Outdoor Adventure & Leadership Education for College Students
Echo candidates are college students who come to us looking to bring out the leader within, so our staff teach the best principles of leadership by their own example. On this outdoor adventure education program, you'll see that with freedom comes responsibility and you'll be given plenty of both. Facilitated by our senior sailing staff, you and your crew will plan your own voyages and navigate your 50' monohull sailboat through the tropical paradise of the British Virgin Islands. Echo is our most challenging adventure program, preparing college students for future leadership roles. Whether or not you arrive with prior sailing knowledge, you will find yourself in the driver's seat from day one, and you'll take charge of every aspect. The only limit to the Echo experience is your own imagination.
Itinerary
The British Virgin Islands are world renowned for their sailing conditions. You'll start and end in the BVI, experience the thrill of blue water ocean sailing and challege yourself every step of the way. You'll be amazed to snorkel the famous Baths, glide over and through spectacular rock formations at the Indians. Then, get ready for passagemaking - you're in control, contributing to the decision-making all the way. Where will you set sail for next? More on Itinerary
Learning to Lead
You have the makings of a leader. We'll empower you to think, work, and create. We'll concentrate on developing skills that enable you to become a valuable team member, role model and teacher. Our staff members are seasoned experts that will also take you to an advanced sailing level and hone your seamanship skills. Two students will be assigned on a rotating basis to the roles of Captain and Mate and be completely responsible for creating the schedule, running the ship and leading the group throughout the day. It's your time to excel!
No experience is necessary, but students must possess self-initiative, a belief in the importance of teamwork, and the desire to take on challenges. You will be immersed in a comprehensive college-level curriculum specifically focused on leadership, teaching methods, youth mentoring, advanced sailing and seamanship, and safety and emergency management.
Crewmembers are expected to participate fully and at a level that is reflective of their maturity and professional goals. There are daily evaluations and students are expected to make genuine efforts to improve their skills. We expect you to contribute to all organized activities and act responsibly towards the safety and well being of the crew and ship. Commitment to working in groups and the ability to create a strong learning portfolio are essential to success in this course. More on learning
Activities
Although the focus is preparing you for future leadership roles, we still have plenty of time to simply enjoy the Caribbean surroundings. With snorkeling, hiking, island exploration and team challenges, there will also be free-time activities at every harbor. You'll also 'give back' to the islands we visit through community service projects. In the evenings, we will sometimes have social events - dancing to a local band, or dinner at a local beach restaurant where we can sample genuine island cuisine. More on Activities
Optional Courses
Echo students can deepen their experience by taking scuba diving courses. Discover Scuba Diving for beginners, and recreational scuba for those already certified are available during the program. Choose the "Echo with Scuba Certification" program for PADI Open Water Certification or Advanced Open Water Certification courses that are held after the sailing program ends. The pace and curriculum of Echo adventures are fairly intensive, so you'll really enjoy the beauty and serenity of the underwater world. Learn more about Optional Courses