Spectrum Sailing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides maritime education, programming and outreach for autistic individuals, will be returning to Toledo, with a free, three-day camp, June 3 through 5. The camp will be hosted by the North Cape Yacht Club and presented by Meijer.
As summer has now arrived, this is the ideal time for individuals on the autism spectrum to get outside, explore, try new activities and socialize with peers. Sailing is a platform to positively impact the physical and mental health of our participants.
Spectrum Sailing was born out of necessity after founder Scott Herman faced challenges enrolling his autistic son in summer camp. After encountering this issue for children with autism, Herman, a lifelong sailor, started his own camp. Herman built the only Autism Sailing Camp in South Carolina. The program has since expanded from one week in Charleston to 12 camps across the country, giving more than 250 kids the chance to attend free sailing camp this year alone. Spectrum Sailing is the only national Autism Sailing Camp.
“Sailing has been a lifelong sport for me. The relationships and opportunities sailing has brought to my life are endless,” says Herman, whose son is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “Those relationships have helped make Spectrum Sailing a reality. It is amazing I was able to share the sport of sailing with my son, but now I get to share it with kids across the country.”
The three-day program covers general sailing knowledge with professional instructors, including lessons on:
•Water safety rules
•Wind direction and points of sail
•Parts of the boat
•On-the-water conditions
•Knots and rigging/derigging In addition to camp, Spectrum Sailing will provide free autism and water safety training to local instructors and volunteers, equipping them with tools to create a safer and more inclusive environment in their own sailing programs. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children with autism, making water safety education not just important, but essential. Spectrum Sailing’s curriculum emphasizes awareness, preparedness and building confidence on the water.
Giving Autistic children a chance can open a wonder of opportunities. Spectrum Sailing gives them that chance. Donate to Spectrum Sailing at spectrumsailing .org.
