents/guardians are welcome to attend. All activities and events will be posted on the SBYC website Junior Calendar.

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Fundraisers

This is a fun way to join friends to support Junior activities. Examples of Junior fundraisers have included: Pancake Breakfasts, Spaghetti Suppers, golf outings and beautiful shell art creations.

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Volunteering

Even the youngest members of this family club give back to the club as well as the larger Long Beach Island community. The Juniors maintain the clamshell garden on the grounds, participate in fall and spring Clean-Up Weekend, act as the color guard on Flag Day and volunteer at select club events. In addition, Junior Officers are elected each year by their peers and hold leadership positions during the summer season. They volunteer their time planning and hosting events for their fellow Juniors along with the support of adult coordinators. In the past the Juniors have supported fundraisers such as Reclam the Bay, the Maritime Museum and Southern Ocean County Hospital.

Under 7

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Sandcrabs

The Sand Crabs is a playgroup for Pre-Juniors ages 0-7. Sand Crabs meet in the Main Clubhouse on Thursday mornings for one hour from 11:00 am - Noon. The children will enjoy creative activities followed by a healthy snack. Sand Crabs are free of charge, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Sand Crabs is hosted by the Auxiliary with the assistance of some Junior mentors.

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Ducks

DUCKS: 9am-10:30am, (Saturday schedule)

Structured play in the bay! The Ducks program is for 5-6 year old SBYC family members only. The curriculum is designed to build comfort with the beach, bay, and the Opti. Activities include team-building games, swimming, floating, steering, paddling, flipping and trying to sink the Opti! Participants will also learn basic boat parts and the basic mechanics of how to move around the boat. Sailing related activities will be incorporated into each class. Children may sign-up for one session (3 classes) or both sessions (6 classes). Ducks are NOT required to have their own Opti.