"I want to get off the boat" - engaging with disengaged trainees

Treat all trainees the same, listen carefully to what they say, try to find out what interests a trainee and match it, offer encouragement and always realise trainees have a choice. These are just some of the tips provided to participants of this session.

The three speakers outlined how their own programmes handled trainees who are not, for one reason or another, appearing to participate fully in the sail training voyage and how they attempt to turn the situation around. All the speakers highlighted the importance of listening to the trainees and treating them like individuals, and said they believed the experience worked much better for individuals who were not connected to each other rather than with groups where personalities can often dominate.

Amy Schwartz of the Nova Scotia Sea School, which takes 'at risk' young people out to sea, outlined how they ensure the youngsters are always treated with respect from the registration phase onwards. “It is very easy to alienate a youngster unintentionally just by using the wrong kind of words or phrases, so it is important that everyone in the organisation is aware of the issues,” said Schwartz.

Sheila Budgen of the Spirit of Adventure Trust said the crew knew nothing about any of the trainees before they got on board so there was no chance of treating some differently. The youngsters were always told they could be anyone they wanted to be which allowed them to put old habits to one side if they chose. Budgen also advised that it was deemed less confrontational to stand side-by-side rather than face to face when talking to a trainee and that everyone including the crew should participate in all jobs.

Most sail training programmes, including those for 'at risk' and disadvantaged, have the agreement of the young people before embarking on a voyage. However, the final two speakers, Gerbrand Schutte and John de Haas who operate the vessel De Tukker, take youngsters who have been sent by a judge because of their behaviour. They gave an interesting account of their programme and showed a five minute film highlighting their activities. Schutte then took the delegates through a few of the exercises they do with the youngsters, including spending 30 seconds looking directly into the eyes of the person next to them.

Schutte explained that it was essential to create human contact with these youngsters because they have often grown up with none. Schutte and de Haas advised that it was essential to understand that the youngsters have choice. “We can't change the direction of the wind but a sailor knows that he can work the sails, and so it may be that a trainee chooses to get involved or not and we have to respect that.” Every year 150 young people are taken to sea on De Tukker and 60 percent have responded positively and been helped by the experience.

Speakers

Amy Schwartz, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Sea School, Canada

Sheila Budgen, volunteer, Spirit of Adventure Trust, New Zealand

John de Haas, De Tukker, Netherlands

Gerbrand Schutte, De Tukker, Netherlands