Spring 2026

High School Learn-to-Row Camp

Try a new sport this spring! No experience necessary.

Ready to get out on the water before summer hits? Our FREE High School Learn-to-Row Camps are the perfect, low-commitment way for high school kids to experience the power and teamwork of rowing. Over the course of just five days, athletes will learn the basics of the rowing stroke, boat safety, and how to move together as a crew on the Chicago River.

What to Expect

  • On-Water Instruction: Learn to handle a shell and row in sync with others.

  • Basic Training: Introduction to rowing technique and fitness.

  • Teamwork: Build confidence and leadership skills in a supportive environment.

  • Accessibility: No experience is necessary!

Spring 2026 Session Dates

All spring learn-to-row camps are FREE and take place Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Lathrop Boathouse (2820 N Leavitt St).

  • Session 1: March 9 – March 13

  • Session 2: March 23 – March 27

  • Session 3: April 6 – April 10

  • Session 4: April 20 – April 24

Parent FAQ

Who is eligible for the Spring Learn-to-Row camps?

These sessions are exclusively for high school students. By focusing solely on this age group, we create a high-performance environment where teens can train alongside their peers. This focus allows our coaches to fast-track technical skills and prepare athletes for the demands of competitive high school rowing.

When and where are the camps held?

Our Spring sessions are hosted at the Lathrop Boathouse on the North Branch of the Chicago River. To meet the growing demand for high school athletics, we’ve launched four new sessions running every two weeks. This rolling schedule provides maximum flexibility for students balancing other spring commitments.

What makes LPBC different from other programs?

Founded in 1910, LPBC is Chicago’s oldest and most established rowing organization. We are a "character-first" club. While we win races, our primary mission is to bring out the best in every student by teaching them the habits—discipline, resilience, and teamwork—that lead to success in college and beyond.

My child has never rowed before. Is this the right fit?

Absolutely. Spring is the ideal "on-ramp" for high schoolers. These camps are designed specifically for beginners. Because we run new sessions every two weeks, we maintain optimal coaching ratios, ensuring your student gets the individual attention needed to master the sport in a positive, co-ed environment.

Is rowing a safe sport for high schoolers?

Safety is our non-negotiable priority. All participants must pass a basic swim test, and our USRowing-certified coaches supervise every session from safety launches. Rowing is a low-impact sport, providing elite-level cardiovascular conditioning without the high risk of contact-related injuries.

Ready to Register?

  1. Click the following link to open a new tab and create a RegattaCentral account

  2. Once your account is created, click on the “High School Rowing - Lathrop” button below to expand the menu

  3. Add “High School Rowing - Lathrop - Learn to Row Camp” to the cart and select “Checkout”

  4. Select the week for attending and complete the registration form

Questions? Reach out to coaches@lpboatclub.org for more information!