From Crabs & Jacuzzis to sailing Opis (Optimists)!

7-10 Years Group: A parent’s reaction

When I say that my 8 year old takes the whole 50 minute car journey to tell me how each day at Summer Camp went, I would not be exaggerating! 

Of course each morning starts with a struggle and a wiggle to get him into his “wetsuit ready” attire at home before we set off!  There are many things calling to us – the general craic, fun, the SeaLife, Water!, heaps of like minded children, new friends, the wonderful instructors (who for him, double up as a kind of big sister or brother), tuck shop jellies at lunch time and of course the total thrill of sailing an “Opi” or Optimist boat! 

He rolls into the School each day like a homing pigeon, to his allotted room, to be greeted by one of his newest friends he has made.  They then head out to one of the pontoons with their instructors in a motorboat.  If you are lucky enough to be able to wait around a bit, you will literally hear their whoops of laughter and chat as they head off.  Keeping up with them and tracking them down is quite an art – as depending on which group they are in they may stay within the near side of the harbour, or be towed like little ducklings in their Opis, as they head for the Breakwater training area!!  Once at their designated area, they will be honing their skills of learning to rig their “Opi”, and how to follow the wind direction.  Two to a boat, so no fear of anyone getting bored, the chat and antics are culpable!  We have had “making a jacuzzi”! (but the water got a bit muddy and he nearly sank the Opi!),  Baling out the water, but then he lost the baler!

The grand finale is the swim from one of the pontoons to the steps, only for those who want to!! 

“No turning back now – absolutely everything is wet through Mum!”  Another night will be happily spent drying, airing etc!!  If you even dare to pick them up before 5pm you will ruin all the fun!!!!

One thing we can always be sure of is that the routine is pretty much unaltered by the weather, which is very heartening to know that they are being well occupied each day.  One happy child! Contented Mum.