Just enough wind to gain
some confidence
GENERATORS
Kohler brings you gracious
living onboard, no matter
where your vessel or sense
of adventure might take you.
VIP.S93
Providing commercial
operators and recreational
boating enthusiasts a full
complement of powerful,
quiet-running generators,
enclosures, controls and
more.
upon themselves to provide activities for children to participate in
after school, on weekends and some even take them away on trips.
On a recent visit to Waiheke with Dee to see a friend's
garden, I was very fortunate to meet a small group of parents
who regularly run boating activities for children. Dee and I
were spirited away from the garden to see their kids in action
at the 1st Waiheke Sea Scout Group. Parents, volunteers and
excited children convened at the marvellous boat shed at
the top end of Putaki Bay. In a sheltered corner of this bay
these parents meet regularly and teach a whole bunch of kids
about boating. While I watched the kids getting instructions,
preparing and sailing their boats, launching kayaks and
canoes, I could see that there was a whole lot more than just
boating happening.
These fortunate children were under the instruction of some
dedicated parents. Although they were learning the basics of safe
boating, they were also unconsciously learning a great deal about
social interaction as well as how to be a leader, a team player,
how to take responsibility, gain self-confidence, and simply get
on well with each other. It was great to watch, but the best thing
was seeing all this happening while they were having great fun in
and on the water. All without any cross words or disagreements.
I felt sorry for children who will never get to experience
anything like what I was witnessing, as these children were
undoubtedly going to take with them what they were learning,
both consciously and subconsciously, into adulthood and our
society in general will then be the great beneficiary.
So, a great big thank you to those dedicated parents of the
1st Waiheke Sea Scout Group, and all those other parents who
make time to spend with children. You are not only helping kids
to learn and have fun; you are actually helping to build a
better society for the next generation.
VIP.S93
FREEPHONE 0800 848 267 - www.transdiesel.com
May/June 2013 Professional Skipper 25
