New Fall Programs - Registration for our 2nd Fall Session opens OCT 3rd!

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CISF @ Ft. Getty

Key Facts

  • CISF provides free programming to the town and residents of Jamestown, serving children and young people, and adults of every age. (See below for a list of free programming and events provided by CISF)
  • CISF is a year-round partner of the Jamestown Recreation Department, significantly expanding programs and services the town could not otherwise provide to residents.
  • CISF provides a broad range of programs and educational opportunities, for people of every age, but especially young people, to increase understanding and stewardship of Jamestown’s unique coastal environments.
  • CISF established its Fort Getty “campus” with the approval of the Town of Jamestown and private funds from supporters, not tax dollars.
  • CISF holds a limited and clearly defined space at Ft Getty that cannot be expanded.
  • CISF is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, public charity as designated by the IRS.
  • CISF operates with a budget that allows continuation and growth of programming, not profits.
  • CISF will have a flagpole on its Fort Getty campus.
  • Annually, CISF awards $14,000-$17,000 in scholarships/financial aid to ensure cost is not a barrier to children who seek to participate in our programs.
  • CISF’s campus is a distinctly defined location at the end of Fort Getty, that will not be expanded in the future, where two buildings will provide safe, year-round facilities for everyone in the community.
  • The campus is currently scheduled for completion in July, 2026, and will then be fully operational.
  • CISF is not engaged in any way in the town’s consideration of Fort Getty’s use. Our focus is entirely on our campus, as it is now and will always be defined. CISF has operated at Fort Getty for more than a decade, always working collaboratively with the Town and with the greatest respect for other users of the park.
  • CISF has made (and continues to make) significant financial investments completely funded through private contributions and grants to offer programs to meet the needs of our community.
  • CISF has always and continues to prioritize the needs of the Jamestown community, actively seeking input from the community to inform design and implementation of activities and programs of interest to and in support of the community we share. CISF’s mission is to inspire and engage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with our coastal environment through a wide range of recreation, education and sailing programs.
  • CISF welcomes everyone. CISF’s mission is to inspire and engage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with the coastal environment through sailing and education.
  • All of CISF’s staff (except for one) either grew up in Jamestown or have lived in Jamestown for more than 20 years.
  • CISF staff hold a multitude of emergency medical, water and boat safety and other certifications that must be maintained as a condition of employment. Certifications include the following: First Aid/CPR, concussion training, and nationally recognized licenses for the use of sail and power boats. (US Sailing level 1, NASBLA powerboat license, SafeSport certified).

List of free programming and events:

  • An educator in the Jamestown School System (both schools) to support teachers with hands-on projects relevant to grade level curriculum. (8-10 hours per week on average from September through May since 2016).

  • CISF works with the Jamestown Schools to proactively offer scholarships and financial aid to students in need of after-school enrichment, getting students out into nature, exploring, learning, and gaining confidence in CISF’s Programs.

  • 4th Grade free sailing (15 hours of instruction for every fourth grade student in Jamestown’s Melrose School.)

  • Free Community Sailing on Wednesday evenings in the summer

  • Field trips for Jamestown students at Fort Getty that range from coastal ecosystem education to sailing

  • Sailing for Jamestown Lawn School 8th graders on their pre-graduation June  Beach Day, providing every 8th grader with the opportunity to go sailing during the day. (There is an experienced CISF instructor on board each boat.) 

  • Bay Day, a free community event inviting people to sail, kayak, fish, explore the marsh, and more. 

  • Participate in Island Treasures, a Lawn School program offering students hands-on opportunities to learn about local organizations and businesses.

  • Participate in Fright Night, an annual community Halloween event sponsored by the Jamestown Recreation Department. CISF creates a Halloween-themed space with staff in costume and gives out candy.

  • Participated in the Jamestown Conservation Commission Earth Day Fair (event took place only in 2023 and 2024).

Everyone is welcome at CISF, and your voice matters.
Click the link below if you have questions, suggestions and comments.
Be sure to leave your contact information so we can get back to you!

Comment Form

Further questions?

E-mail Executive Director Meg Myles