Early registration for several of the Onset Bay Center’s summer youth programs is now for Wareham residents.

Children and teenagers interested in various water sports and activities such as sailing, kayaking and exploring are invited to register for the program of their choice. Full day, half day and special excursion programs will be offered in week-long sessions throughout the summer. The sessions begin at the end of June and run through the end of August.

Director Katherine Garofoli emphasized that the Onset Bay Center will be offering more programs than the ones it has already announced. 

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “We will be offering shorter, specialized excursions for youth and adults along with a family learn to sail program.” 

Information about future programs will be made available on the Onset Bay Center’s website.

Wareham and village of Buzzards Bay residents are being given the opportunity to participate in early registration for the youth programs, which runs until March 11. 

Early registration is especially valuable for families hoping to secure scholarships to help cover the cost of the programs. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis. 

Households earning between $45,000 and $63,000 per year will receive a 75 percent discount on the session rate. Households earning less than $45,000 per year will receive a 100 percent discount. The scholarship application can be found here: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-OBC-Scholarship-fillable-form.pdf 

The youth programs open for early registration are as follows:

• Onset Bay Explorers — this full-day program designed for kids aged 7 to 12 will be “filled with kayaking, swimming, sailing, paddling, and exploring Onset Bay,” according to a press release description. The Explorers program promotes teamwork and respect, increases environmental awareness and allows for discovery and play outdoors. Program participants must be comfortable being in open water while wearing a lifejacket. Cost: $225/week

• Beginner Sailing — this half-day program will run from 9 a.m. to noon and was designed for 8 to 12-year-olds with very little or no prior sailing experience. The goal of the program according to the Onset Bay Center is to help “all participants become comfortable and knowledgeable while sailing.” The program includes group sailing lessons using the Onset Bay Center’s fleet of Opti dinghies. Program participants must be comfortable being in open water while wearing a lifejacket. Cost: $125/week

• Teen Sailing — this afternoon program will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and was designed to provide formal sailing instruction to 13 to 17-year-olds. The Onset Bay Center’s RS Quest sailboats will be used to teach sailing skills. Additionally, activities on and off the water will help participants develop leadership and critical decision-making skills. Cost: $125/week

Wareham residents can register here: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/?category=onset-bay-center