Discover Rowing Summer Camp Details
Welcome to Sweeps & Sculls Discover Rowing Camp!
Welcome to Sweeps & Sculls Rowing! We are very excited to have your kids joining us for our Discover Rowing Summer Camp. My name is Sue Koscielski and I am the Program Director and Head Coach at Sweeps & Sculls Rowing. I will be one of the coaches running camp and coaching the kids during their week at camp. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and sharing this amazing sport. I wanted to give you some idea of what to expect along with some logistics and lots of information. If you have any questions before camp, you can always reach me via phone, text or email. My contact information is below. You can reach out any time.
Coach Sue Koscielski Contact Info
Email: sue@sweepsandsculls.org
Mobile: (815) 693-3734
Waivers & other forms…
When you registered, you should have completed all of McHenry County College’s paperwork. MCC will be following up with those that have not completed the necessary paperwork.
Sweeps & Sculls also requires 2 waivers, a US Rowing waiver and our Sweeps & Sculls Waiver. These can be brought on the first day of camp. We will also have print outs that can be signed when you drop off on the first day for those that do not have access to a printer.
Location, Drop off & pick up each day…
Drop off time: 7:45-8:00a
Pick up time: 11:30-11:45a
** NEW LOCATION **
Petersen Park Beach, McHenry
We are piloting a new Learn to Row location this year at McCullom Lake in McHenry. We are very excited about the possibilities at this location for new rowers. It is an extremely safe, shallow lake with very little boat traffic that we feel will be ideal for the learning experience and safety of new rowers. We are so excited that you’ll be helping us explore this location and look forward to your feedback!
Rower check in…
Rower check in will be in the parking area near the rowing shell trailer.
If you are running late, please make sure you check your rower in with one of the coaches before leaving.
Checking out what we’re doing…
We always welcome parents to watch, however we don’t want you to become a distraction. Parents that are interested are welcome to stay and watch and see how it all works. You are welcome to stay with us for the introductory activities, then we ask that you find a spot away from the main activities to watch.
Adults row too! One of the great things about rowing is that it is something you can actively share with your child. If you are interesting in learning how to row, we have 2 Adult Discover Rowing clinics in August!
Absences…
We do plan the groups and boats for camp based on attendance. If your camper is going to be absent, please let us know as much in advance as possible so we can make necessary adjustments.
Severe allergies & other medical concerns…
If your camper has allergies or asthma severe enough that they require an epipen and/or an inhaler, please do the following:
- Make sure that you note the
“trigger” for the allergy and/or asthma (bee stings, exercise induced, etc.) on your camper’s forms. Please note if they are able to self-administer their epipen of if someone will need to administer it for them. This will be important to know when assign rowers to seats in boats. - Ensure that your camper carries their epipen and/or inhaler ON them (in a fanny pack, pouch, etc.) and that it is labeled with their name.
If your camper has other medical issues that require them to have special items (glucose tabs for diabetes, an Apple Watch that monitors for signs of POTS, etc.), please make sure that is noted on their emergency form and they carry those items on them.
Minor medical issues while at camp…
Some scrapes and bruises are inevitable during camp and we are ready to handle things as they come up. We keep ibuprofen, acetaminophen, benedryl and antibiotic ointment in our first aid kits, however, we will only administer these with parent/guardian permission and will call the parent(s)/guardian(s) listed to obtain permission. If we can not reach you, we can not administer these items.
What we’ll be doing…
During the week, we will cover several aspects of the sport of rowing, including (but not limited to):
- equipment and how to handle it
- rowing commands and terminology
- safety
- the basics of the rowing stroke
- introduction to racing
Campers will have the opportunity to meet and row with current members of our Rowing Team. Some of them have been rowing for a long time and while others just started. It is a good time for campers to get some perspective on what the rowing journey might be like for them should they choose to continue rowing.
What to wear…
It is best to wear comfortable, athletic clothes that allow for easy movement. Please dress for the weather (layers when cooler, rain gear when necessary). Loose fitting clothes, especially shorts, can be problematic with the rolling seats, so closer fitting clothes are better. This can be especially problematic for boys. Steer clear of long, baggy basketball shorts. Sweatshirts and jackets with pockets can also be problematic, but with it being summer, I don’t anticipate that being too much of an issue. Clothing that dries quickly (synthetic fabrics) are always a better idea than cotton.
We will be wading into the water to launch our boats, so shorts or pants that can be rolled up will work best.
Footwear…
Slip on shoes that are easy to remove are ideal for rowing and we do recommend wearing socks, but since we will be wading into the water to launch the boats, campers should wear slip on shoes that can go in the water and carry their socks with them (we will put them on in the boat).
There are shoes in the boats, so rowers just need to be able to slip shoes off when getting in the boat, then we will give everyone time to get their socks on. Please bring an extra socks as socks are likely to get wet.
Please bring a pair of athletic shoes and socks each day. There are some activites that we will be doing that are much easier with athletic shoes so having athletic shoes and a dry pair of socks helps a lot.
Please bring a filled water bottle…
Please be sure you bring a water bottle! We will be out in the sun and moving and we don’t want to see anyone get dehydrated! There will be water available during camp, but we will not supply cups, so please be sure you have a water bottle.
Snacks…
We will be providing a snack during camp. Snacks will be nut free (although may be processed in a facility that has nuts). We will also make sure there is an option that is OK for vegetarians.
If your camper has any other allergies or sensitivities, you are welcome to pack them their own snacks. Snacks should be packed in a ziplock bag with their name on it and should be given to the coach when they check in each day.
It is preferable that you do not pack any other snacks or food for camp.
Bug spray & sun block…
While we don’t have issues with mosquitos when we are out on the water, we are in a park area near a lake that may have some mosquitoes. You are more than welcome to bring bug spray, or apply bug spray before coming to camp.
Applying sun block at home is also a good idea. We will be outdoors, including on the water, for the entire time. There will be tents and other shelter and we will provide time in the shade, however we are still outdoors for the bulk of their time at camp.
We will also provide and opportunity to reapply sun block and bug spray approximately half way through our time at camp.
It’s a water sport – you’re probably going to get wet…
This is one of our favorite things to say to the rowers and it couldn’t be more true. They may get splashed while rowing among other things. It’s summer and one of the best things about this sport is being out on the water, so hopefully we’ll have some fun with it. What this means, however, is that they should come prepared to get wet. A towel and a change of clothes is always a good idea.
Water safety and life jackets…
All campers will be wearing automatic inflatable life jackets while on the water during camp regardless of swimming skills. Life jackets are provided by Sweeps & Sculls.
Coaches will be in motorized safety boats while campers are on the water to provide instruction as well as safety oversight.
Phones & other electronic devices…
Campers can bring their phones to camp, however they will be asked to keep them in their bags during camp (including during breaks). Phones will absolutely not be allowed during camp time and will not be allowed in boats. We will allow campers to wear smart watches only if they do not become a distraction. If phones or other devices such as apple watches become an issue during camp, we will confiscate them from the camper and require that a parent come and pick them up from the coaches.
If you need to contact your rower for any reason during camp, please call or text Coach Sue (contact info is on this page).
What to pack for a day at camp?
We recommend wearing your slip on shoes (eg: Crocs or Keens) with socks, and packing a bag to bring with you each day containing:
- Socks
- Filled water bottle
- Athletic shoes
- Extra socks
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Towel
- Change of clothes (just in case – because rowing is a water sport 🙂
Pictures & videos…
There are not great opportunities for parents to take pictures at this camp, however, we have a Google photo album that you are welcome to join where we will be putting pictures and videos throughout the week.
Plan for inclement weather…
We will row in pretty much any conditions except lightning and high winds, so even if we get a little drizzle (please dress for the weather), we will still plan to be on the water. We will check the weather the Thursday or Friday before camp and give everyone an update on what the week is likely to look like, but in the event of inclement weather during camp, we will plan on meeting at our Indoor Rowing Center and will hold camp there for the day. Drop off and pick up will be at the Indoor Rowing Center rather than Petersen Park.
** A coach will send an email no later than 6:30a the morning of camp if the drop off location has changed. Please check your email each morning prior to leaving for camp. If you have not received an email, then camp will be held at Petersen Park. **
Sweeps & Sculls Indoor Rowing Center
4410 Route 176
Unit #14
Crystal Lake, IL
Rowing opportunities after camp…
We sincerely hope that your camper comes out of camp loving rowing and would like to continue!
If they do, our Fall Beginner Program starts September 8!
We have 2 options for our Beginner Rowers this year.
- Beginner Team: New rowers can choose to be part of our Beginner Team that meets three times a week (practices are not mandatory), or
- Rowing Lessons: New rowers can choose to take weekly rowing lessons on Tuesdays in September and October.
Fall is really the best time to row and we have a fantastic team that is looking forward to a fun Fall season! I’m sure that many of you will be waiting to see what your son or daughter thinks before making a decision. More information will be send out about our Beginner Program and Beginner Lessons during the week of camp.
Beginner program info & how to sign up…
If your camper thinks they would like to continue rowing and you would like more information about how it all works, we will be posting an informational video that will cover what you need to know.