NorthStar Special Needs Youth Sailing Certification Camp 2025 – Registration Now Open!

【Camp Dates】
There are two main sessions — participants can choose either session:

• Session 1: July 22-25

• Session 2: August 19-22

You may also flexibly register for other available weeks: July 1-4; July 8-11; July 29-August 1; August 5-8; August 12-15; August 26-29.

【Camp Time】
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

【Camp Location】
Toronto Island Marina, Downtown Toronto - Centre Island

【Eligibility】
Ages 11 and above, open to both neurotypical and high-functioning special needs youth and adults. Each session is limited to 5 participants. Spaces are limited and registration closes once full, based on payment confirmation (payment screenshot).

【ABA Program Overview】
All programs are designed according to OAP standards and eligible for reimbursement under Access OAP. The program is designed and monitored by a BCBA, including progress evaluations. Classes follow a specialized syllabus tailored for special needs individuals, taught by ABA-trained experienced coaches with session-by-session progress tracking.

At the start of the program, a BCBA and senior supervisors will conduct assessments and evaluations. Through observation and interviews with parents and students, they will prepare a detailed developmental report covering motor and social skills, intervention plans, and goals. Intervention strategies are customized based on the child’s current developmental level. The BCBA will adjust and monitor the program throughout, and provide a final development report and progress suggestions at the end.

【Program Fees】
Fees include sailing lessons, theory tests, and practical sailing assessments.

• Self-Pay: $1080 (tax included)

• High-functioning special needs participants using Access OAP Funding: $2129 (includes assessment fees and final report)

• Using NSNS Token Package: $1680

Outdoor ABA Sports Therapy Package:
We recommend purchasing the joint Sports Therapy Token Package by Northstar and Nutcracker. Tokens from the package can be used for any northstar sports program. E-transfer your payment to info@nutcrackertherapy.ca, note “child’s name/phone/Outdoor ABA Sports Therapy Package/number of tokens” and send the payment screenshot to northstar customer service (WeChat ID: NSNS_2021, phone: 437-559-0666).

Package purchase link: ABA Therapy Package Purchase Link

【Payment Instructions】

• Self-Pay: E-transfer $1080 to accounting@ncoatoronto.ca

• Special Needs Participants Using Access OAP Funding: E-transfer $1680 to info@nutcrackertherapy.ca with the note “NSNS Sailing Camp/child’s name/phone/start date” and send the payment screenshot to northstar customer service (WeChat ID: NSNS_2021, phone: 437-559-0666).

【Sailing Program Description】
This is a four-day beginner sailing certification camp, divided into three parts: theory learning, theory exam, and practical sailing operation exam. Participants who pass all evaluations will receive the Basic Cruising Skipper Certificate issued by Sail Canada. Those who pass partial assessments will receive the Basic Crew Certificate.

The camp is taught by Ontario’s only Chinese-speaking certified sailing coach, licensed by Sail Canada with water safety and first aid certifications, along with rich theoretical and practical sailing experience.

All passing students will be awarded the Sail Canada Basic Cruising Skipper or Crew Certificate.

In the theory portion, students will receive Basic Cruising Skills by Gillian West, a Sail Canada textbook featuring comprehensive sailing terminology, equipment use, and sailing theory, along with Transport Canada and Sail Canada safety equipment standards. The book also covers outboard motor operation, basic radio communication regulations, navigation basics, and weather awareness.

The practical portion involves 20+ hours of hands-on sailing experience on boats ranging from 6 to 9 meters, covering tasks such as docking/undocking, outboard motor navigation, sail handling (raising/lowering sails), man-overboard rescue, anchoring, and more.

【Goals and Outcomes】
Students who pass all assessments will be equipped with Day Sailing Skills, allowing them to join many sailing clubs and sail 9-meter sailboats. This certificate is recognized in parts of Canada and the USA, and may support university applications or provide academic credits.

【Absence Policy】
No absences are allowed for this program. In case of emergencies, please promptly contact Benny (416-826-2819) and your coach.

【Transportation Advice】
After group chats are established, we recommend parents arrange carpooling, as parking on the island is expensive. Public transportation is advised: take the subway or GO Train to Union Station, then buy a ferry ticket to Centre Island. The coach will meet students at the ferry terminal, and parents should pick up students at the same location at 4:00 PM.

【How to Register】
All participating families must fill out the Google Form Registration and sign the waiver before attending.

【Important Reminders】
What to bring:

• Life jackets are provided

• Please prepare non-slip water shoes or running shoes, a change of clothes, sun hat, swimsuit, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water bottle, sufficient water, and lunch (or purchase lunch on the island at Subway, Pizza, etc.)

Special Notes:

• Inform the coach in advance of any allergies or special care needs.

• Outdoor sports come with inherent risks; students must follow coach instructions at all times. Students who receive three warnings for breaking rules may be dismissed without a refund.

• In cases of heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms, adjustments will be made to the program schedule.