 Awards
At time of writing, Atlantic Challenge has yet to develop a graduated level or award system for crew or participants. Within the international community there may already be AC groups who have established this concept with certificates or pins awarded for recognition of specific achievements by crew members.
This may be an area for consideration by Trustees to consider a generic system that may be utilized, if desired, by any local Atlantic Challenge organization.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program is another program that was initiated by Kurt Hahn. It encourages personal growth, skill development, expeditions, community service, and physical fitness. It is available in over 70 nations including many of the Atlantic Challenge countries. Sometimes it is identified by another name. For example, in the United States it is called the Congressional Award Plan. You may consider the merits of building this program into your Atlantic Challenge activities.
Visit the International web site for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Plan for additional information or to initiate this as part of your AC program. http://www.intaward.org/
Starting and Operating a Community Based Atlantic Challenge Program
Why?
For those who have attempted it in over eight nations, the answer is perhaps much clearer and simpler. There is something quite magical that happens when twelve or thirteen youth come together to learn to sail and row a craft that is demanding of teamwork and co-operative skills with those around them. We have seen it happen time and time again, both with “over-achieving” youth and those who have been labeled as “high risk” or “under-achieving” in some fashion. The Atlantic Challenge gigs are wonderful vehicles for communication in developing the personal skills of self reliance, forethought, endurance, honesty, tolerance and modesty that youth require in a millennium age.
Most young people (whether they realize it or not), thirst for adventure, new skills, challenge, and opportunities for personal growth. Atlantic Challenge programs can provide this opportunity for experiential education and development through the many facets available for boatbuilding, seamanship, sailing, rowing, and expeditions.
Who could benefit from such programs?
Take the time to assess the specific needs of youth in your community. Talk to school counselors, community service workers, those trying to prevent school dropouts, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and other local agencies that are working with youth. Also talk to those who work with young people in enrichment and leadership programs.
For an initial project there may be some merit in starting off as part of a group that already exists because it will come with some structure, leaders, and various support systems. On the other hand, you may wish to reach out to those who currently have not had access to such opportunities and where the need may be much greater.
Even if your community is near the water, you may also find that boats and water is a foreign environment to most youth so it becomes a new learning experience to be shared by all.
How do you launch the idea?
Find partners who share your vision. Look for the best teachers, people with organizational and “people” skills, the local sailing and rowing fraternity, local boat builders, look to the recently “retired” with these skills that may be searching for meaningful activities.
Many of the present Atlantic Challenge organizations are either a part of or directly linked to another organization such as a maritime museum, apprenticeshop, sailing or rowing clubs, sea scouts or other youth organization. There may be some merit in beginning your project under the support network that such groups may offer. Try to visit one or more existing AC organizations in your country for additional resource information.
Once you have a plan and some structure to your organization, seek registration within Atlantic Challenge. Order a set of plans for the gig
What Activities could be included in your programs?
Don’t try to do everything at once. Develop a plan and start slowly. Talk to people in other AC organizations, plan a visit or attend an international seminar or expedition.
Here are a few components of your program that you may wish to include:
Offer a community boatbuilding program as a pilot project (see more below)
Build an Atlantic Challenge gig
Learn to sail and row programs
Basic Seamanship, safety, “Rules of the road”
Daytime expeditions
Longer planned expeditions
Exchanges with other AC groups
Go on joint expeditions with other AC groups
Attend the International Contests of Seamanship
Link up with other youth groups in your community and offer opportunities to Scouts, Guides; Sea Cadets, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Schools, Youth at Risk
How do you build a gig?
Here are some issues to look at before starting:
Who will build the boat? Is this to be a learning experience for young people, or do you plan to have it “professionally” built and focus your program on utilization of the gig with youth.
Who will co-ordinate the construction? This person – or small team play a vital role in making sure that there are no delays or obstructions to progress on the project. If you have “contracted” the work out, then the need may be to be an advisor and someone who regularly checks on the work underway. If this is an educational learning project which utilizes volunteers or a mix of volunteers or youth working under the supervision of a boatbuilder, then the needs are much greater, more challenging, but immensely more rewarding for everyone.
The coordinating team needs to address each of the following
Develop a Business plan and estimated project cost
Where to build the boat
Determine appropriate wood species available, and obtain them
Acquire essential tools required, Instruction in their use and safety issues
Source marine suppliers
Scheduling of crew, supervision and instruction issues
Administration issues and financial control of expenses
Projected Construction Timelines
How long will it take to construct? Not an easy question. There are all sorts of variables here. How many people will work on the project? Is this full time or part time? Are the boat builders “professional” or young people requiring instruction, assistance and direction? A team of 3-4 knowledgeable boat builders could complete the gig in less than four months but you may be better to look at a six month schedule. If the focus is with youth or adult volunteers working during the evenings or weekends, then the time estimates are much more challenging and you may be looking at one or two years. AC Canada built one of their gigs this way. During the first year, the mold was built and the hull planked. During the second year, the gig was completed along with all spars, oars, etc.
How much will it cost? This too has many variables. To have a gig professionally built in some countries could run as high as $80,000. US, but in other nations, less than a third of that. If you decide to build the gig with volunteers or make it part of an educational program in a school, the costs will drop even more dramatically. The expenses will fall even more if you can find individuals willing to donate materials, rent, light, heat, and insurance. In the end, with all these variables working in your favor, the actual cost of constructing these gigs can be surprisingly low.
Ideas for Funding
OK, you have a plan, a place to build, some people to work on the project, and a pretty good idea what it will cost. So now all that is required is some venture capital to launch the dream.
Outline your project with a brochure or printed project manual. Include some images of the gig.
Start sharing your plan with others in the community. Make direct “eyeball” contacts. Letters frequently do not have the same impact. Let the media know of your plans. Give them information, photos and opportunities to interact with your group.
You may be surprised to find interest and support from many of the following to offer direct funding or “gifts in kind” to assist with your program.
Local Firms
Individuals who share your vision
Local or International Service Clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis,
Charitable Foundations
Local Firms and Manufacturing Companies
Marine Suppliers
Municipal governments, Parks, Recreation, and community programs,
Government Training incentive Project grants
Marinas
Sailing and rowing organizations,
Building Supply firms, Saw mills,
Government Lottery Programs that award funds to community groups
Marine Insurance Companies
Seek government charitable status as early as possible. This may open more doors with potential donors and perhaps allow you to accept the gift of items which can either be utilized directly or sold to generate needed revenue. For example, some Atlantic Challenge organizations have been able to accept the donation of boats, and then sell these to purchase materials to construct a gig or help cover other expenses.
At some point, you may need to address the issue of whether to start construction even if the program is not fully funded. Some people subscribe to this Field of Dreams approach hoping that additional support and interest will follow. Past experience has shown that works and as the gig takes shape and local interest grows.
How can we become a part of the Atlantic Challenge International Family?
As mentioned earlier, it is a good idea to visit one or more existing programs and chat with the “trustee” or leaders associated with the program. Attending an International Contest of Seamanship is also an excellent venue for seeing the effect a program can have on youth. Before incorporating the name “Atlantic Challenge” in any of your activities, you must complete the registration form and forward it to the President of Atlantic Challenge International. The president will advise all international trustees and present your application at the next Trustees meeting. Since Trustees meetings are usually held annually, use of the term Atlantic Challenge may be granted on an interim basis if there are no objections raised from current members.
A complete registration request should include the following:
Completed Application Form and a cheque or Bank draft for $400. US which covers two years’ membership.
Request for one set of gig plans $200. US – mailed
Please allow at least six weeks for provisional acceptance of your application and the return of one set of gig plans and the current version of the AC Resource Manual.
Membership in Atlantic Challenge will also allow you to list and post your group’s activities at the AC web site. If you wish to establish and maintain your own site, then we will link to your location.
Membership within Atlantic Challenge shall be dependant upon:
-
The acceptance of your application by the Trustees
-
The purchase of official Atlantic Challenge gig plans
-
Maintaining your annual membership dues
-
Willingness to accept and uphold the ACI Constitution
-
Providing a plan for your boatbuilding program, outline of proposed youth programs and detailed help needed from ACI community
Voting Membership within Atlantic Challenge shall include the above items and:
-
Building or purchasing an Atlantic Challenge gig built according to the official plans
-
Competing in an International Contest of Seamanship
Share with your friends: |
