- SAILING ON EQUAL TERMS -

A non profit sailing camp for youths with disabilities 

SAILING ON EQUAL TERMS , a non-profit sailing camp directed to youths with disabilities in the ages of 13-20 years old. The camp is performed at Lake Aspen in Lerum, Sweden for one week in the summer during the day, 4-6 hours per day. 

The founder of the camp is Lerum Aspen Rotary Klubb (LARK) in collaboration with Lerum Sailing Association (LESS), Lions in Lerum, Lerum Rotaryklubb, local Scout movement and Municipality of Lerum. Among sponsors are Preventus AB, Ahlséns Foto AB, Autoadapt AB and Volvo Ocean Race.

Facts about the Camp: 
SAILING ON EQUAL TERMS first camp was held in 2009 and was a great success. All partners involved decided to develop the project as an ongoing camp, each year.

SAILING ON EQUAL TERMS aims to:

• Encourage friendship for all youths involved, both participants and leaders
• Promote personal development and positive mindset
• Provide an opportunity to try out sailing on the same conditions as others 

15-20 youths are welcome to participate and will be guided by 30-35 young leaders and 6 sailing instructors. 
Adult leaders are always present in supervisory roles, regarding safety, meal and activities.

Young leaders, with or without sailing skills, between the ages of 16-21 are recruited primarily from the Municipality of Lerum and Dergårdsgymnasiet. Youths with sailing skills are also recruited as  Sailing instructors from LESS and other sailing associations. All leaders are trained in safety and first aid, in order to ensure the quality of the sailing camp. There are 2 leaders per participant, in addition to sailing instructors on shore and in escort boats.

Participants may be physical or mental disabled, whether due to an injury, illness or inherent from birth. The disability can affect eyes, ears, other parts of the body, or mental ability.

Inspiration for the sailing camp is Vinterskogslägret (Winter Forest Camp), a camp for children with disabilities, managed by the Lions Club Lerum and supported by the local Scout movement. Vinterskogslägret has been active for more than 47 years.