Dear DSC Community:

We convened a special meeting of the Board of Directors and Afterguard on Monday, July 2, 2012 to kick off our fundraising. At this meeting we drafted a plan to together raise $50,000 by September 30, 2012. We also have made the challenge a bit interesting - the Board/Afterguard member who raises the least amount of money to shave his head or dye her hair red. I, personally am not interested in having red hair. So, please support your favorite Board/Afterguard member and help us raise $50,000 by September. Click here to visit our Fundraising website where you may elect to make your donation.  We will keep you apprised of our progress weekly, so look for updates!

Kathleen 

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Cameron's Story

Cameron started sailing with the DSC through a partnership with Special Olympics. Cameron has autism, which is a complex neurological disorder. Both children and adults with autism show difficulty with social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication.

Cameron instantly enjoyed sailing and showed true emotion while out on the water.  One day his grandmother asked if there were any other on the water opportunities for Cameron. She explained that they had very limited resources but Cameron loved sailing so much. Instantly the DSC extended Cameron a Junior's scholarship, so that Cameron could attend our special needs summer camp free of charge. 

Cameron had a great time at Junior's camp. Although he struggles with showing his emotions everyone could tell he was having a wonderful time. His mother and grandmother explained how excited he was after each day of camp. Our specially trained instructors took him under their wing and taught him social interaction skills as well as sailing skills. 

His grandmother explained how much the experience has changed his life. She said, "He now has something he can be proud of, something he can do on his own, his self-esteem has reached new heights!"

Even though camp ended, Cameron continued to attend our free accessible Saturdays as well as our end of the season "Ya' Gotta Regatta" fundraising event. The DSC hopes to provide Cameron another scholarship next year.

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As I continue to develop my sealegs at our Sailing Center I want to hear your ideas, frustrations and praises for what we do and could do better. Our Sailing Center has been through quite a transition and I know how important our work together will be - For example did you see this article today? Click Here to Read DSC News in, "The Baltimore Sun".

I feel there is nothing quite as important as developing our future leaders and giving them the love and support they need to succeed - You already know sailing is one of the best teachers. Let's make it great!

Contact me at greg@downtownsailing.org.

Attention DSC Volunteers! The season has been in full swing for months and we are in need of a mid-summer work party. So come on down to help get our fleet and facilities in great shape. Tasks will include:  

• Access dinghy upgrades
• Dock beautification
• Dock safety check and spray painting

We will email all registered attendees with details on the event next week. So don't wait, sign up today to help out!

We are in need of two or three skippers to help helm boats during Open Sail on Sunday. Dockmaster will assign boats and crew at Noon.  If you are a DSC Skipper and would like to help provide that much desired on the water time to Crew Level Members, please click here to register for Sunday's Open Sail.

Did you know that next Saturday July 14th will be the last accessible Saturday for the month of July? Don't miss another great opportunity to help out!

We currently only have 3 volunteers registered. We need people to fill all positions including sailing buddies, powerboat operators and sonar skippers and crew.

 
Click Here to Register for Access-Ability Saturday. 

It would be great if you could register by the beginning of next week. Lynn will be heading out of town and needs enough volunteers to make the event a success. Help her plan by registering early.

Thanks to all DSC volunteers for being the best in Baltimore!

Reminders about parking for DSC Members - your cooperation is very much appreciated:

1. Seek parking on the gravel area near the docks.  If no parking is available in that area, limited blacktop parking can be utilized, keeping as close to the docks as possible. 
2. The "Entrance" Gate is solely for the purpose of vehicular traffic entering the BMI/DSC parking lot.  Do not use this as a vehicle exit from the property at any time unless the "Exit" gate is locked.  The "Exit" Gate should be utilized to leave the property.  (This applies to moving vehicles only, not pedestrian or bicycle traffic.)
3. Skippers and Dock Masters performing end of day "securing the property" duties as the last remaining members on site will be required to close and lock both the Entrance and Exit Gates in the future. 
4. Please drive slowly and keep watch for pedestrians, especially children, and also wildlife in the parking area. 

"The Downtown Sailing Center provides quality educational and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing.  The Downtown Sailing Center is committed to promoting an environment of inclusiveness and accessibility, especially to youth, persons with disabilities, and those with limited opportunity."