Founded in 2006, the Bermuda Sloop Foundation was formed as a not-for-profit organization with its primary focus – to deliver a series of first class Character Education Programmes using an alternative learning environment aboard a tall ship.
The BSF prides itself on an eight-point value system. These core values are shared with all students who come aboard the ship, are woven into the programmes, and exercised by each participant throughout their voyage.
Responsibility | Accountability | Resilience | Self Confidence | Teamwork | Courage | Pride | Awareness
Responsibility: Students participate in almost every aspect of running the Spirit of Bermuda whether it’s operations, maintenance or basic chores. By entrusting them with tasks, and properly equipping them with the skills they need, we empower the students as individuals and in teams to meet our high standards of operation and to contribute meaningfully to their onboard community.
Accountability: When actions lead to results involving consequences, taking personal responsibility for the outcome is a mark of integrity. When students are entrusted with a task, others will bestow more trust and responsibility on them. Students understand that they are accountable firstly to themselves, then also to their watch, teachers and the professional crew.
Resilience: Persevering through challenges strengthens character. Students are encouraged to push beyond their feelings to work through tasks even when the outlook does not look positive.
Self-confidence: Students are given a non-judgemental space to make honest efforts, correct any mistakes, and grow from their experiences. Drawing lessons from these experiences leads to an increase in self-confidence enabling students to accomplish anything they set their mind to.
Self-confidence: Students are given a non-judgemental space to make honest efforts, correct any mistakes, and grow from their experiences. Drawing lessons from these experiences leads to an increase in self-confidence enabling students to accomplish anything they set their mind to.
Teamwork: Teamwork is more than being present as part of a group. It involves pulling one’s own weight, encouraging teammates when they are down, maintaining a positive group spirit and giving of ourselves to achieve a greater goal. It is looking out for one another so that no one is left behind.
Courage: Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is imperative to living a full life. Students must understand that they will never reach their full potential by staying in the safe zone. Feeling safe, warm and comfortable is lovely, but it only leads to mediocrity.
Pride: Students are encouraged to connect with our collective past and heritage. Understanding where we come from aids in our ability to determine where we want to go.
Awareness: A heightened awareness of the natural environment is the mark of a true mariner. Each voyage will immerse students in their outdoor surroundings to enhance the use of all of their senses, applying this knowledge to their everyday tasks, both individually and within their respective teams.