The IDBA is currently establishing a 2004 summer dragon boat program for youth and will eventually have a Youth Dragon Boat Program scheduled to run from March-October, funding permitting. This program is designed as a summer and an after-school program and is opened to all youth in the region.

Aside from a handful of enthusiasic youth willing to have some fun out on the waters, a youth team needs adult mentors and a sponsoring organization. The adult mentor is someone who is willing to be legally and morally responsible for the team and work as a liason between the organization and the youth. A sponsoring organization can be any of the community service organizations, a church, high school or any local, non-profit organization to which the youth belong.

The Youth Dragon Boat Program is a collaborative effort between the International Dragon Boat Association, the Jack London Aquatic Center, the City of Oakland and relevant departments, the Oakland Unified School District and other regional school districts, and Port of Oakland.

For more information on the IDBA Youth Dragon Boat Program, or to learn how your organization can get involved, please click on the peach "IDBA Youth Program" tab at the top of page. We are always excited to have more kids out on the water and to have a chance to make them part of a local, regional and international community.