Free sailing camp for kids with autism docks in Chicago for fourth year
Kids with autism learn how to work together, communicate through sailing
A maritime camp -- geared toward children with autism -- is back on Lake Michigan.
CHICAGO - Spectrum Sailing—a summer camp designed for children with autism—is back on Lake Michigan.
The free, inclusive maritime program offers a unique experience for campers to foster independence and develop social skills, all while taking the helm.
What we know:
This week, Spectrum Sailing returned to the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club at Montrose Harbor for a fourth consecutive year and, for the first time, expanded to the Jackson Park Yacht Club, giving 40 Chicago-area kids a chance to participate in both locations.
Not only do campers learn water safety rules, wind direction, and sailing knots, but they also have the opportunity to connect with peers in a safe and fun space.
"It's amazing because ever since he was little, there are not a lot of opportunities for kids with special needs," said Abby Szklarek, a parent. "We live in the western suburbs of Chicago. I didn't think he would ever learn how to sail. What a cool thing."
The camp, open to children ages 10 to 17, originally set sail in Charleston, South Carolina.
In 2017, the camp's founder, Scott Herman, was looking to place his son, who is on the autism spectrum, into a sailing camp but discovered none would take him.
So Herman started his own program, Spectrum Sailing.
"After we started running the program and saw the impact we were having with other kids, it was really one of those things where we had to keep growing it," Herman said.
What began with 10 kids in its first season has expanded to over 250 young sailors in 12 cities this summer, including two camps in Chicago (Montrose Harbor and Jackson Park).
"Chicago is a really special place because this is the first place we ever came on the road," Herman added.
The three-day camp is completely free to families and teams up with yacht clubs across the country, building confidence in kids and parents alike.
"Not only is it beneficial for the kids, but we also have the parents that are able to network with each other and share stories, and just relate to each other on a more personal level," said Spectrum Sailing Assistant Director Samantha Hope.
What they're saying:
Each year, the camp fills up fast, highlighting the need to serve children on the autism spectrum in the summer months.
"They learn the sailing aspect, they learn how to tie knots, they learn how to get on a boat, but it's the social-emotional aspect that comes in too," Hope said. "These kids are learning how to work together, they're learning how to communicate, they're learning how to make friends, and just learning something that isn't accessible to them in other areas of the country. "
"To see the kids get a chance to be out on the water, build those relationships and really learn about sailing is really rewarding for us," Herman added.
Augie is a camper who had never sailed before this week.
"I learned how to steer a boat. I learned that if you want to go right, you have to push the tiller left," he said.
The 11-year-old said he enjoyed the experience so much, he hopes to get back out on the water again soon.
"My favorite part was probably today. I've never been out on a boat in the rain, and it was just really fun," Augie said. "I'm going to pressure my mom to get me into more sailing camps this summer."
What's next:
Spectrum Sailing relies on sponsors and donations to keep its camps accessible—and free of charge. To learn more about how to support its mission, click here.