How is Covid-19 Impacting the Youth Program for 2020? Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UW-Madison has canceled all non-credit programs and activities for the summer of 2020. This, regrettably, includes the Hoofer Youth Sailing Program. We at the Sailing Club were very much looking forward to welcoming your children to our lakefront this summer, and are of course saddened by this news. However, we know that this decision was made with the health of our community in mind. For those of you who have already registered a participant and paid the enrollment fee, you will be refunded in full. There is no further action needed on your part to receive a refund. We know how much the Youth Program means to you and your children, and are deeply saddened that we cannot offer this outlet to outdoor recreation this summer. Club leadership is taking this time to evaluate our program very carefully and look for potential options to host limited instruction online. We look forward to offering an even hirer degree of excellence onsite when our program resumes. We wish you and your loved ones all the best and hope that we will be able to welcome you back to our program in 2021. Any questions should be directed to Mills Botham at headofinstruction@hoofersailing.org
I already sign my child up for the youth program for 2020, will I be refunded? Yes, of course! We are working to automatically refund your payment without any action required on your behalf. As always, if you have any questions, please contact our Head of Instruction, Mills Botham at headofinstruction@hoofersailing.org. Thank you for your patience as we process the paperwork to refund you.
Is my child eligible to participate in your program? Yes, we welcome all youth ages 10 to 18, regardless of ability or prior experience, to participate in your summer program.
Can I enroll a child who is younger than 10 years old? Accommodations are sometimes made to include children age 9 who are turning 10 during the summer. We do not commonly accept children less than 10 years of age due to the size of equipment that we use and the age-appropriateness of our teaching curriculum. Specific exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Youth Program Director (youth@hoofersailing.org) if you have a specific question regarding your child’s ability to participate.
Will a class still meet if there is bad weather or no wind? YES! Although sailing and paddling sports are weather dependent, classes will be held for the full length of time every day. There will be engaging activities planned for all weather conditions. No-wind or poor weather days are often used to teach theory and techniques on land. In addition, instructors are constantly in communication with the UW Safety Tower, which monitors weather conditions, and are informed immediately of changing weather patterns to maximize safe time on the water.
What if I want my child to be in the same class as their friend? It is possible to sign up two students in the same class. Each separate session on the youth program schedule will meet as one class. If your child is signed up in the same session they will be in a class with the same instructor. Please note that in some weeks a morning class is also repeated in the afternoon. Make sure to sign up in the same session.
Can I receive a discount if my child is not able to attend every day of the class? We generally do not issue refunds or discounts for this. Please contact the Youth Program Director (youth@hoofersailing.org) if you would like to make a specific request.
What is your cancellation policy? Please see our refund policy
Can I register my child up the first day of class? Online registration will remain open until right before the start of the first day of camp.
