Flotilla 8-6 is
initiating a cooperative venture with Aquarian Quest that we had two
years ago. (Their boat was out of commission last year).
In a unique
educational program, Aquarian Quest uses a replica of the 72 foot
Biloxi Gulf Coast Schooner. This was typical of the shallow draft
boats that ran up and down the west coast of Florida carrying
everything from people to products in the 1800-1900s.
Bob Killian, who runs the
educational program for school groups, docks the boat at the city
dock on Casey Key adjacent to DIRAUX WEST. Groups meet in the
mornings and participate in four learning centers on board as they
navigate the intracoastal and go into the Gulf for approximately two
hours. Their centers concentrate on how we impact the marine
environment today. They've added a station on "finding your position
on water" which equates to the dead reckoning/finding fixes that we
teach our boating/navigation classes.
The Daniel Webster Clemens goes
out daily with a crew and teachers who work with the different
school classes or community groups (Scouts, etc) to give them a
hands-on science experience.
Lou Magyar
(DIRAUX WEST) met with the organizers recently and agreed to let
them use water and electricity at the moorings in exchange for our
people performing a short (10-15") presentation/class on life jacket
use, water safety, Waterway Watch, and the Auxiliary prior to their
departure each morning. This takes place for about two-three months.
Flotilla 8-6 instructors will educate approximately 40 children a
day for each day the schooner goes out.
This gives us a great way to pass
water safety along to many children who would not otherwise be able
to experience this. We need volunteers to assist us in teaching for about 15 minutes in
the mornings at the city dock adjacent to the moorings. The times
vary but we usually meet the children around 9:30 or 10:00am and
give a brief presentation prior to their boarding the ship and
leaving for their study. You do not need to be an instructor to do
this.
Please call or email me to let me know if you can assist.
AL BIDWICK, FSO-PA
October 2005