The Saint Croix Sailing School in Hudson, Wis., reopened Memorial Day. Photo: Contributed.
WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – Are you or the kids in your life looking for a way to engage with nature and learn new skills this summer?
Located in Hudson, Wis., the Saint Croix Sailing School has a mission to empower the community through sailing. Teaching skills like confidence, teamwork and independence, the non-profit became a beloved summer tradition among families following its opening in 2008.
After 15 years of operating, the school temporarily shut down due to COVID-related issues and a change in management. Now the school is once again open for business and looking for more sailors.
The Saint Croix Sailing School offers programs for all ages and skill levels, including sailing education classes, youth summer camps, private lessons and small group clinics. New this year is the community membership, which gives experienced sailors the opportunity to rent a boat in four-hour time blocks with a monthly membership fee.
While anyone can enjoy the benefits of learning to sail, the effects of this program are particularly profound for younger students. According to co-directors Nick Hafner and Jasper Pope, young students quickly develop from timid beginners to confident, independent sailors.
Pope said, “Sailing teaches kids how to solve problems, work as a team and trust themselves.” Hafner agrees, adding that even students that were initially nervous “want to skip lunch to keep sailing” by the end of the program.
Hafner and Pope have seen the impact that learning to sail can have on a life, both as instructors and students themselves. Without their own experiences as students, they might not have had the confidence to jump in and keep the school alive. But because of the love of sailing they developed through the program, they knew they could rise to the challenge of running the school. “Sharing my passion is the reason I work here,” said Pope.
The co-directors agree that teaching young students is the best part of the job. “Every lesson reminds me of why I love this job. Watching students build skills and confidence is unbeatable,” says Hafner.
As more research surfaces detailing the harmful effects of too much screen use, Hafner and Pope are excited to offer an engaging alternative to the next generation.
The Saint Croix Sailing School officially reopened on Memorial Day. Registration for classes is now open: click here for more information.