Youth to Ocean is a 501c3 non-profit organization, incorporated in 2012, based in Folly Beach, SC. We believe that the time we have spent outdoors, enjoying water sports and the natural environment has benefited us, mentally and physically.
Our goal is to provide positive youth development through opportunities in water sports, environmental education, and exploration of nature, especially for underserved and at-risk youth.
Last year, we provided outings for over 250 youth in the Charleston area for free. We did surf lessons on Kiawah, Folly Beach, and Isle of Palms. We kayaked on the Upper Ashley River at Middleton Place, learned to stand-up paddle board with dolphins on the Folly River, and were able to explore Bull’s Island. We learned how barrier islands move, why litter is bad for turtles, how dolphins talk, how pelicans catch fish, and most of all, how to have fun on the water.
This summer, we are excited to offer our best program yet; The Young Waterman & Waterwoman Program
Waˑterˑman/Waˑterˑwoˑman noun \ˈwȯ-tər-mən, ˈwä-\ \ˈwȯ-tər-wu̇-mən\ : One who masters all oceanic skills. The revered waterman can fish, dive, surf, windsurf, kayak, bodysurf, SUP, sail, interpret nature, predict weather, and preform water rescues. The waterman never fears the water, but always respects its power. Watermen/women know and respect all the creatures they share the sea with.
The YW program will use water sports and positive mentors to challenge, inspire, and educate youth. We believe that youth need a little more adventure in their life. We hope that by introducing particular youth to this lifestyle, we can change their future.
We will provide weekly outings led by experienced, professional guides and water sports instructors. Certified lifeguards will be on all outings. We will start this program by learning water safety and swimming skills in the pool, then make our way to the beach. We will learn the basics of kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, and more. We will explore our local ecosystems and the flora and fauna that call them home. Every week we will embark on a new adventure and focus on new skills.
We also want to use this program as an incentive for participants. A student who gets in trouble in school may have to volunteer picking up trash on the beach before participating in the next outing. During the school year, they will need to keep up grades to continue participation.
We are looking for good kids that may not have access to watersport, kids that need constructive activities to do this summer, and kids that are at-risk of going down the wrong path. We would like to create a group of around 10-20 kids. We plan to provide transportation from a meeting place to the location of our outing. Our outings will normally be on or near Folly Beach.
We are looking to partner with people and organizations to help us put together a group of young people who would benefit from this program.
LEARN MORE & CONTACT US:
http://www.y2o.org
https://www.facebook.com/youth2ocean
