2010 Summer Ambassador Program

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Summer Ambassador Program is an opportunity for students ages 12-16 to set sail for 16 days—expanding their perspective of the world, immersing themselves in and contributing to different cultures, and practicing community building aboard the historic landmark schooner Roseway.  During their expedition at sea, students will learn and practice seamanship and navigation as they operate and maintain the 137-foot schooner that is their home, as well as carrying out lessons in history, environmental responsibility, team-building, and language arts. Students will also engage in a small boat sailing program using Roseway’s 17-foot dories. They will be expected to serve as ambassadors of their home port in all the activities in which they participate, as well as be ambassadors for the World Ocean School.

ITINERARY 2010

During the summer of 2010, World Ocean School will be traveling as part of the core fleet of the Great Lakes United Tall Ships Challenge. Roseway will be visiting seven ports throughout the Great Lakes and taking advantage of this unique opportunity to host our summer programs along the way. The following programs are available:

SESSION I
June 20 – July 5: Montreal, Quebec to Toronto, Ontario

SESSION II
July 15 – July 30: Bay City, Michigan to Duluth, Minnesota

SESSION III
August 1 – August 16: Duluth, Minnesota to Green Bay, Wisconsin

RULES OF LIVING ABOARD

Students who are accepted and join the ambassador program agree to the following rules throughout the entire session, whether on land or on the vessel:

•    no drinking, smoking, or drug use/zero tolerance

•    activities off the vessel during free time are always be in pairs

•    cell phones are kept in a secure space by the captain and are handed out for use only at designated times.

•    electronics such as ipods, computers, or anything with an on/off switch are not to be brought aboard the ship.

CURRICULUM

All courses are taught as experiential learning taking place on location. The curriculum is designed to be carried out in the formal setting of the ship’s classroom, in small groups on ship watches, and in the field on shore visits. Each student will keep an individual journal throughout their expedition.

The program will pursue a general curriculum outline as follows:

Sail Training

•    History of Essex Grand Banks Schooner and the particulars of the Roseway
•    Nautical Terminology / Knots / Sail Plan / Rig / Pin Rail Diagram / Points of Sail
•    Deck Work and Sail Maneuvers / Shipboard Life and Regular Duties
•    Watch Rotations
•    Galley Watch and Meals / Anchor Watch / Gangway Watch
•    Effective and Appropriate Communication Practices Among Crew and Students
•    Safe Practices and Emergency Equipment / Survival priorities

Navigation

•    Magnetic compass, Variation, Deviation
•    Chart Work: Latitude and longitude, Direction, Course Plotting, Distance, Depth, Symbols
•    Lights, shapes, top-marks, and fog signals / Rules of the road
•    Bearings & Fixes / GPS, Radar, Electronic/Paper Charts

Environmental Responsibility / Language Arts / Reflection

•    Operating a self contained system
•    Trash disposal at sea
•    Natural history of the regions we pass through
•    Weather
•    Journal keeping / Ship’s Log
•    Nautical Book Club
•    Poetry of the sea

Communications

•    Community Service / Setting goals
•    Understanding the project environment
•    Dealing with challenges on the job
•    Reflection
•    Ambassadorship / Where are we from
•    What are our similarities/differences
•    How do we represent our cultures and the World Ocean School?

SAFETY/CREW

The safety of our students and crew is of utmost importance. For this reason we require:
•    Experienced crew in sailing and educating
•    Well maintained equipment
•    Well practiced safety procedures
•    Carefully selected itineraries

Roseway, recently rebuilt and re-certified:
•    Meets the highest standards for safety
•    Was re-designed to specifically serve students in an educational capacity
•    Holds a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection
•    Meets all of the international requirements for safety at sea and maritime pollution agreements

Our professional crew, who operate the vessel and supervise students at sea:
•    Are highly qualified and have direct experience with sailing vessels and projects of this scope
•    Consist of licensed captains, a first mate, a second and third mate, a cook, and six qualified deckhands
•    Are not only experienced at sea but are also experienced educators.
•    Are trained in first aid/CPR and WFR

FEES AND EXPENSES

Tuition per student: $3,300 US

Financial Aid: While World Ocean School is not currently able to sponsor students, we are happy to speak with you about pursuing aid through community sponsorships. Please contact the World Ocean School if you need to explore these possibilities.

Refund Policy: As payments become due and payable they are non-refundable.
50% deposit due upon acceptance to program
Balance due one week before departure

Other Expenses: World Ocean School students should anticipate some additional expenses. These amounts are only estimates.

Airfare:  $ 500 US
Passport: $ 75 US
Clothing: $ 200 US
Spending Cash: $ 50 US

APPLICATION PROCESS

Deadline is April 15, 2010

Applicants are selected on the basis of the following criteria:
• A motivated desire to learn and participate in community building and inquiry
• Suitability and strength of character

The following items must be submitted before a student’s application can be fully evaluated:
1. A completed application form.
2. One professional reference form completed and returned to our office directly by the referee. The referee should be a professional who knows the candidate well i.e., a teacher, coach, employer — not a friend or relative.
3. A one-page essay, addressing what contribution the student feels he/she can make to the ambassador program and the communities we visit.
4. A medical form and release form.

Only 18 spaces are available so early registration is advised. Qualified students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

DOWNLOAD 2010 Summer Program Description.
DOWNLOAD 2010 Summer Program Application.

Completed Applications should be mailed to:

World Ocean School
P.O. Box 701
Camden, ME 04843

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