Kids & Family
FOBH: Inspiring young sailors on the Shark River Bay
Friends of Belmar Harbor is offering 15% off registration for its summer discovery camps and junior sailing programs through April 1, 2018.
Photo credits: Friends of Belmar Harbor, Inc.
Every summer since 1999, more than 5,000 children from Belmar and nearby towns have learned valuable lifelong lessons in sportsmanship, self-esteem, water safety, and environmental conservation through their participation in the Friends of Belmar Harbor junior sailing programs and discovery camps.
The Friends of Belmar Harbor (FOBH) headquarters is nestled in Maclearie Park on Route 35 in Belmar, adjacent to the L Street beach. Summer 2018 sessions of FOBH's Junior Sailing Program and Shark River Discovery Camp begin June 25 and go through August 30. Classes and camps are one-week long and are held weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Shark River Discovery Camp is open to children between the ages of 7 and 11. During camp sessions, students are exposed to the fundamentals of sailing and kayaking, as well as to the scenic beauty of nature along the shores and in the waters of the Shark River Bay. Children may also participate in beach cleanups, stand-up paddle boarding, eco-themed arts-and-crafts projects, and other activities during their camp sessions.
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"There is no better feeling, especially for a child, than the feeling of discovery. We get people to step off the shore and introduce them to the wonders of the Shark River Bay," says Eric Krause, FOBH Board of Trustees President, who has been a competitive sailor since age 9.
Save 15 percent when you register your child by April 1, 2018
FOBH is offering 15 percent off Shark River Discovery Camp and sailing program registration through April 1, 2018. To register your child for the summer 2018 programs, please visit www.fobhnj.org.
Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The summer Junior Sailing Program for ages 7 to 15 is another popular FOBH activity. Prior sailing experience is not necessary, as FOBH is able to accommodate children of all sailing levels and abilities — beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The program curriculum is designed using instruction standards set forth by the United States Sailing Association, the national governing organization for the sport of sailing.
Other FOBH programs include the Mayor’s Cup Regatta, the annual Summer Solstice “SAIL-abration” every June, the Friendship Cup Regatta, and adventure sailing for ages 11 to 14.
"My 8-year-old son, who has never sailed before, had such a wonderful time during his first week, we went ahead and added on a second week," wrote a mother who rated the FOBH junior sailing program five stars on Facebook. "He loves everything about camp: being out on the water, learning to sail, kayak, using the paddle boards, and having some independence. We will definitely be back next year! Thanks for two fantastic weeks!"
Call for volunteers and certified sailing instructors
FOBH invites community members who wish to volunteer their time and talents to support its mission. Opportunities run the gamut, from boat maintenance and groundskeeping, to help with fund-raising, special events, and community relations. Please visit the FOBH website for more information.
In addition, applications are currently being accepted for the contract position of sailing instructor and coach for summer 2018. This position requires experience working with youth ages 8 to 15 and a strong background and knowledge of Optimists, Open Bics, 420s, and Hobies. Apply through the FOBH Facebook page.
FOBH Mission Statement
"The Friends of the Belmar Harbor is a volunteer-driven nonprofit educational organization which promotes the health and vitality of the Shark River Bay and those who live, work and play on, in and around it, by providing to all — but especially to youth and families of limited means, abilities or opportunities — adventures in competitive and recreational sailing, kayaking, ecosystem tours, shoreline cleanups and related activities that are accessible, affordable and fun."
Friends of Belmar Harbor
1300 River Road
Belmar, New Jersey
info@fobhnj.org
Website
In addition to sailing, the Shark River Bay is a popular spot in Belmar, New Jersey, for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, paddle board yoga, and fishing.
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