Two After School Programme Options by Jason Allen

Although the summer heat is still upon us, the summer break is over for the children. At the start of July, I wrote about taking advantage of the summer break and using it to grow as a young adult by doing productive things. There were various programs throughout the summer that made a positive impact on everyone involved: Camp Be Aware, the Anguilla Tennis Academy 2006 Summer Camp, The Anguilla Youth Sailing School, and the library program. Now that the new school year has commenced, it is important to take advantage of after school programs that are committed to developing youth and giving them more options when school is out for the day.

This edition of Celebration of Youth will focus on two noteworthy programs that have already seen much success: The Anguilla Tennis Academy’s After School Program and the Anguilla Youth Sailing School. Although the ATA boasts of 11 years of service, its After School Program is now in its third year of operation. To date, over 200 children have benefited from this program in many ways. Tennis is a unique sport when compared to others as it teaches self-discipline, promotes analytical skills, concentration, manners, moral character and goal setting. The ATA’s program runs from Monday-Thursday and Saturday as well. Each child will be able to receive three sessions per week. The ATA’s staff is of the highest quality with all five tennis pros being certified by the Professional Tennis Registry. All the pros are past participants of the Academy’s programs which makes them great role models for the children because they can see where tennis can take them. The program is open to children 5-17 and the cost is US $75 per month. If there is more than one child in a family that would like to attend, there will be a discount. To get more information about the ATA, go to www.tennis.ai Also, check this edition of The Anguillian for a registration form and additional information.

The Anguilla Youth Sailing School is a new and exciting program provided by the Anguilla Sailing Association. Notwithstanding that sailing is the national sport, it is a wonderful program. The school’ s director, Ian Brunswick, spearheaded the summer program and is committed to teaching the children all year long. The curriculum is based on the idea that children learn best through hands-on experience and independent sailing. More than forty Anguillian children, many of them completely new to the sport of sailing, have already become confident Optimist sailors this summer. In September, after-school classes will begin, as well as a youth racing team, the first of its kind on Anguilla.

With an excellent instructor-to-student ratio, classes foster a safe environment where children can learn and develop their character through sailing.

The AYSC provides ideal conditions for youth sailors to flourish, with instruction for all skill levels, open sailing times and a renovated clubhouse. But the spirit of sailing on Anguilla plays no small role in these young sailors’ success. Sailing is the national sport of Anguilla, so even the seven-year olds who have never set foot on a sailboat seem to have an inherent understanding of sailing principles and a love for the sport.

Currently, the club has eight brand-new Optimists and two motorboats. Due to the generosity of many donors, the AYSC is looking to expand the fleet to include larger boats such as lasers, 420s and keelboats. In the near future the board members of the AYSC hope to send youth members to Optimist competitions in the Caribbean and beyond, as well as host Anguilla’s first invitational Optimist regatta this coming winter.

The AYSC is located in Sandy Ground, where most of the traditional Anguillian boats begin and end their uniquely Anguillian races. Drop by and you may see a new sailor cast off for the first time in his/her Optimist dinghy. The school starts Monday, September 11, and lessons will be twice a week for four weeks at a cost of US $60. There is a once a week class for US $35 and there is also a free sail on Saturdays where qualified kids can improve upon their skills. Full and partial scholarships are available. Director of the AYSC Ian Brunswick mentioned, “I am happy to get a chance to see kids developing their sailing ability as well as their confidence and character.” For more information about the school, go to www.sailanguilla.com or call 584-sail.