We like to write about the things that make QBE sailing expeditions a bit... different. We use this space to showcase some of the amazing places we visit, some of the special events we attend, and some of the summer fun we have (e.g., swimming and exploring). But here’s one example of something that undoubtedly sets us apart: our August crew members all wanted to help peel their own potatoes this past week (seriously)—a team peeling exercise! And a fine job they did. Team building and bonding are points of emphasis on QBE expeditions.
GRACE
In an effort to improve our search rankings, we call ourselves a “a sailing camp,” “an outdoor leadership school,” “a summer enrichment program(me),” “a treasure trove of university admission essay ideas,” and a few dozen other things. And, in one sense or another, all that is true. Teens learn how to sail a traditionally rigged boat; they discover postcard places and unfamiliar cultures; they make great new friends; and they learn something about teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Each expedition provides an expansive array of new experiences and lessons for our crew members to assimilate.
But if we had to net it out, the QBE team (including our volunteers) strive most of all to be a channel of GRACE. Along with teaching young adults how to chart a nautical course, we help them find their own coordinates and think about future directions. As we sail from port to port, we see new confidence and character emerging day by day. Our sailing expeditions prove to crew members that they’re capable of more than they think they are. And that constantly emerging recognition of personal agency helps them see their inestimable worth and impressive potential. We can honestly say that when our courses work the way they’re designed to, which is most of the time, they do in fact confer a transformative grace.