Sign up your child for a unique overnight sailing camp on the beautiful Mystic River! Campers experience what life aboard a ship was like by sleeping on the historic vessel, the Joseph Conrad. This is primarily a sailing camp: each day campers learn to sail on our traditional fleet of Dyer Dhow dinghies. During our apprenticeship program campers can choose a track to focus on each afternoon. Topics include marine science, maritime art, astronomy, and seamanship skills. Campers also participate in fun activities in the evenings, including a Planetarium show, climbing the rigging, and an interactive chantey show. Campers return home at the end of the week with new levels of sailing proficiency, knowledge about our local maritime heritage, and lasting friendships.
Mondays 8:30 am-Friday 12:30 pm
Conrad Camp is a technology free camp as we believe camp provides an opportunity for kids to acquire self-reliance and bond through immersion in a new environment. We do not allow calls home or calls from home during the week and ask that family and friends refrain from visiting campers during their stay. We take photos all week and send them out on Friday.
Safety is our first priority at the Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Camp. All staff are certified in Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED. All staff are also certified in medication administration, and they have been trained to prevent and respond to emergencies on and off the water. We adhere to strict policies regarding safe powerboat operation, concussion response, and on-the-water management. Our staff includes Red Cross certified lifeguards, US Sailing certified instructors, and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains. All staff and campers wear PFDs (personal floatation device) and sunscreen and carry water bottles at all times while on the waterfront. We have a 1:8 staff to camper ratio at all times.
Members: $1,240 | Non-members: $1,550
*NEW* Special Space Week at Conrad Camp! (Note limited capacity of 17)
In an exciting addition to Mystic Seaport Museum’s camp programming, the first week of the Joseph Conrad Camp’s Summer 2025 season (June 16-20) is Space Week! Campers will still experience all the cornerstone activities noted above of a typical Conrad Camp week, while also being able to sleep under the stars on mattresses provided by the Museum on the floor of our Planetarium theater. The week’s activities will include special programming about space science, navigation, and astronomy. This week is for the camper who loves sailing and all things out of this world!
The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for the Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Camp provides 16- to 18-year-olds the opportunity to develop leadership skills in a residential sailing camp environment. This is a volunteer position in which CITs refine teaching, teamwork, leadership and youth development skills under the guidance of camp staff.
Please read the CIT Handbook prior to applying. Click here to access the application link.
We are pleased to announce that we have scholarship funding available for our Community Sailing (ages 6-15), Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Camp (ages 8-15), and Schooner Brilliant (ages 15-18) summer camps and spring and fall programs. Up to 100 percent of financial aid is available depending upon need. To apply, complete the online application. For more information, please email reservations@mysticseaport.org.
In an effort to consolidate and keep camper health information secure, we use the electronic health record system CampDoc.com for all required paperwork. All registered campers will receive an email directly from CampDoc.com with detailed instructions on how to submit required health forms and paperwork. The site is secure, encrypted, and password protected.
Matt Forte, Supervisor of Sailing Programs
matt.forte@mysticseaport.org or 860-572-5369
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
info@mysticseaport.org
Copyright © 2021 Mystic Seaport Museum
75 Greenmanville Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
860-572-0711
