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.
Drop off & pick up each day…
Drop off time: 7:30-8:00a
Pick up time: 12:00-12:15p
Sweeps & Sculls Boatyard (at Port Barrington Marina)
1317 Behan Road
Crystal Lake, IL
Our primary location for Sweeps & Sculls on water rowing, and for camp, will be our boatyard located at Port Barrington Marina. The road in to Port Barrington Marina is a narrow gravel road that winds down to the river through conservation land for about 1/4 mile. Please remember that there will be drop off and pick up traffic coming both ways.
Speed limit – 25mph…
Once you turn onto the road leading to Port Barrington Marina, please observe the 25mph speed limit out of respect to the residents and the marina owner.
Parking…
Park facing the Discover Rowing signs on the left side facing the soybean field. You can park facing the soybean field on the left side as well. If you drive past the fields in to the marina and see power boats on trailers, you have too far and should turn around. Please call Coach Sue if you have any trouble finding the location.
**Please see map below for additional information**
Rower check in…
Rower check in will be in the parking area. Once we check in all of the campers, we will walk down to the boatyard together.
If you are running late, please text or call Coach Sue at (815-693-3734). You will need to walk your camper down to the boatyard to check in.
Checking out the boatyard…
Parents that are interested are welcome to walk down to the boatyard with us on the first day so you can see how it all works. We ask that you leave your campers once we start our introductory activites.
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.
What to expect at the boatyard…
Our boatyard is an open space in the middle of conservation land next to a river where we keep our boats and equipment and maintain a dock to launch from. It is an absolutely beautiful, natural area where we frequently have wildlife sightings such as deer, sandhill cranes, herons, egrets and bald eagles. You will see this as you drive in to the boatyard as well. As such, there are many natural things to deal with such as insects and pollen. If you camper has allergies, it might be a good idea to make sure they have taken their allergy medication before they come to camp.
Severe allergies & other medical concerns…
If your camper has allergies or asthma severe enough that they require an epi pen 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 epi pen 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 epi pen 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.
Footwear…
Slip on shoes that are easy to remove are ideal for rowing. Our boatyard also has woodchip paths and areas around the boats, so closed toes are a good idea. Something like Crocs or Keens work well.
There are shoes in the boat, so rowers just need to be able to slip shoes off when getting in the boat. Rowers will want to wear socks with their slip on shoes so that you have socks on when you get in the boat. You may want to bring an extra pair of socks in case your socks 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.
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 very much in the middle of nature at our boatyard (our boatyard is surrounded by conservation land), we are right on the river, and it has been a very wet year. We are planning to treat the boatyard prior to camp, however, because we will be spending time on land, we do recommend applying bug spray at home before camp and bringing bug spray with you in case reapplication is needed.
Applying sun block at home is also a good idea. We will be outdoors, including on the water, for the entire 4 hours. There will be tents 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 while rowers are on the water.
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 above).
So what to pack for a day at camp?
We would love for everyone to bring a camp chair that can be left at the boatyard for the week. We will use these during some of our instruction times, as well as at break times. We do have some benches, but this will make it more comfortable for everyone. If you don’t have one, that’s totally fine, there will be other options. Please label it with your name so you don’t forget it at the end of the week.
We recommend wearing your slip on shoes (eg: Crocs or Keens) with socks, and packing a bag to bring with you each day containing:
- Folding chair or camp chair (label with your name – can be left at the boatyard for the week)
- 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 week 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 the Boatyard.
** A coach will send an email no later than 7:00a 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 the boatyard. **
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 August 27!
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, but here is an overview of what Fall and our other rowing seasons look like:
Fall Season 2024
- Dates: August 27-October 29
- Practice days/times: Tues/Thurs: 5:15-6:45p, Sat: 9-10:30a
- Fees: $500
Fees include 1 regatta (race), Head of the Rock Regatta in Rockford on Sunday, October 13 (all day event).
Winter Season 2024/25
- Dates: Dec 3 – Mar 20
- Practice days/times: Tues: 6:30-7:30p, Thurs: 5:15-6:45, Sat: 9:30-11a
- Fees: $500
Fees include 2 regattas (races), Southside Smackdown (Chicago) in February (morning to early afternoon), and our indoor regatta, Chicagoland Shiver, in early March (morning to early afternoon).
Spring Season 2025
- Dates: April 1 – May 22
- Practice days/times: Tues/Thurs: 5:15-6:45p, Sat: 9-10:30a
- Fees: $500
Fees include 1 regatta (race), Indianapolis Jr. Sprints in Indianapolis, IN the first weekend in May (Saturday and Sunday all day).
Your rower can elect to participate in all of these seasons, or just the ones that work for you.
Beginner Team 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. After viewing that presentation, we will provide a link to submit questions that we will add to our Beginner Team FAQ document.
