Youth Learn-to-Row Camps

Do something different this summer—learn to row on American Lake!

CBRC is a great place to learn to row. Our camps are designed for youth in middle and high school, no prior rowing experience is needed, and youth scholarships are available!

Camps are generally held June - August, and session dates will open for registration by early March.

At-A-Glance

  • Practices are held at Harry Todd Park on American Lake in Lakewood, Washington.

  • 10-day Youth camps take place Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

    Session 1 - June 22-July 2

    Session 2 - June 6-July 16

    Session 3 - July 20-30

    Session 4 - August 3-13

  • The cost for each session is $250.00.

    Please review our cancellation and refund policy.

QUESTIONS? Email a Coach

What You’ll Learn at Camp

Safe and fun rowing is the primary focus. Our experienced coaches safely lead novices through the fundamentals of technique in both sculling (two oars per rower) and sweep (one oar per rower).

Each session teaches the fundamentals and more:

  • The rowing motion, usually taught on a rowing machine (erg) in our boathouse.

  • The commands to lift and carry a shell from the boathouse either to canvas slings for adjustment, or safely to the dock to set it in the water. And, of course, remove the shell from the water and carry it safely back to the racks in the Boathouse.

  • The proper method to attach the sculls or sweep oars to the oarlocks.

  • The proper method for getting in and out of a shell.

  • Progress from rowing short distances on the water to building confidence and fitness over longer distances.

Summer Learn-to-Row participants can register for as many camp sessions as they like!

We teach the basics of both sculling and sweep rowing

We encourage youth to establish a foundation in both types of rowing should they want to join our Juniors team in the Fall.

Youth who are returning rowers, have successfully completed an introductory camp, or have previous rowing experience from other rowing clubs, are welcome to join the Juniors team.

  • A scull is a thinner, lighter oar. Sculling requires to use of two oars or sculls by the rower and is done in single shells with one rower (Singles), double shells with two rowers (Doubles) or four rower shells called Quads. Doubles and Quads are referred to as team boats. 

  • A sweep oar is a thicker, longer and heavier oar. Sweep rowing requires the use of one oar per rower with one rower on the port (right) side of the shell and another on the starboard (left) side of the shell. Sweep rowing is done in shells called Pairs (with two rowers), Fours (with four rowers), and Eights (with eight rowers). Fours and Eights also include a coxswain to give the rowing commands and steer the shell. Fours and eights are also referred to as team boats. 

  • Singles boats teach balance and patience; team boats teach balance, patience, and teamwork.

Swimming Ability

In the summer, we want to make sure anyone who wants to learn is able to. If an athlete has not been taught to swim but is interested in rowing with the team, the Juniors coach can help them and their parents find local swim lessons and resources before the fall rowing season starts. We watch the USRowing safety video with each LTR group, and an athlete with a PFD will be safe and the first to come out of the water. 

Participants able to swim any stroke for ten minutes and then immediately tread water for 10 minutes will be able to learn in the boat without a PFD (personal flotation device).

Otherwise, the athlete will learn while wearing a PFD supplied by CBRC. This is to ensure a rower's safety should their shell capsize.