What does it take to be a mariner? Curiosity, courage, and a sense of adventure — all of which our young explorers brought with them to our Young Mariner’s holiday programme in September.
The day began with a safety briefing, where the children learned how to move together as a group when outdoors — using their “looking eyes” and “listening ears” to stay aware of their surroundings. With that, they were ready to embark on a seaside adventure.
As they wandered along the beach, the children’s eyes lit up at the sight of colourful windsocks fluttering on the breakwater. This simple observation sparked a lively discussion — how do sailors use windsocks to read wind direction and speed? Soon, our little mariners were learning to read the wind like seasoned sailors. The guides even introduced them to the barometer — and together, they made one of their own!
The shoreline became a treasure trove of discoveries: shells of every shape and size, pieces of driftwood, and even bits of marine debris that opened conversations about caring for our oceans. Each find became a spark for imaginative play — suddenly, the beach transformed into the vast open sea, with the children pretending to navigate their boats across the waves.
After a joyful morning by the shore, the children took part in water confidence training. One by one, they stepped bravely into the sea, learning how to put on a life vest while in the water — an essential skill for any young sailor. Their laughter echoed across the waves as they practiced floating, kicking, and moving with confidence.
In the afternoon, excitement filled the air as the Singapore Sailing Federation team took over. Through hands-on activities, the children explored the basics of sailing: learning to tie knots, balancing on paddle boards, and even playing tug-of-war while keeping their balance! The challenge? To do star jumps while balancing — a task that had everyone cheering and giggling.
But the most unforgettable moment came when they boarded the sailboat for a joyride with the skipper. As the wind caught the sails and the boat glided across the water, the children’s faces lit up with awe and exhilaration. It was a moment that captured the very heart of the Young Mariner’s experience — adventure, teamwork, and the joy of discovery.
At Roots & Boots, we believe that nature is the best classroom. Whether it’s learning how the wind moves, understanding the tides, or simply gaining confidence in the water, every experience at sea helps our young learners grow in curiosity, courage, and care for the world around them.
The Young Mariner’s adventure will be back this December holiday — come set sail with us and discover the wonders of the sea!