The mission of Sisters Under Sail is to build confidence, enhance self-esteem, develop social conscience and teach women of all ages the value of sisters working together towards a common goal through sail training.
Philosophy and Approach
- Establish a “circle of trust” environment where the girls feel safe to explore and learn.
- Sail with a professional all-female crew comprised of college educated women who act as good role models.
- Focus on and praise their strengths as individuals and as part of the group. The sum of all parts equal the whole.
- Assigned to watch groups, the teens step-up and take leadership roles and responsibilities traditionally held by boys/men.
- Community service begins at home!
- Participatory decision making is emphasized
- A series of group facilitated discussions act as building blocks and are designed to help the girls connect the dots between their shipboard experience and how it parallels life as a teenager.
- Journaling time is provided and encouraged as part of the voyage into self-discovery.
- Successfully reaching a predetermined destination with a company of women, who together have charted their own course, stood at the helm, maneuvered and maintained their vessel is empowering.
Goals and Objectives
- Teach a basic understanding of sailing a tall ship
- Foster trust, camaraderie and teamwork among participants
- Promote greater understanding of what it takes to become an effective team member and leader
- Increase confidence through various shipboard activities
- Reinforce the value of sisters working together
- Develop social conscience and tolerance for others of diverse backgrounds
- Help individuals to think strategically
- Build team communication, collaboration, decision-making and problem solving skills
- Increase awareness of personal impact on others
- Learn to give and receive effective feedback to stimulate personal growth
- Appreciate effective listening
- Gain respect of self and of shipmates
- Create a better understanding of how individuals approach new challenges
- Learn that no contribution is too small to the whole
- Overcome fear of taking on responsibility
- Recognize/understand different teaching and leadership styles