Bermuda Sloop Foundation General Information Contact Information Nonprofit Bermuda Sloop Foundation Address P.O. Box HM 2442 Hamilton, HM JX Phone (441) 737-5665 Fax 441 297-5667 Web Site Web Site Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Email diana.martin@bermudasloop.org At A Glance Charity Registration Number 545 Year of Incorporation 1998 Certification & Accreditation The ship is certified under the ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) standards. Although there is no formal body to be accredited by, our programs follow best practices for experiential learning and youth development in the sail training industry. In 2007, the Bermuda Sloop Foundation won the highly respected Best Sail Training Program Award from ASTA (American Sail Training Association). 1
Mission & Impact Statements Mission OUR MISSION is to change lives, one voyage at a time, over time. Bermuda Sloop Foundation recognizes that children learn differently, and many of Bermuda s youths do not acquire information optimally in a traditional classroom setting. On board our floating classroom, Spirit of Bermuda, we provide character and educational development for these and other Bermuda youth using the unique attributes of structured experiential learning through sail training (learning by doing). By providing this alternative learning environment, we strive to increase their positive life outcomes, to encourage and develop leadership skills, and to create awareness of and pathways to technical, mechanical and marine-related careers for young Bermudians. In striving towards this mission, we aim to make full use of sail training vessel, 'Spirit of Bermuda', as a Rite of Passage for all public middle school students aged 12 to 14. Beyond the initial programme experience, follow-up voyages provide further educational and character development that will help make our youths productive community citizens. We seek to expose young people to the opportunity of pursuing tertiary education, or certifications, in specialized maritime or related technical fields and are looking to expand our relationships with shipping and related companies in Bermuda who may be able to assist by providing on board ship experience through and beyond Maritime institution experience and education. 'Spirit of Bermuda' is a floating classroom, and our programme has become a rite of passage for these youths. We have served over 4,000 youths since inception! Background The idea of delivering a first class Character Education Programme using a tall ship designed after the schooners that our ancestors built in the 1800's was conceived in 1996. Being sailors themselves, the Founders believed that experiential learning through sail training was one of the best ways to help combat the growing negative social issues that were plaguing our youth. After being built in Rockport, Maine, Spirit of Bermuda sailed into Bermuda for the first time in late 2006 and soon after held its first school voyage with students from the M3 public school level. In 2007, the Foundation was awarded the Sail Training Programme of the Year Award by Tall Ships America. Since then, Spirit has provided life-changing experiences to more than 4,000 young people by way of school voyages, summer voyages and overseas voyages. It did not take long for Spirit of Bermuda to become a national icon and known as an excellent provider of education and character development. In 2013, the Foundation endeavored to increase the impact the youth programme was having. By the start of the 2014/2015 academic year, exciting changes were in place, including the adoption of Franklin Covey's 7-Habits character development programme, the integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in support of the public middle school Cambridge curricula, the implementation of a certified professional development training for teachers. Bermuda Sloop Foundation will be strongly collaborating with school professionals and/or other mentoring or social services on an as-needed basis. This will provide a continuum of education and character development for the 12 18 yrs. in most need. These professionals and organizations have the common mission of positively impacting the segment of our youth who are most at risk of leading less productive lives. By aligning our principles, amalgamating our behaviour assessment processes, and ensuring that our programmes successfully complement each other, we will mutually strengthen the impact of our respective programmes. 2
Impact GOALS:Expose Bermuda s youth to critical life skills through experiential learning To Provide an alternative learning environment (direct experiences related to STEM curriculum) for those who learn differently from typical classroom methods To Provide positive experiences to youth and offer alternative life choices To Expose our youth to our maritime history and today s maritime career opportunities To Empower youth to represent themselves and Bermuda as ambassadors in overseas ports, which includes presentations and ship tours. To Be a national icon of youth education and character development in Bermuda These are are goals every year, and we are eagerly anticipating our summertime 2016 followup "Ambassador Voyage" - a 21-day voyage from Bermuda to Chesapeake Bay and back. All students and crew on board will be pleased to have Lamar Caines of Bermuda Tourism Authority on board as Education Officer for this voyage. He will conduct the Tourism Authority's Bermuda Ambassador programme, and certify all those on board (provided they fulfill the requirements). Our students will be representing Bermuda at BTA events in the Chesapeake Bay area and Philadelphia before returning to Bermuda. Programme Goals for 2016/2017: 1. Utilise trainee tracking information and assessments for ongoing programme enhancement; 2. Recruitment and development of crew, including student trainees and professional crew; 3. Continue refinement of outcome reporting Needs 1. Student Bursary Funding: All public school middle school students (12-14 years of age) have the opportunity to participate on a school voyage week AT NO CHARGE. This is unique in the sail training world, and essential in Bermuda, as most (90%) of these students would not be able to participate otherwise. We rely 100% on donations to fund these bursaries provided. $26,500 per voyage, for 15-22 voyages per year required.2. As Spirit is now ten years old, much yard work is anticipated in the coming two years to keep Spirit in top shape and compliant with Maritime regulations and standards. $150,000 per year for the next three years.3. IT: $150,000 is required to upgrade/replace our IT equipment and software, much of which has been donated over the past ten years, and to provide IT and technical support and training for our staff and crew. This will greatly improve office productivity and improve communication and record-keeping, and statistical reporting between ship, office, schools and students. A modern, up-to-date IT system and software would be a "gamechanger" for BSF.4. Memberships: a new initiative, memberships start at any amount and there are several categories. The 400 Club is to raise $400,000 annually by recruitment of 400 members who are willing to donate/pledge $1,000 per year. Membership provides us with the ability to anticipate certain income, and memberships are renewable annually in January.5. Equipment: Spirit of Bermuda is always in need of equipment and parts, from snorkel, scuba gear, to generator and engine parts, new refridgeration system, lines, winches and more. Any amount donated specifically will be applied towards such purchases. Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer Mail a cheque payable to Bermuda Sloop Foundation: P.O. Box HM 2442, Hamilton HM JX, BermudaDirect donation to BSF account at HSBC: 006 049639 001 (BD$) or 006 049639 511 (US$) US donors: click on the link for Give Bermuda BSF donation for 501c3 donations: http://givebermuda.guidestar.org/profile/1150521/bermuda-sloop-foundation.aspxcredit Card Donations: call our office at 1 441 737-5667 to make a donation using a credit card. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME: contact frontdesk@bermudasloop.org. We often need assistance with mailings, special events, on the ship with soft maintenance like varnishing and polishing, cleaning and general ship upkeep. Areas of Service Areas Served All Bermuda Our expeditionary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum and character development programme (7 Habits) are offered AT NO CHARGE to every public school middle school child M3 students (13-14 years of age). This has only been possible due to incredible community support, from businesses, individuals and sail training enthusiasts. This makes our sail training organisation unique, as we are not aware of any others who are able to offer such programmes at no charge to students. 3
CEO Statement Not even the "Founding Fathers" of Bermuda Sloop Foundation could have envisaged that Spirit of Bermuda would become a national icon so quickly. Because our programme impacts the lives of an entire school year class and their families, the ship has quickly become as iconic as the Bermuda Longtail or the Gombeys! As such, Spirit is asked to represent Bermuda overseas for Bermuda Tourism Authority (by hosting travel agent receptions on board when Spirit is in port), and locally for special events (St. George's Foundation, America's Cup Community Outreach programme organisers and others). Spirit of Bermuda has come to represent THE SPIRIT OF BERMUDA - her maritime history, Bermudians' pride in our heritage, and renewed understanding of Bermuda's role in important maritime renovation (Bermuda sloop rig) and historical maritime events. 4
Programs Programs Core Middle School Expeditionary Learning Voyage Description Our core programme is a 5-day voyage for every Middle school student; an expedition in which old habits and thinking are left ashore and new ones are embraced. The youth set out to explore the unknown as crew and in the process discover and connect with themselves and the world around them-- building confidence in themselves, in their ability to trust others, and in the power of teamwork. The learning experience is active, challenging and meaningful. The challenges of these new physical and emotional experiences lead to a new awareness, sensitivity and understanding of self and others. The STEAM of sailing a Bermuda sloop connects with academic concepts. In addition, we facilitate exploration of alternate pathways to potential careers in maritime, technical, and mechanical fields. To date, over 4000 youth have been impacted by our programmes. Budget $26,500.00 5
Summer Voyages Overseas Description Summer Voyage Summary Our summer voyages are mixed gender voyages available to youth over the age of 15 yrs. Past voyages have included trips to Jamestown, VA; Tall Ship Festivals in different US locations; the Canadian Maritimes; Azores; service missions to the Dominican Republic and Haiti; and more. The educational component is determined by the purpose and objectives of the voyage. A summer voyage is an enhanced experience that involves a watch system to accommodate overnight sailing; increased ship responsibility; and a greater test of resilience. And it CAN and IS PROVEN to create pathways to a mechanical, technical and maritime education, careers, and/or employment. Overseas voyages (Ambassador Voyages) are approximately 3 weeks long at a cost of $26,500 per week, plus or minus. Budget $80,000.00 Program Success Monitored By The Bermuda Sloop Foundation's youth development programme is designed to result in improved character and resilience in students. The measurable results we expect to see are similar to those well-documented in the sail training literature: the ability to work with others, understand the value of being responsible, etc. Through well- defined and purposeful educational activities related to these goals, we see positive results. Our core ethos is to use sail training to inspire and change lives. The sail training experience against the backdrop of the Bermuda natural environment provides the ideal expeditionary learning classroom. Examples of Program Success Student Testimonials 2015-2016 Spirit of Bermuda ** As written by the students in their Voyage Passports ** I learned that you have to talk to people to understand ~Davonte (Clearwater Middle School) My high tide for today was going swimming, sailing and seeing the team Oracle boats go cross the others ~Kaniyah (Clearwater Middle School) I learned how to work with a team and co-operate with others and not to be negative to others and always treat others how I would want them to treat me. ~Andrew (Clearwater Middle School) I want to remember that without a team you cant always do a job. And when it s time to do work than save all the playing for free time. But most of all I want to remember that the food on the boat is good. ~Davonte (Clearwater Middle School) I want to remember that without a team you cant always do a job. I am a changed man (boy) after tonight! I feel like I overcame some fears. 6
Governance Board Chair Board Chair David Goodwin Term Jan 2015 to Dec 2018 Board Members Name Affiliation Status Alan Burland Community Volunteer Voting Andrew Burnett Herkes Retired. Marine Ops Committee Chair Voting Jim Butterfield Community Volunteer Voting John Cooper Community Volunteer Voting George Cubbon Community Volunteer Voting Scott Davis Community Volunteer Voting Deanna Durham Community Volunteer Voting Rees Fletcher Community Volunteer Voting David Goodwin Community Volunteer Voting Jennifer Goodwin Community Volunteer Voting Jay Kempe Community Volunteer Voting Malcolm Kirkland Community Volunteer Voting 7
Management Executive Director/CEO Executive Director Diana Lee Martin Term Start Nov 2014 Email diana.martin@bermudasloop.org Experience CEO was formerly a Board member responsible for Marketing and Public Relations for the Foundation. She has a history of volunteerism for various charitable organisations in Bermuda, and management experience in the hospitality industry, publishing, and the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce. Former CEOs Name Term Diana Lee Martin Dec 2014 - July 2017 Denise Riviere Jan 2009 - Nov 0 Staff Full Time Staff 11 Part Time Staff 2 Volunteers 20 Contractors 3 Retention Rate 85% Plans & Policies Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan? Under Development Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan? Yes Number of years Strategic Plan Considers 3 When was Strategic Plan adopted? Aug 2015 In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place? Under Development Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan? Yes Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy? Under Development Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy? No 8
Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy? No Does the organization have a Good Governance Policy? No Does the organization have a Vulnerable Persons Policy? Yes Awards Awards Award/Recognition Organization Year Vessel Operator of the Year (Small Vessels) Sail Training Programme of the Year Sail Training International 2016 Sail Training International 2017 Senior Staff Lauren Yelle-Simmons Title Experience/Biography Education and Programme Manager Lauren is a trained and experienced scientist who has shifted to an administrative position with great success. Her extensive teaching experience and work with young persons at Bermuda Institute Ocean Sciences previously, have contributed to her ability to plan ahead, work very well with our crew and trainee student crew as well as other management staff. Lauren also enjoys excellent relationships with the public school heads, teachers and Ministry of Education staff with whom we work. CEO Comments Due to the nature of our business, our crew members are all trainees, and as such, aspire towards further education in the maritime industry. As a result, we have quite a bit of turnover as watch leaders move on towards achieving their goals and heading to maritime academies or to pursue other educational goals. Staffing offices is always a challenge for charities, as it is difficult to compete with the private sector in terms of salaries offered, benefits, etc. Office staffing is also dependent on the success of fund raising efforts, and over the past few years, it has been challenging to raise the funds needed to ideally staff the office. 9
Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Sept 01 2015 Fiscal Year End Aug 31 2016 Average Annual Operating Costs 1800000 Projected Revenue $1,800,000.00 Projected Expenses $1,800,000.00 Endowment Value $0.00 Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected) 0% Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year 2019 2018 2017 Total Revenue -- -- -- Total Expenses -- -- -- Capital Campaign Is the organization currently conducting a Capital Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a major asset? Yes Campaign Purpose BSF is in it's 10th year of operation. Spirit of Bermuda has been very well used, and is in need of refurbishment to keep her operating at Maritime Administration standards and requirements. As a result, we are soon to launch a $400,000 Refurbishment Appeal. Capital Campaign Goal $400,000.00 Campaign Start and End Dates Sept 2016 to Aug 2018 Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? Yes Organization Comments Great strides have been made in the past two years to reduce mortgage and loan, and other liabilities. Much has been achieved, and our next audited financials will demonstrate even more improvement in these areas. We are pleased to have concentrated on getting our accounts "ship shape" as we strive to be sustainable for the future and for the benefit of Bermuda's youth. Created 03.28.2019. Copyright 2019 10