Summer 2012 was the fourth year the PMC arranged a week-long sail aboard a 125’ two-masted schooner for a group of local teens, young people whose lives may benefit from a course correction. Sea Challenge can be a life changing adventure. We work with local schools, counselors, and community service organizations to identify our group of young sailors each year.
After the farewell hugs, smiles, and tears, the onboard learning begins the moment the lines are cast off and the ship leaves the dock. Learning the names of lines and sails. Helping in the galley, cleaning the head. Controlling the sails, climbing the rigging, steering, navigating, and standing night watches. The kids are becoming true crew. The ship’s officers and crew are experienced in working with young people and they provide the necessary gear. Many ships provide the teens with journals and set aside time each day encouraging them to write. The entries from the first couple of days are filled with fear and anger and “get me off this boat!” By the last day, we see entries about wishing the trip would never end. “I realized there was nothing anywhere in the dark but the sea, the stars, and me”. One young man set a goal to sail around the world before age 30. Trainees disembark at journey's end with increased levels of confidence, self-worth, understanding teamwork, practicing leadership.
We are most grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, enabling us to meet the funding goal for 2012. Would you, or your organization, please consider partnering with us to bring this worthy program to reality again in 2013? Contact us