The week at sea has proven to build resilience. Many of the kids reported that they found out things about themselves they did not know such as going without technology for a week, physically and mentally pushing themselves with daily structure and routine, and mastering new skills."

I went on the Schooner Mystic for the Sea Challenge program last summer for a week in August and learned a lot of things during my stay. I really enjoyed the staff that I sailed with… they had a very big impact on me and the way I see things. The whole experience was honestly amazing; life changing. I've been really interested in the program, experience, and people ever since. I would love to work with everyone again and participate in the program and learn many more things about sailing."

I overheard a conversation during a debriefing a few years ago where a trainee was asked what his favorite part of the trip was. He answered 'My bunk.' The board member was taken aback and said 'Your bunk’s 30 inches wide, curved to fit the hull’s shape and consists of a mattress made of an inch and a half of cotton batting laying on top of plywood. What’s so special about your bunk?'. To which the trainee responded 'I never had a bed all to myself before.' ”

I saw firsthand how the youth were positively impacted by this experience, whether it was not giving up when things got tough, finding a new love for sailing, feeling like they belonged for the first time, or feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride."