Sunday, October 18, 2009

A teacher’s reward

As we teach our special-needs passengers about the wonders of the sea, about stewardship of our environment and how to perform tasks aboard a vessel, SOFTIN teachers find our rewards in many of the same feelings as shore side classroom teachers. It is the amazing feeling of taking a pupil from ignorance to understanding on any given topic. The profound feeling of accomplishment felt by the student is perfectly mirrored in the teacher.

It is a partnership… an agreement… a bond. On the student’s part, there is an acceptance of a teacher as one to learn from and a commitment to try to learn. On the teacher’s part, there is an acceptance of a void of knowledge to fill, skills to teach and a relationship to foster. When a pupil feels the joy of learning and a sense of accomplishment, the relationship bonds lights up with mutual accomplishment. The teacher is just as joyful as the student. At times, maybe more so.

Those are feelings worth living for and seem to be most powerful between special-needs kids and their teachers. Consequently, SOFTIN teachers are happy teachers.

Always for SOFTIN,

Capt. David Bacon
Executive Director,
SOFTIN
dbacon@softininc.org
www.softininc.org

PS: SOFTIN teachers are always looking for more special-needs pupils. Contact Capt. Tiffany (805 574-9388) to join in on an educational adventure.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

On marlinspike seamanship for special-needs people

A look of self pride comes over anyone who masters a nautical knot or accomplishes some other form of marlinspike seamanship. But when a special-needs person learns well and demonstrates proficiency, the power of that feeling of accomplishment is a tangible and contagious feeling of joy.

Teaching ropes and knots and coils and such is one of the most important parts of SOFTIN’s curriculum of on-the-water educational adventures. At times the task is a bowline knot and at other times it may be a proper cleat hitch and flemish coil. No matter the task, marlinspike seamanship skills are something to be proud of and something to be admired. Self respect and a sense of accomplishment are the desired byproducts and it always seems to work.

SOFTIN passengers learn may things during the course of an adventure and seamanship lessons/skills have proven repeatedly to be among the most beneficial in terms of personal growth for the people we serve.

Inviting you to help,

Capt. David Bacon
Executive Director,
SOFTIN
dbacon@softininc.org
www.softininc.org

To join in on a SOFTIN trip, special-needs people or their caregivers are invited to contact Capt. Tiffany Vague at: tvague@softininc.org

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Planning considerations for an educational adventure

The heart of SOFTIN is educational adventures for special-needs people. To make the most of an opportunity, the planning stages are vitally important. SOFTIN staff works closely with caregivers from family or collaborating agencies bringing the adventure-seekers to us for an excursion.

Some special-needs people have more in the way of special-needs than others. For some, fear of the unknown is a huge obstacle to a rewarding experience and one which requires one-on-one nurturing and comforting throughout the educational adventure. We rely on caregivers to give us the information we need to provide for special-needs and in many cases we rely on caregivers to come along so the passengers can remain within their comfort zone and thereby maximize the benefits of the journey.

Other special-needs people just need opportunities to expand their horizons. They are comfortable boarding a vessel, taking instruction and joining in the learning activities. The important thing is to learn about special needs in advance of the trip and prepare accordingly.

Once our preparations are complete and we have provided for everyone’s needs, we begin the fun part… Teaching enabling life skills and sense of self esteem to challenged special-needs people (including disabled, impaired, victims of abuse, frail elderly, youths-at-risk) though one-on-one, hands-on educational lessons and experiences at sea; practicing marlinspike seamanship; viewing, identification and monitoring of marine mammals and seabirds; demonstrating subsistence/recreational fishing skills focused on the principles of ethical angling; teaching ocean conservation values and water quality issues; learning about the people, infrastructure, vessel types and job/career opportunities among our waterfront communities; monitoring and educating the public and resource managers about sea life and habitat.

SOFTIN invites you to help,

Capt. David Bacon
Executive Director,
SOFTIN
dbacon@softininc.org
www.softininc.org

PS: We do not charge our special needs passengers. Our work is to benefit them.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Seeking Support for a donated sailboat and berth

A generous couple in Santa Barbara… as previously reported here in our blog… has offered to donate a 25’ sailboat complete with a berth (slip) in the Santa Barbara Harbor. SOFTIN is seeking financial support to take possession of this wonderful service resource which we plan to use to provide sailing adventures to deserving people with disabilities, impairments, victims of abuse, frail elderly and youths-at-risk.

I estimate the combined value of the sailboat and slip to be $26,000. The first-year costs are estimated to be $15,000. In subsequent years, the costs will drop to a fraction of the first year costs, so the value will still be strongly positive, in terms of dollars and cents. In terms of service to the special-needs people we serve, the continuing value will be… well, priceless.

SOFTIN invites you to help,

Capt. David Bacon
Executive Director,
SOFTIN
dbacon@softininc.org
www.softininc.org

PS: We do not charge our special needs passengers. Our work is to benefit them.