Charitable efforts serve our community by creating smiles, building character, and nurturing self-confidence in those who participate in our sailing programs. A few of our non-profit partners inlcude:
- ARC of Martin County: Advocates for Rights of the Challenged (ARC) is a national non-profit serving special needs. The USSCMC partners with ARC ’s local Summer Camp to offer sailboat rides with the opportunity to learn about the wind, the waters, and boating. The success stories are all about smiles, giggles, and the opportunity to increase self-confidence and courage through sailing. When children return from the previous year, seeing their comfort level with the activity is rewarding. As a gift to the children, this program is funded entirely by the USSCMC and private donations.
- Big Brothers & Big Sisters: Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. To develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. The USSCMC offers free of charge activities and instruction to any Big who bring their Little for a day of recreation, education, and fun on the water. As a gift to the children, this program is funded entirely by the USSCMC. Private donations are needed so that the USSCMC can sustain this outreach.
- Hibiscus Sailing: Hibiscus Children’s Center is a local non-profit that serves children who have been removed from their homes by the courts and were unable to be placed with a family member or foster home. With a curriculum designed to teach sailing, this program's goal is to give the children a reason to smile and laugh while growing in self-confidence, courage, and trust in others. Sailing instructors and volunteers provide the children with wonderful afternoons in sailboats. As a gift to the children, this program is funded entirely by the USSCMC. Private donations are needed so that the USSCMC can sustain this outreach.
- Operation 300 (Gold Star Families): Operation 300 is a non-profit founded in memory of Aaron Vaughn, a Navy SEAL from Martin County, FL, who died in Afghanistan, leaving a wife and two young children. Operation 300 hosts adventure camps for children who have lost a parent to military service and seek to honor the fallen families. While being mentored by veterans, the children experience camping, fishing, horseback riding, and SAILING! Annually, 100-150 children, along with their mentors, participate in the program. As a gift to the children of fallen heroes, this program is funded entirely by the USSCMC. Private donations are needed so that the USSCMC can sustain this outreach.
- Samaritan Sailing: Samaritan Center is a local Christian residential program designed to address and modify behaviors in young boys' inappropriate behaviors. While teaching sailing, the greater goal is to develop teamwork, self-discipline, and self-confidence. The USSCMC instructors and volunteers form strong personal bonds with the students. Each summer, Samaritan boys have an opportunity to attend the USSCMC Sailing Camp on scholarship. As a gift to the children, this program is funded entirely by the USSCMC. Private donations are needed so that the USSCMC can sustain this outreach.
Other organizations include Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Veterans, and local organizations that seek donations from us to assist in their fundraising and community outreach.
The USSCMC strives to create affordable programs, build mutually beneficial partnerships, and ensure sailing continues to be accessible to all.
Scholarship Opportunities:
Registration fees are kept low, and scholarships are available for memberships, sailing programs, and camps. To apply for a scholarship, you can download our USSCMC Scholarship Application and return it to our office by email (office@usscmc.org), mail, or in person.