Squeakybrat Staff Update Day 1
Location:
It is just about go-time and our shipmates have been much anticipated! Our new home, Squeakybrat, is all packed up with food fuel and water, her flag is flying high and just about ready to be under way for the best summer ever! The shipmates will fly in today and get low-down for the next 3 weeks. Over their time aboard, it is the staff’s intentions to teach and instruct sailing to the standards respected by International Yacht Training. Alongside obtaining a certificate, it is our goal as staff, to “stand-by” the end of the program, to totally hand off as the students sail Squeakybrat to their new abilities. As much as being on the water will be a way of life during their time in paradise, so will life below the water! Our lovely dive instructor, Sierra, plans to PADI open water certify those who have never dove before. Collectively it is our goal to provide a safe, fun and educational environment for our students. We also strive to watch them reach new heights in their own personal growth. We will do this through the means of various activities including water skiing, dinghy sailing, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as responsibility, accountability and team building! These next few weeks are going to ROCK. An unforgettable experience aboard Squeaky B awaits…
Here is an introduction to the crew of Squeaky Brat:
Griffin- Skipper/EMT
Born and raised in Nebraska, Griffin was not accustomed to the water until attending a camp in northern Minnesota at the age of eight. This is where he learned to sail and fell in love with the adventure and beauty of the water. The fall after graduating high school, he turned down acceptance to many universities to follow his dreams of sailing with Seamester. After completing the program he moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he earned his RYA Yachtmaster 200 ton. In the last year, Griffin became an EMT. Griffin is a passionate sportsman who enjoys hunting, tennis, and golf. This is Griffin's second summer with ActionQuest and he is looking forward to another fun-filled summer.
Sierra- Dive Instructor/Mate
From the state of Michigan, Sierra has always had a passion for the water. She is going on her third year of college at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, a four-year program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Technology, an Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate License, and Great Lakes Pilotage. Needless to say, after Sierra graduates, she will be working as an officer on the big boats. While attending school, Sierra is also a Midshipman in the Navy Reserve Strategic Sealift Officer Program. With her spare time she enjoys traveling, hiking, paddle boarding, working out and spending time with friends and family. On her summer off from school Sierra is ecstatic to be able to come down to the islands to share her knowledge and passion of diving with others. She began diving in the Great Lakes at the age of eleven through the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Through this program, Sierra was able to advance her way up to Rescue Diver. She was a part of the Elite Dive Team and has worked with NOAA to conduct underwater research on the Great Lakes. Sierra was a shipmate at ActionQuest for two years and loved the atmosphere the program had to offer. Here, she obtained her Divemaster certification and went on to get her Instructor to help others discover their own passion and love for diving.
Megan- Mate/EMT
Megan is stoked to be joining ActionQuest for the summer! Ever since her time as a shipmate in 2007 / 2008 and sailing with Seamester in 2009, she grew a deep found love for the majestic seas. Megan’s hometown is Orlando, Florida where the water, sun, and sand are a way of life. Her passion for the ocean played a big role in deciding where she would pursue her Bachelor's degree in Sports Event Management. During college Megan enjoyed competing in Division I beach/indoor volleyball as well as taking a summer semester to study abroad in Venice, Italy. Today Megan thrives in an operating relations position for a children’s recreation and event company. Feeling a deep call and internal responsibility, Megan recently obtained her EMT certification. Megan’s heart is to share her experience, passion, and education with the younger generation; encouraging them in a secure yet challenging environment where they will experience personal growth! Many say Meg is down to earth, funny, and vibrant! She enjoys mentoring teens, paddle boarding, writing, photography, and serving at her local church.