“Wonders of Water”
Sailing cruise departs from Annapolis, Maryland, and sails into the Chesapeake Bay.
Goal: To educate the girls about the “Wonders of Water” and sailing using an interactive approach while cruising the Chesapeake Bay aboard a 74-foot, classic wooden schooner, Woodwind.
Availability: All Girl Scout programs will be private events for up to 40 passengers. If you do not have a large troop, this would be a great opportunity to work with other troops within your council to keep costs down per troop.
2-Hour Cruise Includes: private vessel and service fees, interactive program, tax, soft drinks, and bottled water plus a Schooner Woodwind Participation Patch for each scout
How We Teach:
During your two-hour cruise aboard the Schooner Woodwind, we take a very interactive approach to educating the girls about sailing. The crew educates by asking questions. This enables our crew to find out their level of interest and knowledge in a fun and interactive way while sharing fun facts.
- Girls will be split into smaller groups (around 8 each)
- Each smaller group will work directly with a crew member
- Girls will cycle through the different learning topics
- When they get to the Captain’s station, the captain will quiz them on their newfound knowledge.
When a girl raises her hand and a correct answer is given, she will take a turn helming (steering) the boat.
It is our intent to offer every girl a turn at the “helm”.
Curriculum for Brownies
“Cadette Girl Scout Troop 5891 and 5859 of Ashburn, VA, had a fabulous time sailing aboard the Woodwind II! Not only did the girls learn the basics of sailing, our troop leader was able to check off an item off her bucket list!”
Joanne P.
Ashburn VA
“Thanks so much for a wonderful time on our recent Woodwind adventure! Our Girl Scout troop learned so much about sailing and the Moms had a ball. Your crew is amazing!”
Kim A.
Girl Scout Troop 1017
Permission to Board: We will have the girls ask permission before they come aboard. We will tell them where to stow their belongings and what to expect aboard.
Staying Afloat: We have one of our crew demonstrate to the whole boat how to correctly put on a life jacket and adjust it for their size.
All Hands On Deck: During our safety speech, before we leave the dock, we discuss personal safety, what to do if someone falls overboard, if there is a fire aboard, and how to work the boat systems safely.
Wonders of Water:
- Why does the water have ripples and waves on it?
- Where does the water in the Chesapeake Bay come from?
- Why does the Bay look muddy?
- What lives in the water we are sailing in?
- Does the water level always stay the same? Why or why not?
Sailing on the water… then and now:
- How does a sailboat move without an engine pushing it?
- Why does the boat “lean” from one side to another?
- What are the names of the sails?
Steering the Schooner: Each girl will have a short chance to “helm” the boat.
There is so much to see as we sail past the United States Naval Academy into the Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, we point out the interesting sights to everyone aboard.
Great info to give to the girls before their arrival: Parts of the Boat, Terms Used by Sailors
What to Wear: Since we sail rain or shine, bring gear so you are prepared for the conditions that are predicted ON the water – layered clothing and soft-soled shoes.
Plan Your Trip
Sailing Schedule:
Summer: Late May – August & October, Seven Days a Week
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Spring & Fall: Mid-April – Mid-May & September, Seven Days a Week
10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, 3:00 – 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sailing Rates for Private Cruise:
Sunday through Friday Daytime:
2-20 passengers $1637.24
21-30 passengers $2455.86
31-40 passengers $2865.17
Saturday trips:
All passengers (up to 40) $3240.93
- Rates include private vessel and service fees, interactive program, tax, sodas, and bottled water.
- Each scout will receive a Schooner Woodwind Participation Patch
We sail rain or shine. There are no refunds or exchanges unless the captain cancels the cruise due to unsafe conditions. “Rain Protection” can be added for an additional fee. This would allow you to cancel and reschedule within our guidelines.
According to the Girl Scout USA safety procedures, all girl scouts, adults, and other children aboard a cruise must be outfitted in life jackets. We have additional Type III life jackets that are more comfortable for non-emergency use.