Camps....Yes!

Stella requires knowledge and experience.  It seems to me there are three ways to get enough to take a trip like this.  Firsthand knowledge,  being raised around boats.  And by that I mean not just taking a ride on one, but someone teaching you to operate, dock and care for a boat.  The younger the better.  David learned this way.  He told me a story about his Father and his cousin Walter.  One summer they took their boys to Isle Royal in Lake Superior, David was 15 at the time.  They had a 16ft. outboard pleasure craft that was ferried to the island.  During this week camping trip, David and his cousin, Jason were given the task of moving the boat to the next harbor while the Dads and younger boys would hike over.  No gps, no charts, just a vacation map of the island.  They went about 2 miles off course!  Now, what got David and I talking about this was again, experience. He said no way could he see letting his kids do that at the age of 15 in Lake Superior, but David had been taught by his Dad and his Dad knew David could handle a boat.  Captain David was trained.  My ability as a boater was learned at Camp Birchwood.  I took all the sailing classes, got all the badges, so am knowledgeable about knots, winds, rigging, rules, boat care, etc.  Later in High School, I got practical experience racing in the Macinaw and Mills races on a one ton sailboat.  Camp also teaches you survival skills and believe me knowing those plus common sense can get you out of little jams all the time.  So Kudos Mom for sending me to camp!  Invaluable....The third way someone usually learns about boating is when they marry into boating!  Or have grown up and have always wanted a boat!  Adult learning can be fun as well,  boaters are always ready to share information.  Courses are easily found on the internet and community brochures..take them!  All boaters have seen their share of  "idiots" who don't know what they are doing and it is a danger to all around them.