Young leaders who grow, adapt, and lift each other up—guided by a strong moral compass and a purpose beyond themselves—will shape the future of our schools and communities.
When we invest in their leadership today, we build a more compassionate, resilient, and thriving society for tomorrow.
— R. “Bob” Jones, Superintendent, Madison School District, Phoenix, AZ
Leadership Through Sailing Program
This structured 8-week program integrates personal leadership development with experiential training so that students acquire servant leadership principles. The curriculum empowers participants of any ability to develop personal confidence, influence others who are different, overcome barriers, and initiate change as a servant leader.
Sail Training: Building Skills & Confidence
Our sailing curriculum is based on “Start Sailing Right!” The sailboats are designed and safe for anyone, offering stability and ease of handling, ensuring that every student can sail with confidence and skill.
Core Sailing Topics:
• Sailing Safety – Essential precautions and best practices.
• Boat & Equipment Basics – Understanding the parts and functions.
• Wind Awareness & Points of Sail – Learning how to harness the wind effectively.
• Sailing Essentials – Steering, trimming sails, and boat control.
• Upwind & Downwind Sailing – Techniques for navigating different wind directions.
• Docking & Departing – Mastering smooth launches and returns.
• Course Navigation – Plotting and sailing a designated path.
• Weather Awareness – Recognizing and responding to changing conditions.
• Knots & Lines – Fundamental sailing knots and their practical uses.
Can I touch the water? I've never touched a lake before.
My family back home won’t believe I’m learning to sail.
I love tying knots and making friends—it makes me feel happy again.
— 12-year-old refugee from Afghanistan
Service Leadership Course: Life-Changing Experiential Education in Nature
Sailboats become floating classrooms in nature where students develop leadership and teamwork skills that translate beyond the water. Diverse cohorts—including students with disabilities, at-risk youth and upwardly mobile youth—work together building resilience and problem-solving skills as a steward of the community.
Leadership Development Focus Areas:
• Collaboration & Teamwork – Learning to trust, communicate, and support one another.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Navigating challenges both on and off the water.
• Resilience & Adaptability – Facing changing conditions with confidence and composure.
• Empathy & Inclusion – Understanding different perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Accountability & Responsibility – Taking ownership of actions and their impact on the team.
Core Messages: Through the power of sailing, students gain not just technical skills, but the confidence, independence and leadership skills to thrive in other areas of life.
• Service Leaders: Transforming Communities Through Service
True leadership is found in service. By putting others first, leaders become powerful agents of change fostering healthier, more resilient communities. Their dedication not only sustains life but also inspires a culture of compassion, collaboration, and lasting impact.
• Honoring the Worth of Every Person
Every human being has value, carrying inherent dignity, value and purpose. When we recognize this, we build communities where no one is left behind—where every person is seen, included and empowered to thrive.
• Take Courage: The Power of Vulnerability to Change the World
True courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to be vulnerable. When we embrace authenticity in our lives, we inspire others to do the same. Vulnerability is contagious, creating deep connections and sparking real change in the world around us.
• Sustainability: Strength in Stewardship
True sustainability goes beyond managing resources—it’s about faithfully stewarding relationships, opportunities, and even our struggles. Our pain and weaknesses, when embraced with purpose, can become our greatest assets, shaping a lasting, life-giving influence that endures for generations.
• Leading from the Inside Out: Discovering Strength in the Depths
True leadership isn’t just about skills or influence—it’s about the courage to journey inward. Facing the shadows of doubt and uncertainty can be daunting, but the greatest treasures of leadership—forgiveness, healing, love and hope—are often found in the deepest places of the soul. Leaders who embrace this inner work emerge with authenticity, wisdom, and a message that transforms others from the inside out.
Impact
• Instills leadership qualities in youth through experiential learning.
• Encourages diversity and inclusion within schools and community organizations.
• Develops problem-solving, teamwork, and self-confidence in students.
• Promotes servant leadership as a foundation for civic engagement.
Schedule: Event Times on Saturday Afternoons
There is something so powerful about the life skills my son is learning —on the water and being on a team.
Sailing has a way of breaking down the invisible barriers that so often separate kids like him. Seeing him grow in confidence and connection out there, blows me away.
— Nancy, mom of a 15-year-old autistic sailor