What is the Tall Ship Island Adventure Sea Camp?
A chance to sail away this summer to Catalina Island or the northern Channel Islands for youth ages 10 to 17 years old in search of adventure. Los Angeles Maritime Institute will be sailing all three of our tall ships this year. The twin brigantines, Exy Johnson and Irving Johnson will depart from our dock in San Pedro at the LA Waterfront and the schooner American Pride from our dock at Rainbow Harbor in downtown Long Beach.
How has your summer camp planning been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Yes, the pandemic has affected our camp planning in several ways. In Mid-March of 2020, we created and filled a Safety Officer position to prepare and implement strict COVID-19 protocols for our ships, live aboard crews, classroom, and workshop spaces. Adherence to these protocols has kept us safe and still operating under whatever state, county, or city guidelines happen to be in place at any given time. This is something we monitor daily.
The other big change has been in how we have planned for summer camp. We instituted a no-risk reservation policy last summer and will continue that this summer. We do feel we need to have a back-up hybrid camp model that will institute virtual camps with activity boxes if COVID-19 guidelines force another major shutdown.
What does your camp focus on?
The focus of our camps is creating a love and respect for the ocean and nature. To offer young people a chance to try something new and become aware of their personal interests and strengths. Sailing tall ships is one of the most amazing experiences a person can have and we are a unique opportunity here in Los Angeles and even compared to some other tall ship sailing operations in other parts of the country.
How long has the Los Angeles Maritime Institute existed?
We are a non-profit organization founded 29 years ago by an LAUSD science teacher who had his own sailboat and found that his students engaged more with science concepts when out sailing; that team building and leadership skills grow out of the sailing experience.
Any parting thoughts?
This year more than ever we are working hard to not to turn away any young person who is interested in joining one of our adventures due to financial need.
We hope that families find a welcome change of pace and respite from all the screen time with our in-person day camps. Our multi-day voyages are life-changing. We have former campers that come back as counselors, pursue careers in marine biology, decide to go to a Maritime Academy, sail the world as a deckhand or pursue their captain or mate licenses.
To sign up for summer camp or to sponsor a camper visit: lamitopsail.org/seacamp/ or call the LAMI office at 310-833-6055
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