Prince William Crew Association (PWCA)
High School Programs

Summer Novice Crew Camp

For over twelve years, Prince William Rowing Club (PWRC), a member of the Prince William Crew Association (PWCA), has conducted the Summer Novice Crew Camps for area high school students. These one-week camps are designed to introduce rising 9th through 12th graders to the sport of rowing. Camp is open to any high school student new to rowing, including those who are home-schooled, those who do not have crew programs in their school and those who do not live in Prince William County.

There will be an OPEN HOUSE / LEARN-TO-ROW DAY at Oxford boathouse in Lake Ridge Park. This is a great opportunity for prospective camp participants and parents to tour the boathouse, try out an "erg" (rowing machine), talk to coaches and other high school rowers and row in a boat (if weather permits.). The OPEN HOUSE will be on Saturday, June 14 from 9:30-11:30am.
Camp Dates: Week 1 July 7 -11, Week 2 July 14-18
Time: Monday - Friday 8am - 11am, Saturday 9:30am - 11am
Where: Oxford Boathouse at Lake Ridge Park (Directions)
Camp Fees: $135 for one week. $260 for both weeks. Rowers may sign up for more than one week with the understanding that boats are set with new rowers first and advanced boats are formed on a "space available" basis
Rowers will receive a camp T-shirt
Registration deadlines: The Wednesday before your camp week begins. Early registration is recommended as space is limited.
A fun mini regatta will be held in front of Sandy Run Regional Park on Saturday morning. At this event, parents, family, and friends will have an opportunity to see the progress their rower has made. Rowers are to be dropped off at Lake Ridge Park at 9:30 am on Saturday. Parents can then drive to Sandy Run to watch the race which will begin at 10 am. Directions for the mini regatta will be given out on Friday. (Binoculars are recommended if you have them). Rowers and parents will then return to the boathouse at Lake Ridge Park for boat recognition and remarks from the coaches. This is a good time to talk to coaches about their high school programs.
Physicals and a Swim Test are required for participation. Physical forms are available at your high school. It is highly recommended that you make copies of the completed physical. (Keep the original and turn in the copy.) The physical should be dated after May 1, 2008, but a physical dated after Aug. 1, 2007 will be accepted.
The Swim Test can be administered by any lifeguard.
Weather Related Issues
Rain -- Camp will be held.
Thunder/Lightening -- If it's thundering and/or lightning at 8 a.m., camp will be cancelled (unless it looks like a quick-passing storm). If it starts thundering during camp, rowers will have activities inside the boathouse and will not resume rowing until thunder has stopped for 30 minutes. If thunder continues, camp may be cancelled and rowers will call home to be picked up.

When in doubt about practice, please call Coach Ferguson or the Oxford Boathouse.

Special Registration Instructions

Please print and fill out all of the following forms:
Registration / Emergency Information
Swim Test	confirming the student has taken a swim test that required a minimum 100-meter swim followed immediately by 2 minutes of treading water. Alternative proof includes Red Cross Certification at the Swimmer, Junior Life Saver or Senior Life Saver level, Boy Scout life saving or swimming merit badges, or proof of membership on a community or school swim team.
VHSL Physical Examination Form	This form is available from the high school office or download from the Virginia High School League website using the link provided.
Lake Ridge Park and Boathouse Rules
PWCA Waiver

Mail all forms and payment to:
PWRC Summer Novice Crew Camp
Attn: Stephanie Ferguson
12060 John Hancock Ct.
Woodbridge, VA 22192

(Please do not mail cash. Make checks payable to PWRC.)

What to Bring / Wear to Camp

Water in a plastic water bottle with name written on it. (Bring 2 if it’s very hot outside.) Hint: freeze ½ bottle of water the night before. Then fill before camp
Hats/visors, sunglasses
Inhalers or other medical items that may be needed in an emergency
Wear Sunscreen
Clothing should fit snuggly and comfortably. Loose clothing will get caught in the seat tracks and may get torn or marked with grease. (Most of the girls wear bike shorts). Boxers and baggy shorts are discouraged. T-shirts or tank tops are ok.
Old shoes and socks. Shoes will be taken off in the boat and feet will go into sneakers that are mounted in the boat, therefore, socks are required

Contact Information

Camp Coordinator: Stephanie Ferguson, summerCampDirector@pwrc.org
(Assistant Men's Coach, Woodbridge Senior High School Crew)

Oxford Boathouse (during camp hours): 703-491-5754

For general information about crew and PWRC, please contact our Communications Director, info@pwrc.org who will be able to answer your questions or direct you to someone with more information.

Fall Crew Camp

Information will be posted here when details become available. Fall camp usually starts in late August and operates through October.