What is included in the program?

Everything you need to succeed. GRP athletes are fully supported with housing, food, coaching, rowing equipment, travel (domestic and international), health insurance, and connections to physical therapists, chiropractors, sports psychologists, and doctors. In exchange for the support, GRP rowers are asked to take on projects that contribute to the mission of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. Athletes are required to work 500hrs/year. Work opportunities vary and are encouraged to incorporate the athletes interests and strengths.

Do I need to bring my own boat?

If you've been training in your own boat, you are encouraged to bring the shell with you to Craftsbury. Don't worry. There's no "rack fees" where you're going. If you don't have your own boat, Craftsbury will provide the necessary equipment.

What does Craftsbury offer in terms of training facilities and opportunities?

The Outdoor Center is at the south end of Big Hosmer Lake. Hosmer is about 3k long, and more often than not, offers beautifully calm water. In fall 2014, the center constructed a new zero-emission gym. Thanks in large part to Rogue and Concept2 the gym is outfitted with weights, BikeErgs, SkiErgs, and of course, various types of C2 rowing machines. Craftsbury also offers an extensive trail network for trail running, mountain biking, and nordic skiing. In the winter, we are one of the premier nordic ski areas of the entire Northeast. Also on campus, we have all the equipment necessary for our own physiological testing through both lactate and VO2 Max equipment. Off campus, we have access to open roads (both dirt and paved), tall mountains, and lots of outdoors.

Do I need to know how to scull?

No! Both sweep rowers and scullers are welcome to apply. Regardless, you will be introduced to sculling, and you won’t train here without spending time in the single. However, that does not mean sculling must be your end goal.

What happens in the winter?

Yes, the lake does freeze in the winter. If you’re not a fan of winter, then you probably should not look at this program. In a typical year it will be frozen from December until April. Lucky for us, nordic skiing happens to be a great method of cross-training that many other countries around the world utilize. Applicants should be excited about the prospect of learning to nordic ski if they don't already know how, but there will also be southern and/or western training trips likely in both January and March. Rowers will be ready for their spring races, but we also see nordic skiing as one of our best tools towards creating more capable athletes both in terms of physiology and skill.

Is there any social life in Craftsbury?

Ok, this is probably the most important question! There are some excellent restaurants in Hardwick and Stowe, a great coffee house with frequent music in Morrisville, another coffee house in Hardwick, an excellent pizza joint/bar in Glover with weekly trivia and live music, and a brand new pub in Craftsbury. Stowe of course offers all the usual apres-ski kind of entertainment as well. The Outdoor Center itself is far from dead in the summer, with a steady stream of sculling campers and coaches of all ages coming through. There is a very similar program for nordic skiers as well which adds to the number of young people around to hang out with. For days off, there's Burlington or Hanover, both about 90 minutes away. However, you should be aware that you're headed to the country, but you'll find it is one of the most unique, rural communities in the world. You also have the outdoors as your backyard with everything from hiking to backcountry skiing to canoeing to climbing.

What will the work opportunities be?

Certain projects and tasks are ongoing; other new projects may be determined through a joint brainstorming and prioritization process that gives rowers the chance to suggest and design projects that align with the Center's mission. Here are some examples from the past years:

• Various projects related to helping Craftsbury become more sustainable. These include analysis of current heating/power systems, improved management of property, production of local food on property

• Management of the team itself: uniform design and acquisition, press releases, blogging for interested media, travel planning, work with sponsors

• Projects supporting the broader Craftsbury rowing program in general: helping coach sculling camps, helping run the Community Rowing program.

• Meeting needs of the Outdoor Center: support for rowing programs as needed, caretaking of facilities, helping with non-skiing programs.

Will rowers be paid for the part-time work, or is it an unpaid expectation of the program?

Program participants will be expected to do a certain amount of work for the Center in exchange for their lodging, meals, equipment, and coaching. The Center will also cover health insurance. There will be the possibility of working additional hours for take-home pay either at the Center, or at area businesses, as time allows. With prior approval, community service may also count toward some of the work requirement, such as offering learn to row clinics for local kids, coaching local sports teams, or volunteering for other non-profits.

What is the expected housing arrangement?

There are two nearby country houses that are dedicated for rowers. Additionally, there is a house for skiers/biathletes. In the summer, we sometimes make additional arrangements for the U23s and other visiting guests.