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Sail, Paddle, Power!

 

SPIRIT OF AMERICA YOUTH BOATING EDUCATION COURSE​

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Chippewa Yacht Club is pleased to partner with the Spirit of America Foundation National Premier Youth Boating Education Program and Medina County Park District to bring a youth boating education course to Chippewa Lake for middle-schoolers aged 12-15 years old.

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Offering a unique, safe, and comprehensive water-based educational and recreational program, the Spirit of America Foundation instills confidence and fosters the Spirit of teamwork in our nation's youth. Our underlying goals also include developing self-esteem while nurturing responsible behavior and positive, lifelong ambitions.

 

Students will have the opportunity to obtain their Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC) license, learn how to operate different types of watercraft including sailboats, paddle craft, and motorboats, and participate in water-based activities that provide the opportunity to develop lifelong skills.  Based on a “learn by doing” program, students develop self-esteem, exercise teamwork, safe seamanship, boating and water safety practices, and demonstrate responsibility.

 

The course includes the following dates:

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Student/Parent Orientation (immediately before OBEC)
Mon, July 14, 2025
9-10:00 am at Chippewa Yacht Club
Mandatory for all participating students and their parents. Program synopsis (dates, timing, locations, activities), Q & A, and informational materials presented in preparation for upcoming sessions.

 

Ohio Boating Education Course (OBEC)
Mon & Tues, July 14-15, 2025
9 am-3 pm at Chippewa Yacht Club
Students will earn their state boating license in a classroom-like setting. Parents are also welcome to attend and earn their boating license for FREE. To earn the Ohio Boaters Education Certification, students must achieve 70% or higher on a 60-question multiple-choice test. Accommodations such as test readers or extra time will be provided upon request. Passing this class (70% or above) is mandatory for further participation in the program.

 

Drowning Prevention Pool Class

Wed, July 16, 2025
6:30-8 pm at Medina Rec Center
Students will be properly fitted for a life jacket and be introduced to drowning prevention techniques, equipment awareness, proper use of PFD, and learn capsize recoveries. 
 

On The Water Days

Thurs-Sun, July 17-20*, 2025
9 am-2 pm daily at Chippewa Yacht Club 
Daily hands-on, on-the-water opportunities and on-shore instruction in canoes, kayaks, sailboats, motorboats, and stand-up paddleboards. Parents are invited to attend the graduation program on the final day of the course from 2-3 pm. 

*July 20 will be used as a rain make-up date only and may not be needed.

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Jet Ski & Extra Sailing Day**

Sat, July 26, 2025
9 am-12 pm at Chippewa Yacht Club 
Students will receive on-shore instruction on jet skis (PWCs) from an ODNR officer and then operate one with a Spirit of America volunteer onboard. This is also another opportunity to practice sailing skills with a sailing instructor. 

**This portion of the class will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or unfavorable lake conditions.

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To register, complete the online form here. Registration requires the completion of a 50-word essay by the student describing why they are interested in being a part of the Spirit of America program. Be creative, tell us a little about yourself and share with us some activities that you enjoy.

The essay can be copied/pasted into the online registration form or e-mailed to us at ChippewaSOA@gmail.com by July 12, 2025. 

 

Cost is $100* per student which includes all course materials needed, a life jacket, and a t-shirt. Payment is due by July 12, 2025 to be considered enrolled in the course. *Need-based scholarships are available upon request. Contact us for more information.

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Space is limited and there is a high demand for this program. Daily attendance at all sessions is expected and mandatory for the successful completion of the course.

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All course communication will be e-mailed to the address you provide.

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Dates and times are subject to change due to lake and weather conditions beyond our control.

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For more information about the Spirit of America Foundation, visit their website.