Photo courtesy of Zach Simonson-Bond
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Sound Experience sails the historic schooner
Adventuress to educate, inspire, and empower an inclusive community to make a difference for the future of our marine environment.
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Calling all Women, Teens, Families, Grandparents, Grandchildren, and Grown Ups... Join us for a 2016 Overnight Trip!
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Dear Friends,
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Maybe, in recent, sunny weeks, you've looked out at the water and seen it sparkling and blue and beckoning. Perhaps you've imagined exploring the San Juan Islands, or even the waterways that might be closer to home—in Bellingham, Seattle, or Anacortes. If you've been bitten by the sailing bug, we hope you'll join us this spring and summer on
Adventuress for a Public Sail or overnight trip.
Are you a woman hoping to gain confidence on the water while learning about the marine environment?
Then step aboard for Women at the Helm.
Do you know a teen who would benefit from living on a 103-year-old tall ship while developing marine science and leadership skills?
Then sign up your teen for Fantastic Voyage or Girls at the Helm.
Are you a grandparent hoping to strengthen the bond with your grandchild in a new and unique way?
Then make plans to sail this summer on one of our three Road Scholar Intergenerational Voyages. You can also scroll down to read what grandparent Gayle Schlenker had to say about the experience (pssst... she called it "the best vacation we ever had with our grandchildren").
Are you an adult who loves Puget Sound and wants to get out on the water?
Then step aboard for the Members Only Expedition or the Road Scholar Snapshot.
Do you have a dad in your life who you want to celebrate in a way that will stand out for years to come?
Then bring your dad aboard for free for a Father's Day Sail.
There's something for everyone, but there won't be for long—our Road Scholar Snapshot trip at the end of August is already full, and other programs may soon follow suit. Now is the time to sign up... Seriously!
I hope to see you aboard,
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Zoë Ballering
Membership and Public Programs Coordinator
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GiveBIG Challenges and Opportunities
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Dear Friends,
I’ll be honest. When the Seattle Foundation’s online platform for the single biggest day of giving in the Puget Sound region “choked” from the sheer volume of contributions, I froze, too. In recent years, this campaign has become a critical annual event that brings in the revenue that hundreds of nonprofits in our region rely on to deliver their missions—including Sound Experience. The failure of technology that day was likely everyone’s worst nightmare. It was mine.
Despite the challenges on May 3rd—including many who tell us it took multiple tries to make their gift through the Seattle Foundation’s website—the day was a success. You, our incredible community of supporters, persevered! Together, you raised $7,428 to support our environmental and youth-development programs aboard
Adventuress. Your support will change lives. We can't thank you enough.
We suspect, however, that some of you were thwarted in your effort to participate in GiveBIG. It just makes sense. Our lives are blessedly busy and full; I’m honestly not sure how many times I would have tried to donate online before throwing in the towel that day (I was fortunate to have taken advantage of the option to schedule my own GiveBIG gift in advance).
So… in truth… we didn’t meet our goal on May 3rd. And, like most nonprofits, the financial need remains as we seek to raise funds to cover the cost of multi-day, life-changing experiences aboard
Adventuress for the most at-risk teens in our region (who couldn’t otherwise afford to come aboard), and also for the recent unanticipated cost of a new generator (about $8,000) for our beloved ship.
If you wanted to GiveBIG on May 3rd but couldn't, we welcome your financial support today or anytime throughout the year—whenever you are able—to keep
Adventuress sailing strong for our kids, for our environment, and for the future of our marine waterways. Below is a link to our secure online giving page:
Click here to make your donation to Sound Experience.
Thank you, friends, for persevering in your giving on May 3rd and for all of your extraordinary support!
Catherine Collins
Executive Director
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The Difference
Adventuress Makes: Gayle
Schlenker Shares the Ship with her Grandsons
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| Gayle's grandson Jude admires the view from on deck. |
Last year, Gayle Schlenker of Arlington, Virginia, posted this review on the Road Scholar website about her Intergenerational Voyage aboard
Adventuress: “This was the best vacation we have ever had with our grandchildren… It could not have been more wonderful.” She recently spoke in greater detail about the experience, sharing stories and favorite memories from the trip that she took with her husband, Henry, and her grandsons Emory and Jude.
Gayle had traveled with Emory and Jude on a different Road Scholar trip several years before, and she was attracted to the idea of doing it again: “I really like the idea of grandparents traveling with grandchildren. It’s much more intensive. It creates a stronger bond to spend special time together without parents.”
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| Gayle climbing aloft. |
Says Gayle, “For all of us, our favorite memory was climbing in the rigging. We all did it. We all cheered for each other. And the crew was so sweet and supportive, they cheered for our cheering. I was the only grandma who made it to the top.” Although this was the standout moment for Gayle and her family, she shared a list of other highlights that read like a short poem dedicated to the small, varied joys of life aboard: “Anchor Watch, seeing the sun rise, seeing a little otter, just being on the water, learning about what needs to be done to protect Puget Sound.”
Gayle also had a lot to say about the crew, and about their skill as educators: “The crew were fantastic. If there was any problem, they were there to fix it. And they were so good at teaching. We learned about plankton, about navigation. We learned all about what it takes to run a boat. Even washing dishes and swabbing the deck felt meaningful.”
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| Grandson Emory relaxes in the bowsprit. |
After the trip, Gayle made an effort to preserve the experience. She created memory books to give to each of her grandsons. Along with pictures, the books include the certificates that all participants receive at the end of an overnight program—complete with short, personal notes from the crew. She read back a meaningful note from Rosie, the Program Coordinator. It was for her younger grandson Jude and it lauded his energy and enthusiasm. Gayle also searched out the Mingulay Boat Song, which Rosie sang during an evening program in which crew and participants shared music, stories, skits, and skills. Says Gayle, “We play it all the time to remind us of being aboard.”
Her grandsons live in Colorado and although she wishes that she could see them more often, she has evidence that the trip had a powerful impact on their lives: “The thank you letters that our grandsons wrote after the trip—I cry just thinking about it. They really, really appreciated the experience.”
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If you're interested in sailing aboard
Adventuress with your grandchild, we're offering three 6-day Road Scholar Intergenerational Voyages: July 17-22, July 31-August 5, and August 14-19. For more information, click here.
Story by Zoë Ballering |
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Sign Up Today for a 2016 Overnight Trip
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We're excited to announce our 2016 schedule for overnight programs, with old favorites, recent additions like Women at the Helm, and a new Fantastic Voyage that will allow returnees to build on their past sailing skills and knowledge of Puget Sound.
Unless otherwise noted, all trips start and end in Anacortes, WA. And remember—Sound Experience Members receive a discount on many of our overnight programs.
Women at the Helm, June 13-16
**Sailing from Seattle, WA**
Returning after its wildly successful inaugural year, this trip offers women 18 and over the chance to join together with our crew of shipboard educators to sail
Adventuress, explore the San Juan Islands, and learn about the marine environment.
Non-Members: $545
Members: $460
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Fantastic Voyage for Teens, Level 1, July 11-16
This Level 1 program offers a fun-filled introduction to
Adventuress and the marine environment. Teens have a chance to explore the San Juan Islands, serve as crew, and learn about the ecology of Puget Sound.
Non-Members: $925
Members: $785
Fantastic Voyage for Teens, Level 2, July 24-29
New!
This new program offers returning teens a chance to expand their sailing skills and knowledge of the marine environment. Participation in a previous Fantastic Voyage is encouraged, but not required. Sound Experience Members who participate in both Fantastic Voyage programs in 2016 receive an additional 10% discount.
Non-Members: $925
Members: $785
Girls at the Helm
Two programs now available!
An opportunity for girls in grades 7-12 to develop their skills and confidence as leaders, sailors, and advocates for the future of Puget Sound. This is our most popular program, so sign up soon to guarantee a spot!
Non-Members: $615
Members: $525
Members Only Expedition, August 26-28
**Open to Sound Experience Members only**
Become a Member of Sound Experience and join us as we sail the waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. This trip is popular with families; children 8 and up are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Adult Member: $325
Child Member: $260
Road Scholar Intergenerational Voyages
- July 17-22
- July 31-August 5
- August 14-19
Step aboard for an unforgettable tall ship exploration with your grandchild! Open to ages 10 and up.
Adult: $899
Child: $749
Road Scholar Snapshot
August 30-September 2
Waitlist Only
Climb aloft, stand anchor watch, and help navigate through the San Juan Islands on this 4-day trip for adults only.
Adult: $539 |
Bring Dad Aboard for Free for our Father's Day Sails
on Sunday, June 19th out of Seattle
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Join us on Father's Day—Sunday, June 19th—for a 3-hour sail out of Seattle's Shilshole Bay Marina. These Specal Event Sails offer a great way to bond with loved ones aboard
Adventuress: help raise the sails, sing a chantey, and enjoy the beauty of Puget Sound. Plus, all dads sail free! The cost for non-fathers is $65/adult and $35/youth (under 18). Please note: Special Event Sails are not included as a Member benefit.
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Bellingham, Seattle, Anacortes—
Step Aboard for a Public Sail in 2016
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With so many chances to sail in ports throughout Puget Sound, why stay ashore? Sign up by clicking on the links below, and remember: Members sail free.
To add your name to the waitlist for a full Public Sail, please call the office at 360-379-0438, ext. 1.
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Thank You to Ben & Jerry's—and to
All Who Ate Ice Cream on April 12th
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Office Watch Members, Ben & Jerry's scoopers, and Sound
Experience volunteer Jarett Kaplan pause for a photo in the
midst of ice cream scooping madness. |
Thank you to our wonderful community for joining us on April 12th for Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. With your ice cream eating support and the amazing generosity of our friends at Ben & Jerry's, we were able to raise crucial funds for our environmental and educational mission aboard
Adventuress. Who knew that eating free ice cream could reap such wonderful benefits?
We're lucky to partner with Ben & Jerry’s, as we share similar values and the desire to impact our greater community. Ben & Jerry’s does all they can to reduce their environmental footprint. From sustainable agricultural practices to taking a stand for climate justice, Ben & Jerry’s continues to chip away at these important issues.
A special shout-out to Rhett and Maria (owners of the three Ben and Jerry's locations that partnered with Sound Experience), the amazing crew of
Adventuress, the expert staff of the scoop shops, and all of our volunteers. You made this hectic and rewarding day a reality! |
Apply to Join our 2016 Crew of Educators
as a Month-Long or Season-Long Intern
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Sound Experience is now hiring month-long and season-long Educator/Deckhand interns for our 2016 sailing season. Step aboard to educate, inspire, and empower participants of all ages and from many walks of life as you model what it looks like to live in an inclusive, intentional community aboard a tall ship dedicated to making a difference for the future of Puget Sound.
We are looking for month-long interns in August, September, and October, as well as a season-long intern for Season 2 (July through October). For information on how to apply, click here. For questions, please contact Education Coordinator Amy Kovacs at amy@soundexp.org. |
Now Scheduling for Fall 2016—
Bring Your School or Youth Group Aboard
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If you're looking for the opportunity to enhance your curriculum through place-based, hands-on, and experiential learning, sign up now for a 2016 program aboard the historic schooner
Adventuress. Don’t miss the chance to step aboard!
We are now taking program reservations for fall of 2016 and beyond. For more information, click here or contact Education Coordinator Amy Kovacs at amy@soundexp.org to ask about available dates. |
A Huge Welcome to Development Associate Lindsey Moyer!
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We're excited to welcome Development Associate Lindsey Moyer to the Office Watch team. Lindsey will help coordinate fundraising campaigns, manage donor stewardship and cultivation, and devote herself to all things Party-related as we prepare for the annual Party for
Adventuress on October 1st at the Seattle Design Center in Georgetown.
Growing up in the Puget Sound region, Lindsey has always had a passion for the marine environment. Lindsey received her B.A. in Environmental Planning and Policy from Western Washington University in 2010. Since graduating, Lindsey has interned with several environmental organizations such as Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association and Conservation Northwest and currently volunteers with Wolf Haven International. She has a strong background in accounting and bookkeeping and spent the past two and half years in KPLU’s development department as Member Services Coordinator. When Lindsey is not on Office Watch, she can be found cooking, reading, hiking, and spending quality time with her boyfriend Nick, dog Xan, and Weebles the cat.
Of working at Sound Experience, Lindsey says, "I’ve always had a passion for Puget Sound and the importance of our marine ecosystem to the overall health of our region. I’m excited to be able to promote the mission of Sound Experience because I think education is the best way to foster and inspire change for the environment." |
Julie Masura and Joshua Berger Join
the Sound Experience Board of Directors
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| New Board Member Julie Masura |
We’re excited to announce that Julie Masura and Joshua Berger will be joining the Sound Experience Board of Directors, bringing the Board to 16 members with combined professional expertise in finance, law, K-12 education, ship-building/maintenance, the business and maritime industry, and nonprofit management.
Julie Masura is a lecturer of Geoscience in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her graduate work as a sedimentologist has led her to study harmful algal blooms in Puget Sound and estuarine processes in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Her field work has expanded to determining the concentrations of microplastics in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Julie has supported the collection of microplastics samples by students aboard
Adventuress and other educational vessels in recent years, adding to the growing body of knowledge about microplastics and the Salish Sea.
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| New Board Member Joshua Berger |
Joshua Berger is the Governor’s Maritime Industry Sector Lead and Director of Economic Development for the Washington State Department of Commerce. Joshua brings to the Board extensive maritime industry experience including Maritime Sector Business Development Manager for the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County; Program Director and Marine Operations Manager at The Evergreen State College; and E3 Regional and Network Coordinator for the Environmental Education Association of Washington. Joshua is a professional Merchant Mariner who has worked in the towing industry and spent six years as Captain of
Adventuress.
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Watch this Video from the Port of Seattle about
Adventuress' Role in Maritime Workforce Development
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Want to see what
Adventuress is up to in the world of maritime workforce development? Then watch this inspiring video from the Port of Seattle featuring Sound Experience Executive Director Catherine Collins, beloved past Captain (and new Board Member!) Joshua Berger, and students from the Maritime Studies classes at Port Townsend High School, who went on a fully-scholarshipped 4-day program at the end of March to learn about the marine environment and maritime careers. |
The Difference You Make: Larry Schildwachter
and Emerald Harbor Marine
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Larry Schildwachter, owner of Emerald Harbor Marine, a marine contracting company based in Seattle’s Elliott Bay Marina, has devoted a great deal of his time, energy, and resources—as an individual and as a business owner—to supporting the schooner
Adventuress. He first came in contact with the ship while attending the Wooden Boat School in 1991, when he and other students helped build her mast. Since then, Larry and Emerald Harbor Marine have supported a long series of projects including the acquisition of state-of-the-art navigation equipment from Furuno and the recent electrical systems upgrade. He even managed to combine his love of music and sailing by supporting both KEXP and Sound Experience with a week's worth of radio spots sharing
Adventuress' mission.
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Explaining why Emerald Harbor Marine chooses to support
Adventuress, Larry says, “The wooden boat world is certainly rooted in the past, but
Adventuress also looks to the future. She’s a metaphor for where we came from, who we are, and where we need to go.” He’s especially attracted to Sound Experience’s commitment to connecting our region’s youth to the marine environment: “The experience of sailing lets young people know that there’s so much more out there. Our local waterways give access to the oceans and our oceans give access to the whole world. Wooden boats like
Adventuress allow us to dream, to aspire, and to see beyond the horizon.”
Larry believes that
Adventuress is in a unique position to make a difference for the future of Puget Sound. He says, “
Adventuress is a perfect spokesmodel for our waterways. She’s an iconic ship. There are so many people who recognize her on the water.” He himself has seen her magic at work; he still remembers sharing a day sail with a friend who had very little experience on boats. Says Larry, “I love that moment when the boat really starts moving and people’s eyes light up and there’s an understanding of what it means to move at seven or eight knots on a 133 foot schooner.”
Asked if there’s a particular project or accomplishment that makes him most proud, Larry takes a more holistic approach to keeping
Adventuress in the best possible condition. Says Larry, “She’s a living ship, she’s made up of many different parts and pieces. There isn’t one project that I can elevate above the rest. We just have a general desire to see her continue for the next one hundred years and beyond.”
Thank you, Larry and Emerald Harbor Marine, for your dedication to keeping
Adventuress sailing strong!
Story by Zoë Ballering |
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Party with your Friends! Join us on October 1st
for the 2016 Party for
Adventuress
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Ever Wanted to be a Captain?
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Now is your chance! Become a Table Captain at Sound Experience’s biggest fundraising event of the year and play an integral role in helping raise funds for
Adventuress and her youth education mission.
This year’s Party for
Adventuress gala will be held on Saturday, October 1st at the Seattle Design Center in trendy Georgetown. This is a fantastic opportunity to invite your friends to learn more about
Adventuress’ mission and her unique and impactful education programs. Tables seat ten people; tickets are $103 per person and include a terrific party, scrumptious dinner, live and silent auctions, and a few fun surprises. For more information, contact Executive Director Catherine Collins at catherine@soundexp.org or call 360-379-0438, ext. 3.
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| Photo courtesy of Jan Anderson |
Marine photographer Jan Anderson has always taken some of the most gorgeous photos of
Adventuress. With Mount Baker in the background during a recent Sail on Port Townsend Bay, this one is no exception. Thanks, Jan!
If you have a photo you'd like to share, please send it to Zoë at zoe@soundexp.org or post it to our Facebook page.
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With Much Appreciation to Our 2015 Gala Sponsors
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