Pictured: For the third year in a row, Spectrum Sailing is returning to Sarasota for another amazing camp. Photo courtesy of Spectrum Sailing.

Spectrum Sailing (501c3), the only National Autism Sailing Camp, will be providing a free camp hosted by Sarasota Youth Sailing and Sarasota Sailing Squadron, September 20-22. The goal of the camp is to help kids between the ages of 10 and 17 learn the basics of sailing–a rare opportunity for children with autism. The nonprofit group offers maritime education, programming and outreach for individuals with autism and sailing is the platform that they use to positively impact the physical, mental and social health of participants.

Spectrum Sailing was born out of necessity. The group’s executive director and founder, Scott Herman, was looking for a sailing camp for his son, Daniel to attend about seven years ago. Sadly none of the camps would allow Daniel to participate. “We have five programs in Charleston, South Carolina and none of them would take Daniel because of his autism diagnosis. They didn't have staff or anything they felt they needed for that type of camp. That was a little disheartening to me and to my wife," shares Herman. "We learned about a group called Surfers Healing, a national organization that goes around the country and hosts surfing events for autistic youth, and Daniel was lucky enough to attend one. I left there with the determination that we were going to start a sailing camp the next summer, and we did. The first year, there were 10 spots, and we had 70 kids apply. That's when we realized, we're on to something--we haven't even run a camp yet, and we had this much interest.” Founded in Charleston, the Hermans built the only sailing camp for children with autism in South Carolina. The local program grew and proved successful. It was then that Scott decided kids across the country needed this opportunity.

Through the generosity of both the Autism and Sailing communities, Spectrum Sailing now offers camps in multiple locations at no cost to the sailors. This year alone, they’ve hosted ten camps in ten cities across the country. “We started the year in Newport Beach, California, went all the way to Portland Maine,” says Herman. “We already have a number of cities and new locations that want us to come and so we're working on putting next year's calendar together as we speak.”

With 200 kids nationally, 20 local Sarasota Autistic youth will have the life changing opportunity to attend this year's three day free camp. Campers will be provided with opportunities for skill development, social interaction, and confidence building. They will learn knots, parts of the boat, why the boat sails, and most importantly, how to sail. 

Camps are always free and donations are always appreciated. To learn more and to donate, visit spectrumsailing-bloom.kindful.com.

Spectrum Sailing Sarasota will take place September 20-22 at Sarasota Youth Sailing at 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota.

Pictured: For the third year in a row, Spectrum Sailing is returning to Sarasota for another amazing camp. Photo courtesy of Spectrum Sailing.

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