Here's what makes Brigs Youth Sail Training stand out
We are a youth leadership program set aboard a Tall Ship, voyaging around Ontario and the Great Lakes. 13-18 year old trainees join our ship to learn practical sailing skills and teamwork, see beautiful nature, and have an adventure! Our sailing voyages are exciting, challenging, memorable, and fun, with a strong focus on teens teaching other teens.
We give young people authentic leadership opportunities by trusting them with real responsibilities and chances to learn from peer role models, in a real marine working environment - which makes our adventures especially exciting.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Brigs Youth Sail Training currently has 0 program available; 1 TBD.
Register online through our website! Deposit options are available. Spaces are limited, so early registration is a good idea, although we will accept registrations right up until voyage departure if space is available.
Bursary support is available for a range of incomes.
Financial Aid & Payment Details
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance
Yes
Credit card payment
Yes
Maximum installments available
2
Discounts
Discount if paid early
15%
Discount for 2nd child
10%
Discount for 3rd child
$10
Discount for 4th child
$10
Scholarships & awards: Total annual scholarship fund: $18,000 CAD
Pathfinder Access Fund
Amount: 100%
Deadline: Rolling
Type: Need based Details: Brigs is committed to ensuring that all youth have equitable access to our sail training programs. The Pathfinder Access Fund offsets the costs of courses for trainees requiring financial assistance.
The Pathfinder Access Fund can be applied to any of our programs and will be awarded on a needs basis to individuals who meet the following criteria:
1. Demonstrate an clear interest in joining our crew and fully participating in all activities
2. Meet the standard criteria for participating in our sail training programs
3. Financial need
When registering for a course through our website, please select financial assistance needed and we will contact you with details. Application Details: The application form is two parts, one must be completed by the youth and the other by their parent or guardian.
Resiliency, teamwork, confidence, stewardship, empathetic leadership—time spent aboard a tall ship as part of crew is a means growing a range of skills and attributes. Certainly, the program was launched in 1962 with precisely those goals in mind, and they’ve been achieving them ever since. Participants become part of a crew of up to 28 members, and they travel to destinations within the Great Lakes. There’s a lot to see, and while Brigs perhaps doesn’t lead with it, geography and history are always close to hand. It’s exciting and unique, to be sure. It’s also expertly managed, the product of more than five decades of experience running youth programs in the region.
Transcript of our interview with Cory, Brigs Youth Sail Training : Parent Interview with Cory Yeo
What were you looking for when searching for camps?
Cory
We as parents, were looking for something that was stimulating, adventurous, confidence-building, and challenging for someone like her. And when we found Brigs Youth Sail Training, it just seemed like the most amazing ropes course I had ever seen, so it seemed like a good fit for her.
What’s unique about the program at Brigs Youth Sail Training that made you want to enroll your daughter there?
Cory
It’s the travel, the independence, and sailing the Great Lakes, which is such a magical experience. I’ve never done it. It’s such a rarity in today’s world to get off the phone, get out into nature, challenge yourself, and sleep under the stars.
As a parent of a 14-year-old, dropping them off into a strange situation where there are significant elements of danger and releasing that trust and giving it to another organization was scary at first. But knowing everything that I know about it now and the history of the organization, I just think it’s very, very valuable, and I just wish more kids could take advantage of it.
What would you highlight about Brigs Youth Sail Training’s programming?
Daughter
I really enjoyed the encouragement and how supportive everybody was there, and it was a very encouraging program for me to get out of my shell and try new things.
There was a lot of independence as well, where I was given an opportunity to work by myself and figure things out so that I could grow as a person. I also learned a lot of elements of teamwork and how to work with other people so that I could incorporate all these things into my life.
Learning to work with myself and other people was definitely a very helpful skill that I’ve applied to my everyday life since.
What do you like best or find most exciting about Brigs Youth Sail Training?
Daughter
I definitely knew that it was for me when I felt I was being challenged. I love a good challenge, and when I felt that I was really being pushed to try new things, really give my all to it, and try my best, that’s when I knew that I had found a good place for me where I was happy.
How and when did you know that the camp was the right fit for your daughter?
Cory
In her case, she didn’t want to get off the ship and ended up staying most of the summer. She really grew as an individual and found herself.
Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your daughter after her time at this camp?
Cory
She’s a lot more confident in herself, and her expression is a lot stronger. She’s certainly not afraid to voice her opinion nowadays. She really developed as a person, and I’d say she believes in herself more, which is fantastic.
I would say it’s definitely added to her extroversion. She was probably fairly balanced before, and now nothing scares her, and she can sleep anywhere.
Daughter
My self-esteem definitely got a lot better because I had seen all the things that I had done over the summer. I figured if I could sail a tall ship, then I’m sure I could finish my homework that night.
When I had any small difficulties, I was reminded of the amazing things that I’d done over the summer. It really helped my confidence and my self-esteem. And I believed in myself more as a person afterwards.
There are definitely a lot of physical aspects to sailing. Pulling on the lines can be very heavy and requires a lot of grip. And there’s a lot of swimming as well. So it is a very physical sport, as well as sometimes just leisurely sailing on the Great Lakes where there are perfect winds and everything. I’m definitely stronger after going to Brigs Youth Sail Training, and it’s definitely a big change.
How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this camp?
Cory
You need to be able to let go as a parent, have that distance, and get rid of any control or oversight that you would normally have as a parent.
They’re out on the Great Lakes and on their own. So you have to trust in what you’ve done as a parent already and hope that they’re going to make it.
Right now, it’s more of a commitment of time and travelling. She is involved in the winter program that they have going on there, which is held pretty much every weekend, and it’s overnight as well. So there’s that commitment of driving her in and out of Hamilton every weekend from where we live. And, of course, there’s missing her on the weekends when she’s not here. So that’s a challenge.
It’s hard to say no when it’s a program that involves elements that I, as a parent, can’t give her. They say it takes a village to raise a child, right? Brigs brings such a unique challenge and unique situation that there’s nowhere else to get that. So it’s great. She’s learning.
How would you describe this camp to another parent?
Daughter
As a Brigs kid, I would definitely describe the program as a place where you can find yourself. From one teen or child to another, I would tell them that if they’re struggling with anything about themselves, or maybe they’re not confident in themselves, going to Brigs and learning to sail could definitely open up a whole new world of confidence for them and really make them believe in themselves more.
It’s definitely a great place to be for anybody who is struggling with self-esteem or anybody who’s very happy with themselves and is still just looking for a challenge or a new adventure.
It’s an amazing program, and it has definitely changed my life and the path of my life. It has sparked an interest and a passion in myself that I didn’t know I had. So to anybody wondering if maybe they should send their child to Brigs, 100% you should.
Cory
I would say, if you don’t already own your own personal tall ship and spend your summers sailing on the Great Lakes, Brigs provides an opportunity to send your kid to do that very same thing.
0:30 - What were you looking for when searching for camps?
0:58 - What's unique about the program at Brigs Youth Sail Training that made you want to enroll your daughter there?
2:05 - What would you highlight about Brigs Youth Sail Training's programming and what can you tell us about that?
2:48 - What do you like best or find most exciting about Brigs Youth Sail Training?
3:50 - How and when did you know that the camp was the right fit for your daughter?
4:58 - Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your daughter after her time at this camp?
6:12 - How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this camp?
7:33 - How would you describe this camp to another parent?
show more
Verified Reviews of Brigs Youth Sail Training
5 Average rating (2 reviews)
What parents and campers say about Brigs Youth Sail Training in reviews. Starred reviews are exclusive to OurKids.net. We also collect reviews and testimonials from around the web.
(5)
Aislinn Mierau, Current Participant
I've spent 3 summers in the program, as well as about to complete my third Winter Program. Brigs has taught me community and teamwork more than any other activity that I have been a part of. Living an...
Brigs Youth Sail Training is such a unique program that has allowed me to meet my closest friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise. The program atmosphere is welcoming and positive, feeling like fam...
"It will be one of the best experiences anyone can have"
I spent close to half an hour trying to put my experience at Brigs into words and ended up deleting what I had written. Writing does not do justice to the positive influence Brigs has had on every part of my life. I would need to talk to you in person so you can see the look in my eyes, expression on my face, tone of my voice and genuine enthusiasm I have for my time spent in the program. Not only would I not be who I am today without the program, I wouldn't have met some of the best people in my life. If you are considering going on a course or (if you're a parent) sending your child, do not hesitate. It will be one of the best experiences anyone can have ...Show More
Maegan Dean, Alum
"This program changed my entire life"
This program changed my entire life, the friends I met there I am still dear friends with. Am so glad that they are around still I cannot wait to send my children to Brigs.
Summer 2021 Parent, Parent
Brigs is one of the most positive things in my child's life so far
Thank you for your time and guidance. Brigs is one of the most positive things in my child's life so far
Joan Weed, Parent
"Years later they have a deep friendship and I feel Brigs had a huge role in this"
While at Brigs my kids learned how important teamwork was, they worked together with their crew mates to find solutions for big and small problems, invaluable skills I see them still put to use after all these years. Years later they have a deep friendship and I feel Brigs had a huge role in this. ...Show More
Summer 2021 Trainee, Camper
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the TS Playfair!
I had an absolutely fantastic time on the TS Playfair. Everyone there was supportive as I quickly gained an understanding on my role on the boat. We had many awesome opportunities, including sailing at night, furling the sails, and the scavenger hunt. My expectation of the voyage was high and my hope was well rewarded by the incredible experience I had ...Show More
Summer 2021 Trainee, Camper
Not only did i learn to sail, i feel as though i grew as a person.
Not only did i learn to sail, i feel as though i grew as a person. Brigs is more than a trip or a course, its an experience i will never forget.
Summer 2021 Trainee, Camper
My time on the boat was so much fun and definitely worth doing
This was an amazing experience overall for me. The extreme conditions built my character and the group work brought out my leadership qualities. The gorgeous water and the north's beautiful nature brought out my passion for geography. I developed many skills involving navigation which were really cool but more than that, I learned about resilience and in the process gained some self confidence. Overall, my time on the boat was so much fun and definitely worth doing ...Show More
Hannah MacLeod-Kerr, Camper
From Trainee to Crew Member
I’m not sure why I became interested in sailing, much less sailing tall ships, but after a year and a half I can honestly say that I don’t regret it one bit. In November 2018, I joined Brigs as a winter program trainee. It was hard in the beginning because everyone knew each other from the previous summer and I felt like an outsider. However, because of the amazing community at Brigs everyone, including the captain, made me feel included as a member of the team. After a winter of getting Playfair ready for the upcoming summer, learning parts of the ship, the basics of sailing, knot tying, and some navigation, I became a Petty Officer. The summer is when I learnt the most about not only sailing, but also leadership and life skills. I helped trainees become accustomed to life aboard a ship and learn how to be a member of a crew. By stepping out of my comfort zone and joining Brigs. I find that I have become more confident and independent outside of the program. Now that your sails are filled with interest, I leave you with this; Knot sure what to do this summer? Try something new, don’t get 'tide' down and sea where it takes you.
...Show More
Alex Aukema, Camper
Alex's Journey
I was a trainee on the TS Playfair two summers ago. Last summer, I was a Petty Officer and Cook.
I like Brigs mostly because of companionship and the friends I made. You go through tough situations with many different personalities. You talk, you do watch together, you have tough times together, and you get through it. You are confined to close quarters and you have to work closely together, kind of like a family. Being part of a crew meant I had duties, responsibilities and a new kind of family. I learned about teaching people, taking care of people, and helping others become competent.
It is easier to work with people if you like them. I’m a bit introverted, but as a Petty Officer, I needed to get to know new trainees, because I would live with them and work with them. As the more experienced one, I had to take the first step, even though it was not in my nature. I tried to develop a bond by finding something--a common interest or factor between us—to talk about with every new person. Even the shy ones or quietest ones can form a bond and I made friends with all types of different personalities. Now I’m more capable of taking that first step, I hardly hesitate.
Being the cook was hard. You have to keep people happy and fed because if they are hungry, they get grumpy and don’t have enough energy to pull the sails. At first, people were hesitant to eat, but they get hungrier. I knew how to cook before I was the cook on Brigs, but now I know how to cook in a tilted kitchen using industrial sized pots on a propane stove. Some days, I had to get up at 4:30 to make breakfast for 7:30. I had to feed 20 people three meals a day and most meals were made from scratch. Once I made brownies, the boat was tilted, and the brownies came out tilted. One end was thin and hard, and stuck to the pan, the other end was thick and soft—but everyone loved them anyhow.
I love Brigs because it’s like stepping into the past. It’s the same type of boat sailed hundreds of years ago. The problems we faced were the same problems sailors faced a 100 or 300 or 500 years ago--weather and wind. We can’t control these.
Going aloft while sailing and seeing how high I was, was amazing. You can look down and see people laughing and talking and sailing. You look up and see clear blue sky forever. You look forward and see a billowing sail. If you look beside and behind, you see the distance you have come. Sometimes you see land, sometimes only water. We also saw many windmills!
...Show More
Brigs Youth Sail Training can be so much more than an overnight sailing camp. It becomes a year round leadership development experience for those young people that the program touches and ignites a spark of passion in. It is honestly one of the most beautiful things to witness, when you see a young person get excited about a healthy hobby and it transforms them into a purpose-driven individual who gets encouraged by helping others and being part of a crew, while making personal accomplishments and developing character along the way. You don't have to take my word for it though, the best teacher is experience itself. You start by having them join us for an adventure this summer and if a flame of ambition takes hold please contact us about continuing through our winter program and becoming part of the crew.
Each year we have a variety of adventures to choose from where you can be immersed in the life of a sailor aboard a Tall Ship, our 72' vessel, the TS Playfair. Trainees come along to learn many terms, skills, and practices as they become Deck Hands. They are given a Log Book and go through various activities daily improving on their seamanship and interpersonal relationship skills along the way. An unforgettable journey is waiting for them with the opportunity to continue for years to come.
Staff and Counsellors
Trainees say our crew are helpful, supportive, and fun.
Captains are marine professionals with a minimum five years experience. They are fully licensed by Transport Canada. All crew are trained and certified in Marine First Aid and Marine Emergency Duties.
Our adult staff are alumni of our program who return to give back to the next generation! You might picture a grizzled old man as a sea captain - but most of our captains are young adults in their late twenties and thirties.
Our crew are teenagers who have trained through our winter program, achieved multiple certifications, volunteered hundreds of hours towards ship maintenance, and receive leadership training.
More details about property: Our program is delivered aboard a traditionally rigged Brigantine Tall Ship, the TS Playfair - we sail to various locations.
Is your property accessible for persons with disabilities?
Please call to discuss.
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
Dorm or Building
Amenities
Toilet in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
Flush Toilets
More details about accommodations: Participants are accommodated aboard our traditionally rigged Tall Ship in a dorm style crew mess setting. It is fairly tight quarters. Washroom facilities are functional but not beautiful.
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Is Brigs Youth Sail Training technology free?
Yes. The use of personal cell phones is not permitted while on board the ship, but are allowed during time on shore for communication with friends and family. While aboard, all cell phones will be stored by the captain for safe keeping.
Rentals & Services
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Operating sail training programs since 1963, Brigs can deliver a range of experiences which challenge youth and adults alike to learn new skills, build confidence, work as a team and have an adventure!
By booking TS Playfair on one of our Group rates you will experience life on a Tall Ship. From the time you set foot on board, you will be a working member of the vessel's crew: standing watch, handling sail, steering the ship and living on board.
To inquire about group bookings, contact our office at [email protected]
Available for private rentals: Yes
Operating sail training programs since 1963, Brigs can deliver a range of experiences which challenge youth and adults alike to learn new skills, build confidence, work as a team and have an adventure!
By booking TS Playfair on one of our Group rates you will experience life on a Tall Ship. From the time you set foot on board, you will be a working member of the vessel's crew: standing watch, handling sail, steering the ship and living on board.
To inquire about group bookings, contact our office at [email protected]
"I thought all the staff were helpful and good natured. They demonstrated their knowledge in a clear fashion along with good leadership and organizational skills."
"I liked my course very much. I liked the fact that I was able to help steer and maneuver the boat. I enjoyed the people I met along the way. I found that the ship's staff were very helpful and friendly. Their skills and combined efforts made it into a great trip."
"I really loved the whole experience. I love sailing and thought that going aloft was really awesome! I also liked that we really helped crew the ship. I thought that the crew were all really amazing and helpful. Food was really good. I want to come back and will recommend it to a friend."
"It was fun times and lots of work, I loved the people and going and doing something I'd never done before."
"I think the course was great. Although challenging at times, it taught us about teamwork and trust. My favourite part was the staff, how funny and easy-going they were. Petty Officers were great at what they did, Watch Officers were great leaders. They taught us and prepared us rightfully for what was to be thrown at us."
"I would DEFINITELY recommend Toronto Brigantine to friend."
"Best trip ever! You guys shouldn't change a thing, good job, I'll miss you all!" "I would recommend the Toronto Brigantine to a friend because it's fun and always exciting."
"It was amazing, I learned so much, can't wait for more. Everyone was super nice and awesome."
"Officers were very good, funny, very knowledgeable and good at sailing."
"The staff was always there to help out and willing to teach you things you didn't know. They all had great leadership skills and each one was respectful and enjoyable to be around. The crew made the trip a great and fun experience, the food was also great!"
"I definitely would recommend this to a friend, it's a great experience and I would love to come back."
"I have definitely become a stronger person and made a lot of friends, which was nice."
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