Choosing a camp for your kids is a big decision. The best camp is one that suits your child’s personality, fits your family’s schedule, and helps them grow. Here at Oxford Sail Training Trust, we offer specialised watersports courses designed to build real confidence while children learn exciting new skills. Our camps provide a structured, safe and fun environment for children to thrive.
Our Watersports Camp for Kids Options
We focus entirely on watersports day camps at Farmoor Reservoir. This allows children to learn a specific skill in depth, see real progress, and grow in confidence. Our courses are structured by age and ability, ensuring every child has a brilliant time on the water.
RYA Youth Sailing Courses (Ages 8+)
Our Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses offer a clear learning path. Children start with the basics and progress through different stages as their skills develop.
- RYA Youth Stage 1: This is the perfect starting point for children aged 8 and over. It covers fundamental skills like steering, handling a boat, and essential water safety in a fun, supportive setting.
- RYA Youth Stages 2, 3 & 4: As they gain confidence, children can move through the next stages. Each level introduces more advanced techniques, building on what they have already learned and leading to official RYA qualifications.
Multi-Activity Weeks (Ages 8+)
For children who love variety, our Multi-Activity Weeks are a fantastic choice. These camps offer a brilliant mix of different watersports.
- Sailing: Children get to put the core principles of sailing into practice.
- Windsurfing: They can try the unique challenge of balancing on a board and harnessing the wind.
- Paddlesports: Activities like kayaking and paddleboarding add another layer of fun and adventure.
This mix keeps the energy high and allows children to discover which activities they enjoy the most.
A specialised camp offers more than just a fun holiday; it provides a structured environment where children can see real progress in a skill they love. This sense of achievement is a powerful confidence-booster that lasts long after the summer ends.
You can explore our full range of youth watersports courses to see how we blend structured RYA learning with pure, unadulterated fun on the water.
Why Choose a Watersports Camp for Your Child
A watersports camp is more than just a fun holiday activity. It is an investment in your child’s confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills. We see children transform in just one week, growing from cautious beginners into capable young sailors. Learning to sail or windsurf teaches them to think on their feet, solve problems, and make decisions, building self-reliance that lasts a lifetime.
A watersports camp offers a unique blend of physical activity and mental engagement. Children learn to manage their own craft, which fosters a profound sense of responsibility and achievement that helps them grow in confidence.
Building Resilience and Teamwork
On the water, not everything goes to plan. A sudden gust of wind teaches children to adapt and recover from mistakes. This is a brilliant way to build resilience, proving they can handle unexpected challenges. Many of our activities also rely on teamwork. Kids learn to communicate clearly and work together towards a common goal, which is a practical lesson in cooperation.
Beyond just learning a new skill, a watersports camp provides a fantastic environment for children to take part in various top group activities for children to boost wellbeing, nurturing their social skills and emotional strength.
An Affordable and Enriching Holiday Solution
Finding engaging and affordable holiday childcare can be a challenge. The cost of holiday clubs is rising, as noted in the Holiday Childcare Survey 2025. Our RYA-recognised watersports camps at Farmoor Reservoir offer a vital alternative. They provide a structured, safe, and fun environment where children gain qualifications and a passion for a new sport.
Key Benefits of a Watersports Adventure
Choosing a specialised camp like ours brings a host of benefits that support a child’s all-round development. Here’s a quick rundown of what they can gain:
- Practical Skills: Kids learn tangible abilities like how to rig a boat, steer, and understand the wind, all leading to official RYA certifications.
- Increased Confidence: Mastering a new and exciting skill gives a child’s self-esteem a massive boost.
- Connection with Nature: Spending a week outdoors at Farmoor Reservoir helps foster a real appreciation for the natural world.
- Social Development: Working in pairs and small groups helps children build friendships and sharpen their communication skills.
Matching the Right Course to Your Child
The perfect camp for your kids is one that matches their age, experience, and sense of adventure. We have carefully designed our RYA courses to ensure every child finds the right fit and has a brilliant time. Our structured approach places your child in a group where they feel both comfortable and challenged, letting them build confidence at their own pace.
Starting the Journey for Ages 8 and Up
For children aged 8 and older who are new to watersports, our RYA Youth Stage 1 course is the ideal starting point. This programme is all about building a positive and solid foundation. In a fun, supportive setting, young sailors learn the basics of handling a boat, steering, and all the essential water safety that goes with it. We focus on hands-on learning to spark a lifelong passion for being on the water.
The skills learned on the water have a huge impact back on land, helping build key life skills like resilience and teamwork.
This shows how learning to handle a boat directly contributes to a child’s personal growth long after the camp has finished.
Progressing and Exploring New Skills
Once a child has completed Stage 1, a world of adventure opens up. They can continue their sailing education through the RYA Stages, mastering more complex skills with each step.
Alternatively, our popular Multi-Activity Weeks are a fantastic option. These camps offer a brilliant mix of sailing, windsurfing, and paddlesports. They are perfect for kids who love variety and want to try a bit of everything.
Our progressive structure is designed to grow with your child. Whether they aim to become an expert sailor or simply want to enjoy a fun-filled week trying new things, there’s a clear and exciting path for them to follow.
For those with more experience, we also offer courses in advanced skills like catamaran sailing. This structured progression ensures every camp builds on previous experiences. You can explore our detailed guide on the junior sailing course progression to see how it all fits together.
Our Commitment To Safety And Expert Instruction
Your child’s safety is our top priority. We are a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited centre, which means we meet strict standards for teaching, equipment, and safety procedures.
Key Elements of Our Safety Programme:
- Regular Equipment Inspections: All boats and gear are checked before each session.
- Patrol Boats On Standby: Qualified staff are ready to assist at a moment’s notice.
- Detailed Risk Assessments: Every activity is planned to minimise hazards.
Professional Instructors And Low Ratios
Our instructors are the heart of our camp. They are all RYA-qualified, passionate sailors with the expertise to make every lesson engaging. Each staff member holds a current first aid certificate and has passed enhanced DBS checks. We also maintain low instructor-to-student ratios, so every child gets the attention they need.
A safe environment is the bedrock of a great camp. When children feel secure, they are free to push their boundaries, try new things, and build genuine confidence in their own abilities.
All our senior instructors have completed the RYA Safe and Fun course, ensuring safeguarding is embedded in everything we do.
A Culture Of Safeguarding And Trust
We foster a supportive atmosphere where children feel valued and safe. Our safeguarding policies are transparent and encourage open communication.
Highlights of Our Safeguarding Approach:
- Clear communication channels for children, instructors and parents
- Regular training for staff on best practices
- Procedures to address any concerns promptly
This focus on safety allows your child to make friends, master new skills and enjoy every moment. You can read more about industry insights on how we keep kids safe while nurturing their independence.
What a Week at Our Watersports Camp Looks Like
A week at our watersports camp is a blend of skill-building, teamwork, and fun. Here’s a look at how a typical multi-activity week unfolds at Farmoor Reservoir. Each day builds on the last, helping your child grow in confidence and ability.
Kicking Off The Week
Monday starts with a warm welcome. Children meet their instructors and fellow campers. The first session is all about safety. We provide a full briefing and get everyone fitted with wetsuits and buoyancy aids. Then, it’s straight onto the water for an introduction to sailing. We focus on the basics: balance, steering, and getting a feel for the boat.
The afternoon might introduce kayaking or paddleboarding. This mix keeps the energy high and gives everyone a chance to try different activities.
The goal of the first day is simple: replace any nerves with excitement. We want every child to go home buzzing about what they’ve learned and eager to come back for more.
Building Skills Day By Day
As the week continues, the learning becomes more focused. Tuesday and Wednesday are for mastering core techniques. In sailing, this means learning to rig a boat, tie essential knots, and tack (turn the boat). These sessions include fun challenges and games to keep everyone engaged.
We also introduce windsurfing, using our onshore simulator to teach the basics before children get on the water. Teamwork is a huge focus, with paired sailing and group challenges that encourage communication and cooperation.
Below is a sample schedule for a typical week.
Sample Multi-Activity Week Schedule
| Day | Morning Session (e.g., 9:30 – 12:30) | Afternoon Session (e.g., 13:30 – 16:30) | Key Skills Learned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Welcome, safety brief & sailing basics | Introduction to kayaking & paddleboarding | Water confidence, balance, basic steering |
| Tuesday | Sailing: Rigging, knots & tacking practice | Windsurfing: Onshore simulator & water time | Boat preparation, turning skills, wind awareness |
| Wednesday | Sailing games & challenges | Team kayaking & raft building | Teamwork, communication, problem-solving |
| Thursday | Sailing “journey” across the reservoir | Favourite activity free-sail session | Navigation, independence, decision-making |
| Friday | Skills showcase & mini-regatta | Fun races, debrief & certificate presentation | Consolidation of skills, sportsmanship |
Please note this is an example. Our instructors adapt activities based on weather conditions and the group’s energy levels.
Bringing It All Together
By Thursday, campers use their new skills with more independence. We might organise a “journey” across the reservoir, where small groups navigate together.
Friday is a celebration of their achievements. The day includes a friendly mini-regatta where everyone can show off what they have learned. The week finishes with a final debrief and the presentation of any RYA certificates earned—a brilliant reminder of their amazing week.
How to Book Your Child’s Next Adventure
Booking a place at our watersports camp is simple. It’s an investment in your child’s confidence, friendships, and practical skills, all learned in a safe and exciting environment at Farmoor Reservoir.
A Simple Booking Process
Our booking process is quick and easy. You can secure your child’s place in just a few minutes.
- Explore Our Junior Courses: Visit our dedicated youth and junior courses page. Here you will find our full range of RYA sailing stages and multi-activity weeks.
- Check Dates and Availability: Choose a course to see the live calendar with all available dates for the school holidays.
- Complete Your Booking Online: Pick your preferred week and follow the instructions to fill in your details and pay securely online.
An unforgettable week of building new skills, making friends, and growing in confidence is just a few clicks away. Let’s get your child’s next great adventure organised.
If you have any questions, our friendly team is here to help. Just visit our website for contact details. We look forward to welcoming your child to Oxford Sail Training.
Got a Question? Here Are Some Answers
We know you may have questions, especially if it is your child’s first camp. Here are answers to some common queries about our courses at Farmoor Reservoir.
What Should My Child Pack for Camp?
Packing is simple. We provide all specialist safety kit, including wetsuits and buoyancy aids.
Here is a quick checklist:
- Swimwear (to wear under the wetsuit)
- A towel
- Old trainers or wetsuit boots that can get wet
- A waterproof jacket and a change of clothes
- Sun cream, a sun hat, and a reusable water bottle
What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?
Safety is our top priority. We always monitor the weather closely. If conditions are not right for being on the water, we have a plan. We use these times to cover useful theory, learn skills like knot tying, or use our sailing simulator. The learning and fun continue, whatever the weather.
Is This Camp Suitable For a Nervous Beginner?
Yes, absolutely. Our camps are designed to be welcoming for children of all abilities. Our friendly, RYA-qualified instructors create a supportive atmosphere. The safe, enclosed waters of Farmoor Reservoir and our small group sizes mean every child gets the personal attention they need to feel comfortable and have an amazing time.
Do You Offer Subsidised Places?
Yes, we do. As a registered charity, our mission is to make watersports accessible to as many children as possible. We work with local schools and community groups to offer funded or low-cost places for families who may face financial barriers. This aligns with national initiatives like the Holiday Activities and Food programme 2025. Please contact us directly to discuss your circumstances in confidence.
Ready to give your child an unforgettable adventure? At Oxford Sail Training Trust, we provide a safe, fun, and confidence-building environment where they can learn new skills and make lasting memories. Explore our full range of youth courses and book their place today at https://oxfordsailtraining.org.uk.
