There are summer camp programs by the boatload. How about an unparalleled educational experience on a boat? The World Ocean School’s Summer Ambassador Program will have your teen learning self sufficiency, environmental stewardship, and giving back to the community.
It is April. And for parents that means thinking about summer. Not in the “I wish summer would just get here and it wasn’t cold anymore” way, though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. But in the “I need to figure out what these kids are doing soon” kind of way. April means filling out myriad forms, and trying to find the best value/experience for those months that your kids are out of school, and you still have to work. I have worked at and sent my kids to a wide variety of camps, but there is one that stands out from all the others. Not technically a camp, but a summer experience of the kind that they will remember and be shaped by their entire lives. This is the mission of the World Ocean School
The Historic Schooner Roseway
Stepping aboard the Roseway is stepping into history. Built in 1929, she has had a variety of careers. Hunting swordfish, patrolling Boston Harbor during WWII, taking passengers on weeklong cruises on the coast of Maine, and finally, as a school. The World Ocean School took ownership of her in 2002, and after an extensive rebuild, began operating one of a kind educational programs. Most of these programs are organized as a group booking, through School Departments, Individual High Schools, and Colleges. There is one open enrollment program of note though.
The Summer Ambassador Program aboard Roseway
The Summer Ambassador Program is truly unique. This program may sound like a summer camp program, but it is much more than that. The students that enroll will spend two weeks living aboard Roseway, starting in Boston, and exploring ports near and far.
“In Summer 2019, students ages 12-16 will set sail for two weeks with their course set for Long Island Sound—expanding their perspective of the world, immersing themselves in and contributing to different cultures, and building a community aboard the historic landmark schooner Roseway. During their expedition at sea, students will learn seamanship and navigation skills as they operate and maintain the 137-foot schooner that is their home, and will stop in ports of call to participate in community service.”
www.worldoceanschool.org
I had the good fortune of being aboard for a Summer Ambassador program, and am excited for the day that my children can participate. There was a lot of sailing and working the ship. Navigation classes, and opportunities for students to take charge of the vessel. But the heart of the voyage was what the students were able to give back to the community. While I was aboard they spent a day volunteering at a soup kitchen, and worked tirelessly to rebuild a Conservation Land Trust trail system on an semi-remote island. They also had educational opportunities off of the ship, visiting the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island.
Can a summer camp transport you back in time?
There is also something magical about pulling into ports on a historic sailing vessel. The way that you are received is entirely different than when you arrive on a bus. People are much more open and willing to actually bring you into their culture and lives. We even had the Mayor of Northport, NY throw us a sack of oysters, just by anchoring in his harbor.
If you’re interested in the Summer Ambassador program, but would like to check out the Roseway yourself, visit her in Boston and take a sail! Or, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, check out my tips for visiting the USVI and try to catch the Roseway in Saint Croix!
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[…] on select dates. Roseway also spends much of her time bringing students out for the most unique educational experience of their […]