Middle schoolers dive into rowing at Yale’s revived summer camp — from ergometer races to on-water adventures at Gilder Boathouse.
Catch together
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Under a partly sunny sky in July, the Gilder Boathouse dock bustled with activity during the first week of the Yale Community Rowing program (YCR). It was a lively scene of controlled chaos as 20 middle school students from New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley prepared to learn the beginning technical skills of rowing.
Soon enough, campers were competing in team-based races using ergometers, relaying on and off the ergs (indoor rowing machines) and pulling toward a 2000-meter finish, while the coaches provided instructions via bullhorn. The free program focuses on building skills and self-confidence while fostering teamwork and discipline. For those who needed it, transportation to and from the camp was provided, and each participant received a T-shirt, hat, and plenty of snacks.
In a lively scene of controlled chaos, 20 middle school students from New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley prepared to learn the beginning technical skills of rowing.
On land and water
The program begins on land at the Payne Whitney Gymnasium with safety briefings and swim tests. The students spend time on the ergometers and the rowing tanks where they learn the rowing stroke.
“On the first day, we prepare the students to be on a boat and around water, where we provide training in the indoor tanks, acquaint them with rowing terms and, most importantly, discuss safety,” said Allison Braun, the assistant crew operations coordinator for Yale rowing. “They spend time pulling and gliding on the ergs, getting comfortable holding oars and with the rhythm of rowing.”
The students spend time on the ergometers learning the rowing stroke.
By day two, the camp moves to Gilder Boathouse where participants gain some on-water experience using one of two training barges. These stable, pontoon-style boats enable novices to learn the fundamentals of rowing.
“The camp is designed to be instructive and fun. It introduces the kids to the joy of rowing and to both sculling (using two oars) and sweeping (using one oar held with both hands)” said Braun. “We also do training exercises and on-land relay races. They have a blast and cheer each other on. We want them to be the best they can be and realize that you can do hard things, conquer them, and thrive.”
“It’s amazing to see these young boys and girls excited at that early morning hour; to be at the boathouse and ready to tackle anything,” added Tanya Colón, assistant athletic director for finance administration. “Watching them excel with boundless energy and getting caught up in their excitement is truly inspiring.”
Braun provides guidance on form and technique.
Bridget Gallant, a YCR parent, thought the same. In researching summer camps for her daughter Erin, a competitive swimmer on a club team, she found YCR. “Erin loved it,” said Gallant. “She enjoyed trying something new and the competitiveness and comradery of being with other kids. Afterward, she asked if I could find her a rowing program so she could continue in the sport.” said Gallant.
Home to Yale’s three varsity rowing teams, the Gilder Boathouse sits on the Housatonic River in Derby, Connecticut, and was named to honor former Olympic rower Virginia Gilder ’79 and her father Richard Gilder ’54. They donated funds for the boathouse’s construction with the added requirement that a summer community rowing program be established at the site, allowing New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley youths to learn rowing skills.
Back to life
YCR began as a pilot in 1999, and two decades later, the camp hosted campers between the ages of 10 and 17 each summer. It had to pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Colón and Braun are the energy behind the program’s successful restart in 2024, now known as the YCR Middle School Learn to Row program.
The students get some time on the water putting their new skills to the test on stable training barges.
Colón advertised the YCR through the local YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Valley Community Foundation. In addition, she communicated directly with the Naugatuck Valley Boards of Education and the New Haven Youth and Recreation Department to create awareness of YCR’s return.
“We want to build community around the Gilder Boathouse and open the sport of crew to the children and teenagers living in the surrounding area.” said GoEun Lee, executive senior associate athletic director and chief financial steward.
Colón worked with local organizations and schools to publicize the program.
Colón, who mused that she played softball in her youth and knew little about rowing, directs the program’s logistics, including scheduling, advertising, hiring, budget oversight, and community outreach. As a boatwright and former rower, Braun serves as the head coach and activities director, developing the program’s daily lineup and managing the camp staff.
“Between Tanya’s deep community ties and tremendous organizational skills and Allison’s strong rowing and coaching background, they’ve put the program back on the map,” said Victoria M. “Vicky” Chun, the Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics. “We are excited about the new format and introducing local kids to the sport of rowing.”
