Yes, it’s June and time for BIR summer camps. Get up early and look out over Eagle Harbor to see dozens of high school kids sculling across the water, joined by herons and harbor seals. Sing it, everyone:
I said a boom chick-a boom
I said a boom chick-a boom
I said a boom chick-a rock-a chick-a rock-a chick-a boom
Uh-huh
Oh yeah
One more time . . . Rower style!
BIR Board president Sue Entress explains that “the camps are taught by skilled and enthusiastic current collegiate and former BHS rowers, with oversight by former US National Team Rower and Director of Rowing, Bruce Beall.” She adds, “The camps are intended to be a fun and welcoming introduction to the sport. Novice Camps and Crew are just that, an opportunity for those new to the sport to learn it in the company of their peers.”
There are four different options for BIR summer camps.
Intro to Rowing
This camp teaches the sport of rowing in a fun, relaxed, collaborative environment. The class is open to rising 8th graders or older. The first one-week session is almost over, but there is till time to join the July 16 – 20 session. It meets from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. The program fee is $275.
Sculling Camp
Here is your introduction to sculling led by Team Coach Tim Goss. The camp is open to rowers with one year of team rowing experience. No sculling experience is necessary. The camp runs from July 23 through 27, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The program fee is $200.
Novice Summer Crew
This BIR summer camps option is open to students entering 9th grade or older with no prior rowing experience. Novices can choose to row for the entire six-week session, June 25 to August 4 (no rowing July 4), or for any two-week segment. The class runs from 7:00 am – 8:45 am, Monday through Friday.
Rowers who participate in the entire six week program are eligible to compete at the Greenlake Summer Extravaganza (rower’s decision). Recreational rowers (those who participate in a two-week segment) may be eligible to compete per coach’s approval. The program fee is $225 per two-week segment or $550 for the entire six weeks. An additional regatta fee applies to rowers who compete at Greenlake Summer Extravaganza.
Varsity Summer Crew
Varsity summer crew is open to students entering 9th grade or older who have completed at least one season of rowing. Varsity rowers are encouraged to row for the entire six week session, June 25 – August 4 (no rowing July 4), but may choose any two-week segment. The class runs from 7:00 am to 8:45 am, Monday through Friday.
Rowers who participate in the entire six week program are eligible to compete at the Greenlake Summer Extravaganza (rower’s decision). Recreational rowers (those who participate in a two-week segment) may be eligible to compete per coach’s approval. The program fee is $225 per two-week segment or $550 for the entire six weeks. An additional regatta fee applies to rowers who compete at Greenlake Summer Extravaganza.
To register your child for a summer program, please email registrar@bainbridgerowing.org. Include the name and age of your rower, the name of the program, and the dates requested.
Photo by Olivia Gangmark-Strickland.