SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN) — Spectrum Sailing is the only National Autism Sailing Camp.
They hosted a free camp this weekend at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.
After coming across a gap in sailing camps for children with autism, lifelong sailor Scott Herman started his own camp.
“Spectrum Sailing is the only national autism sailing program. I founded the program six years ago for my son Daniel. He’s autistic and didn’t have a chance to attend sailing camp back in Charleston,” said Herman.
The program has expanded from one week in Charleston to eight camps across the country.
The three-day camp was for kids ages 10 to 17 and was completely free to attend.
“When they feel challenged or feel they can’t do something, often I’ve heard parents say they bring up sailing camp from the year before and say ‘remember you didn’t know how to sail? And at the end you were a sailor,’” said Herman.
The program covers general sailing knowledge with professional instructors, including lessons on:
- Water safety rules
- Wind direction and points of sail
- Boat parts
- On-the-water conditions
- Knots and rigging and de-rigging
“At first there’s a lot of nervousness, a lot of anxiety, and by day three they’re pulling me to the dock and they’re zipping up their life jackets and saying ‘it’s time to go Mr. Scott, let’s get on the water,’” said Herman.
This year, Spectrum Sailing is hosting camps in eight cities and 180 kids nationally, giving 20 local kids with autism the opportunity to attend at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.