"Prams in the Park” program teaches young kids how to sail

MILWAUKEE -- When hot weather hits, the best summer activity may be getting out on a boat and enjoying the waters. For the youngest sailors, learning the craft beings with baby steps.  A summer program available at Veterans Park lagoon teaches children ranging in age from eight to 11 how to sail.

It’s called “Prams in the Park,” named after the miniature sailboats the kids use during the class.  It starts with a lesson on boat parts, then how to rig a boat, put up a sail and steer.

“If you turn the tiller to the right, it goes to the left and vice versa,” sailboat instructor Twila Bergeron said.

For children, the basic moves require repetition before they're learned.

“We play games and stuff, to memorize stuff and we did a capsize drill on the water, over on the dock,” 10-year-old Kate Melim said.

Melim has a passion for the seas.

“My family boats a lot, like up on the islands on Washington and Canada,” Melim said.

Melim is one of 10 children taking the two-week class.  They learn using the prams, which have the essential tools needed to sail -- just on a smaller scale. 

“Prams in the Park" is put on by the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center to not only teach, but encourage the love  of sailing. 

“I'm still having trouble with the lines on the sail, but I really know how to steer,” nine-year-old Michael Vogel said.

“It's kind of a neat experience to watch them develop that sense of empowerment.  ‘I can do it.  I have confidence,’” Bergeron said.

“It feels really good. It kind of feels like you're in your own world," Melim said.

The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center has offered the "Prams in the Park" summer program for 27 years.

CLICK HERE for more information on the "Prams in the Park" program.

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