Ocean Adventure Together!

Pilot project or new program

Barriers exist that impede the equable enjoyment of our coasts and ocean. For underrepresented and underserved youth, these barriers can be socially, economically, psychologically, and geographically based. A young person’s ability to access the coast is significantly impacted by cost and how far they live from it. Less obvious but equally impactful barriers are a parent’s awareness and attitude toward recreational activities on the coast. In underrepresented and underserved communities, parental knowledge of water-based activities can be limited, translating to significant psychological and social barriers for children. Parents in these demographics tend to be more accustomed to higher levels of risk and lower qualities and availability of resources, and therefore take a more substantial role in “bridging” their child’s extracurricular activities. Therefore, parents are more apprehensive about trying a new activity or one that includes an unfamiliar environment.

For 28 years, LAMI has been providing safe at-sea experiential education programs to underserved young people. The 'hands-on' active learning, self-discovery, and connection to nature that occur through the challenge of sailing a tall ship and the joy of playing in and on the ocean are profound. LAMI crew are trained educators and experts in sailing and water safety and skilled at working with all levels of comfort and abilities when it comes to time at sea. The foundation of LAMI's mission is to provide underserved young people access to the empowering and life-changing benefits, the increased situational and self-awareness, and the importance of environmental stewardship that comes from at and in the sea experiences.

LAMI believes an individual’s and, arguably, a society’s authentic and successful stewardship of the natural environment is rooted in the progression from enjoyment, then connection, followed by awareness and concern, resulting in a deeply felt and acted upon care for our natural world. Therefore, the first step is introducing people at an early age to the simple but profound enjoyment that is sparked by recreating in nature. The students’ appreciation for and knowledge of our natural world and their competency in it will be shared with parents, schools, and communities in follow-up engagement opportunities, spreading the knowledge and importance of equitable coastal access and recreation.

LAMI’s Ocean Adventure Together Program will allow people who do not have equal access to the ocean and coast– due to social, economic, and geographical barriers– an opportunity for the joy and personal growth that results from experiencing time in and on the sea. Success will also be confirmed by participant’s elevated awareness of the accessibility of the coastal natural resources, their comfort levels with on and in the water activities, their confidence in themselves, and their awareness and concern for our coast and ocean environments. Changes of participant, parent, and community perceptions and knowledge will be measured through before and after program participation surveys.