This program is open to more experienced rowers who participated in past Community Youth Rowing (CYR) sessions and is by invitation only based on Dharma Voyage (DV) instructor's recommendations.
Place: Launch from Hixbridge Landing on the East Branch of the Westport River, 303 Hixbridge Rd., Westport, MA
Dates: Sundays, 5/7-6/25 (7 dates total)
(No program 5/28 due to Memorial Day weekend)
*If there is inclement weather, you will be notified if we have to cancel a date.
Time: 3-4:30pm
Fee: $70
Phase 1. Introduction & Instruction, May-June 2023
A Dharma Voyage (DV) experienced rower/adult volunteer will spend time with each rower to fine-tune their rowing skills, Coxswain duties and introduce them to the role of Youth Helper. Participants will use a handbook that includes daily lesson plans and do some active rowing on the Westport River. On every row, a Dharma Voyage adult volunteer will be in the boat to train them. After they go through this program, they will be able to help beginner youth rowers in future CYR summer sessions, all while continuing their own rowing experience (see description in Phase 2).
Phase 2. Helping Beginner Rowers, July-Aug 2023 (Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30-11am)
Those that have finished the May-June 2023 training can then be assigned a boat for either the July and/or August Community Youth Rowing (CYR) sessions. The Helper will assist with beginner students in rowing along with one Dharma Voyage (DV) experienced rower/adult volunteer in each boat. This empowers the more advanced rower to pass on what they have learned to others and practice a leadership role with confidence.
This program is a partnership with Dharma Voyage, a Westport, MA 501(c)3 who will run the rowing program for us with experienced trained adult instructors.
