Marissa Kappus, Public Relations Coordinator Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL: Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Club members are making a splash this
summer through a partnership with Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation (TCYSF). Together, the organizations are giving local youth opportunities to get out on the water and experience the joys of sailing.
Led by TCYSF Program Director Ernie Small, Club members from Port St. Lucie’s Ken Pruitt Clubhouse were taught the basics of sailing before venturing to Jaycee Park where they manned their sail for the first time.
“Sailing teaches kids to have respect for the water,” said Small. “It helps them learn responsibility not only for the boat they’re sailing, but for their fellow sailors as well.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County offers Club members daily access to programs that promote healthy habits, leadership development, career and interest exploration, as well as social emotional learning. Often, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County will partner with local businesses to provide outlets for Club members to explore new activities while developing skills they might not have acquired otherwise.
“This was the first sailing experience for all who participated, and it’s such a great feeling knowing our Club members will cherish this moment forever,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Club Director Jaqueline Gonzalez. “Not many children their age can say they’ve gone sailing, let alone given the opportunity to do it for free.”
Future sailing dates are in the works for Club members who wish to continue their nautical adventures.
