March 29, 2011
I have been with this group for about 4 months, volunteering as crew. With each sail I learn more about the boat and test my skill as a sailor, working my way up the competency check list. The experienced crew are awesome instructors. Safety is primary for all aboard. The organization and mission is really great.
Taking students out on the Bay is so much fun! Many of them are disadvantaged, with limited resources for accessing the Bay, a major part of their environment, beyond the view from the shore. They learn about the wind, currents, ecology, and wildlife. Some of them are fearful, scared of new experiences. With the crew's support they manage to overcome the fear, learn how to prepare for the next adventure and grow to look forward to new challenges.
Taking students out on the Bay is so much fun! Many of them are disadvantaged, with limited resources for accessing the Bay, a major part of their environment, beyond the view from the shore. They learn about the wind, currents, ecology, and wildlife. Some of them are fearful, scared of new experiences. With the crew's support they manage to overcome the fear, learn how to prepare for the next adventure and grow to look forward to new challenges.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I think my confidence as a sailor has improved with the guidance of the other experienced crew and captain. It has been really rewarding to see the students' confidence and interest grow with repeated sails.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
My experience has been too short to make any meaningful suggestions for change. I would love to see my particular group of students over a longer period of time instead of 3-4x for only one month. However, making the experience available to more students vs. increasing the individual student time is a tough choice.
MY ROLE:
Volunteer & I'm learning how to sail a 51ft, double-masted ketch, teaching students about sailing and the bay they live near. I'm working with other volunteers on developing teaching modules to improve the learning experience on the boat.