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WATERFRONT

The Fernwood Cove waterfront on Island Pond provides a beautiful and safe environment for campers to build their skills in water skiing,wakeboarding, swimming, canoeing, sailing, crew and kayaking.  More advanced campers are also given the opportunity to participate in out-of-camp water skiing, wakeboarding and sailing programs.

All campers will participate in a Deep Water Test at the beginning of camp.  This test allows the swimming instructors to evaluate each camper’s swimming ability and endurance.  Campers will be placed in appropriate Swim Levels for their instructional swimming classes.  Fernwood Cove campers must successfully complete the Deep Water Test to be able to participate in kayaking, crew, sailing, wakeboarding or water skiing. 

Waterfront counselors at Fernwood Cove are all experienced in their activity area and are certified in Lifeguard Training, First Aid and CPR.  In addition Fernwood Cove Swimming Instructors are Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certified. 

Swimming
The Fernwood Cove swimming program is based on the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program.  Each camper will participate in a week ofswimming instruction while at camp unless she is in 7th grade or above and has passed Level 5 of the ARC Learn to Swim Program.  Each camper who successfully completes a level in the swim program receives an American Red Cross completion certificate.

There is a free swim period (Shower/Dip) each day where campers can enjoy the beautiful waters of Island Pond.  Dip time is a perfect time for campers to enjoy the dive docks and our waterslide. 

Canoeing
Island Pond provides an ideal setting for Fernwood Cove campers to learn the skills of canoeing.  This activity is open to all Fernwood Cove campers; however those girls in 2nd -5th grades will be required to participate in one week of canoeing.  Campers are able to learn basic paddling skills and becoming comfortable on the water.  Campers also learn canoeing safety including learning to capsize and re-enter their canoes.  The Fernwood Cove canoe program is based on a continual skill level progression which allows more advanced campers to continue to learn and advance their skills.  Older campers are able to use the canoeing skills they have developed in our overnight canoeing and whitewater rafting trips. 

Kayaking
Fernwood Cove campers are able to explore the farthest reaches of Island Pond while participating in our kayaking program.  Campers learn the basics of paddling both flat water and whitewater kayaks.  Campers also learn self-rescue techniques, with our highly skilled campers being able to learn advanced skills such as Eskimo Rolls. 

Crew
Crew offers campers with the opportunity to learn the art and skill of technical rowing.  Campers work with a group of three to four other campers to maneuver the crew shell on Island Pond.  Campers are not only able to improve their rowing skills, but are also able to gain communication and cooperation skills which they can use for a lifetime. 

Sailing
Breezy afternoons on Island Pond provide the perfect setting for Fernwood Cove campers to learn the skills of sailing.  Campers learn to assemble, maneuver and disassemble our Sunfish sailboats in an appropriate and safe manner.  Fernwood Cove also offers and out-of-camp sailing program for our more advanced campers.  Girls who participate in the out-of-camp sailing program learn to crew our sailing yacht on Lake Pennesseewassee, in Norway, Maine, just fifteen minutes from camp.

Water Skiing and Wakeboarding
The Fernwood Cove water skiing and wakeboarding program continue to be one of the most popular programs each summer. Campers are able to learn the basics of water skiing and wakeboarding from our skilled and knowledgeable counselors. Campers are able to progress to more advanced skills such as slalom skiing and completing jumps and tricks while wakeboarding. Advanced water skiers and wake boarders are able to participate in our out-of-camp water skiing and wakeboarding programs on Lake Penneseewassee, in Norway, Maine, that allow them to concentrate on specific skills while gaining experience on a larger body of water.