Tuesday's celebratory send-off for Ocean Classroom 2012 builds on the nineteen year legacy of this prototypic program. No school does what Proctor does, because no school shares our mission. Melding a college prep academic curriculum to a ten-week adventure at sea is an accomplishment that evolved from the pre-existing (1973) Mountain Classroom. This is the 130-foot topsail schooner Harvey Gamage in Gloucester as parents boarded for farewells.



For twenty-two students, this is the start of an experience that they have anticipated for the seven months since they applied and were selected for the program. They know the challenges and very hard work that will be presented, but they chose to take this challenge, this risk, this transformation. 



Tuesday's event was an opportunity for parents, grandparents, siblings and friends to celebrate--in advance--a wholly unique educational adventure.



Experiential programs, including Costa Rica, Proctor in Spain, European Art Classroom and Ocean Classroom are at the very core of our mission, and communicate a great deal about why and how we do what we do on campus: woods teams, boat building, etc. Early Wednesday morning, the wind clocked from south to northwest, and the Harvey Gamage set off for Stellwagen Bank on a broad reach. This leg to Mystic, Connecticut should be fast!

Andover kids pose at the wheel for the local newspaper:



As they part, every parent says, "I love you," but the message I love hearing from parents--to their kids, again and again--is "I'm so proud of you!" because it conveys the empowerment we teach. We have a vision, and everyone is on board.





I said to the Captain, "This such an amazing group of kids!" And he replied, "Kids from Proctor are always amazing." To which I responded, "It's not every teenager who will take the risk."

He nodded. They are going to have a great, transformational experience!