Blue Peter Australia
Queensland, AUSTRALIA
Sailing connects us to ourselves, to others and to the world around us in the most beautiful ways; a visceral and very organic process that teaches us to be responsive to natural rhythms – being more attuned to the various waves, tides and weather patterns that affect our physical, emotional, social and cerebral world.
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Blue Wren Adventures had the pleasure of chatting with Jonathan “Jono” Goss from Blue Peter Australia, about the philosophies and approaches adopted in sailing training programs. This conversation was an eye-opening experience of shared values and allied purpose. Blue Peter Australia’s vision is “to create an effective, caring and resilient sail training community as a positive, and deliberate response to the trauma within our social and natural environments”. Their programs involve small groups, intentionally journeying in open boats and using other adventurous activities as mediums for learning and growth. A range of abilities are required for teamwork in complex environments, and this forms the core of the Blue Peter curriculum. Blue Peter has seen this as an effective way of working with young people, and in teaching them the values of personal growth, community service and nature conservation.
Today, Blue Peter is committed to a strong community of practice to develop programs that are fun, meaningful and well supported. Expeditions are held in Moreton Bay, Queensland Australia, typically over five or ten days consisting of sailing, paddling and camping on beautiful beaches - starting each day |
with a yoga circle and amazing breakfast. Skippers are collaborative - for them, nurturing self- awareness, practical sailing and expedition skills, interpersonal connections and friendships, stewardship, inclusive decision making and group leadership are fundamental life skills.
Experiential learning programs stem from the belief in the creation of a unique educational environment; one that is non-hierarchical and systemic. Participants become fully immersed in their experience, and fully present to the program. Dealing carefully with higher levels of risks, our programs allow for much deeper learning that occurs within these encounters. “People need to respond, and we learn what to do when things don’t go to plan”. Our self-awareness, confidence and appreciation grows as a result of this individualized group work methodology. While each individual experiences a development in themselves, they also learn as a collective. Blue Peter believes that sailing can be used as a metaphor for the stewardship of this planet- “This ship is seen as a whole; everyone has a role to play; and we have to stay connected and communicate effectively with each other”. |
To understand more about Blue Peter Australia, or if you would like to get involved, reach out on their website, bluepeteraustralia.com
