This is a contribution from a Swampscott High School student, as part of the Swampscott Tides Big Blue Student News selection. 

Story and photos by Joseph Blood.

Every July, the Swampscott Recreation Department hosts a sailing program for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade, along with a separate program for adults.

Lola Muntiu, the program’s creative director, emphasized the strong sense of community created by returning students, as she noted “some of the kids have been here for five years.” The program gives participants the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sailing while building confidence, independence and water safety skills. 

Many of the counselors are often current Swampscott High School students are graduates who once participated in them program themselves. Bill Sullivan, the program’s sailing director, shared that this gives the counselors a deeper connection to the program as well. 

“A lot of the counselors grew up in the program,” said Sullivan. “It really helps build themselves.”

Counselors, parents, and students agree that giving young sailors the opportunity to steer the boats and make decisions on the water encourages responsibility and independence.

“It’s important because, say I’m on a boat and they need someone, it’d be good to remember the ropes,” said Denarii Reynolds, a seventh-grade student at Swampscott Middle School and participant in the sailing program.

Students are enthusiastic about learning the ins and outs of sailing and spending time on the water.

“The best thing as a student is when we steer and they let us go as far as we want, like wherever we want,” Reynolds said.

For students like Reynolds, having the chance to take control of the boat under the guidance of experienced counselors creates a hands-on learning experience that strengthens both sailing skills and confidence.

Safety – and developing lifelong skills – remains a top priority throughout the program.

“It’s very important for a mother to know their child is safe, especially how the counselors are always checking on and watching the children,” said Barbara Carone, Reynolds’ grandmother and guardian.