Squadron Membership: What's in it for me? What Is DuPage About?
Basically, we're a group of boaters who enjoy having a good time together. We like knowing that we are helping make the water a safer and more enjoyable place to be, but there's nothing that says we can't enjoy ourselves in doing that, so we do have fun. There's a lot of ways we do that, and we'd like to have you join us.DuPage Sail & Power Squadron's activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS®: continuing education, community service, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members.
Many people who take the Basic Boating class want to learn more about boat handling, engine maintenance, marine electronics, or navigation techniques. We offer courses in these and many other subjects to our members. In addition, our members themselves are an excellent source of information about boats and boating, as many of them have years of experience with boats, and are usually glad to help.
As a member of the DuPage Sail & Power Squadron, you can participate in any of the Squadron's other activities, which have included cruises, vessel safety check events, cooperative charting events, fishing days, a turkey roast, a Christmas Party, an annual auction and more. Our schedule of events is included in our monthly squadron newsletter, The Pilot, copies of which are posted here on our website.
For those who are willing to stand a two hour watch at the District booth at the Chicago Boat Show in January, the Strictly Sail show in February (and at other area boat shows), we get admission to the show for free. Walking up to a salesman with Squadron identification and an exhibitor pass tells them that you know more than the average person at the show.
Members of the Squadron get together a number of times throughout the boating season. We have met to see the 4th of July fireworks at the Lake Michigan lakefront and again in the fall to cruise the Illinois River to see the trees turn colors. We have activities in a wide variety of areas, so if you don't have a boat or are not able to get your boat to a cruise, we'll find someone for you to ride with.
When it's too cold to go boating in the Chicago area we hold our general meetings where boating programs on a variety of subjects are presented.
In the fall, our annual auction can have almost anything show up. At our auction we have had a dinghy, computer software, VHF radios, home furnishings, homemade cannoli and bread, a radio remote control boat, and many other useful and useless items go on the block.
We hold Geodetic Survey Marker hunts which are highly underrated as a source of amusement. It's a a kind of a scavenger hunt where we know what we are looking for and where it was placed, but we're not sure it's still there. Have you ever seen a dozen or more adults running around the countryside like a bunch of kids?
The USPS National organization also has a number of member benefits available, too. The list is frequently updated, so for the latest information please click here. One of the most popular benefits is the excellent boat insurance program for members.
Membership Information
Membership in the DuPage Sail & Power Squadron is open to anyone who has successfully taken either a USPS, CPS or USCG boating safety class, or most state courses with a proctored exam, graduates of the Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, or Naval Academy and who is interested in advancing our organization's objectives of continuing education, community service, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. Active members must be at least 16 years of age but there are no age restrictions for family members.
You don't even need to own a boat (many of our members don't have one), you just need to have an interest in boating!
If you are interested in joining the DuPage Sail & Power Squadron, or would like more information please fill in the form below. We will have one of our members contact you.
If you prefer, you can call our Commander, Corinne Fitzpatrick at
708/649-9901.Back to the DuPage Sail & Power Squadron Home Page
Please send comments to the webmaster: Dave DonkersThe information presented here does not represent the official view of the USPS. It is information from and for use by members of the DuPage Power Squadron, other USPS squadrons and all recreational boaters."USPS®", "United States Power Squadrons®", the USPS ensign, and the wheel-and-ensign design are registered trademarks of United States Power Squadrons, Inc.
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