Our oldest grandson, Harry, joined us in Jacksonville, Florida, for a week of Summer Sailing camp in June 2022. A full week jam packed full of fun!
My husband and I love each other much, and we have loads of fun-filled adventures together, but I’m telling you, our boat is filled to the top with laughter when Harry is here.
Harry often asks me about my volunteer activities, and because he needs to complete three significant service projects this summer for Cub Scouts, we started our week at The Nest, A Women’s Center. It happened to be National Donut Day, so Harry and I showed up with donuts. When seeing the donuts, Megan said that Harry is welcome at The Nest any day! Lisa and Megan answered Harry’s many questions about The Nest. Then Harry and I then spent two hours cleaning the sign by the road and sweeping, mopping and arranging the classroom. The Nest was very appreciative of Harry’s service and even featured him on their Facebook page.
We bought a dinghy and outboard a few months ago (which is no easy feat during Covid) and Harry was very much looking forward to learning how to drive it. Harry is tall for seven, even so, starting and steering the nine foot inflatable dinghy was a stretch for him, but he did it! And he loved it!
On the second day of dinghy lessons, Harry picked me up and drove us to the park! The combined look of seriousness, accomplishment, and fun really looks handsome on my grandson.
Harry has been studying sailing with Grandpa Bill for several years now, but this summer he chose to learn and practice how to use the radio (and call the bridge tender to open the bridge), anchoring, weighing anchor (after lunch onboard) and continuing to perfect his driving skills.
We all love the beach, so we spent one day at Huguenot Beach. Harry loves to use the stand up paddleboard to surf on the waves with grandpa, and I love to watch and listen to them laughing. Harry said this was the most fun activity of the week. Watching him concentrate on surfing, hearing him laugh whether he stands or falls, and then seeing him going back for more, was my most fun!
Harry also spent time playing chess, playing cards, learning to cook on the propane stove (“best rice ever”), practicing snorkeling in the pool (and learning to dive down with the snorkel), learning to raise a flag on the boat, and walking the docks every morning with grandpa greeting the neighbors and talking about boats.
To wrap up the week, we met up with the rest of the family at Great Wolf Lodge near Atlanta, Georgia. We all had a very wet, wild, and exhausting time!
Harry earned a Certificate of Completion with Exemplary Performance!
We are so looking forward to the next sailing camp, which will include sailing a Hobie Wave and more math problems (because Harry requested them both)!