What People Are Saying About SALTS
NOTE: add "not pictured" disclaimer; add link to Google reviews?
“SALTS made me feel included, important, and gave me the confidence to be who I really am, and to be comfortable with what I believe in. I am so incredibly grateful to have gone on the trip, to learn how to sail, to meet new people from around the world, and make so many friendships in such a short amount of time."
- Indigenous Youth Bursary recipient, 2022
- Indigenous Youth Bursary recipient, 2022
"Looking back, the trip was as much about internal discovery as it was about exploring the breathtaking external landscapes. The rhythm of the waves, the songs of the wind, and the camaraderie of newfound friends combined to create an unforgettable symphony of experiences." - General Bursary Recipient, 2023
"My favourite thing about the trip was] watching students have the opportunity to grow, build relationships, and step outside their comfort zones. I am SO grateful for the flexibility the SALTS staff showed for our group - adjusting program planning around games, mug up, etc. They were very attuned to our needs as a group."
- Group Trip Chaperone, 2023
"My favourite thing about the trip was] watching students have the opportunity to grow, build relationships, and step outside their comfort zones. I am SO grateful for the flexibility the SALTS staff showed for our group - adjusting program planning around games, mug up, etc. They were very attuned to our needs as a group."
- Group Trip Chaperone, 2023
"I learned countless skills like how to steer a boat, set sail, and weigh an anchor. But perhaps the most magical thing about my trip was the community that we formed. With no distractions, just vast blue waters encompassing you, it’s so much easier to focus on building connections with the people in front of you."
- General Bursary Recipient, 2023
"Every trip, and this was my 15th trip, you help me discover new things about myself and help be to be eager and motivated to return with my students. It is so motivating to me to see the crew pouring their heart and soul into our students. Thank you!"
- Group Trip Chaperone, 2022
"From day one, there was an amazing sense of community that developed onboard, and it only grew stronger as the days went by. I’ve come away from this trip with a new appreciation for what a bunch of strangers can achieve when put on a boat together."
- General Bursary Recipient, 2023
- General Bursary Recipient, 2023
"Every trip, and this was my 15th trip, you help me discover new things about myself and help be to be eager and motivated to return with my students. It is so motivating to me to see the crew pouring their heart and soul into our students. Thank you!"
- Group Trip Chaperone, 2022
"From day one, there was an amazing sense of community that developed onboard, and it only grew stronger as the days went by. I’ve come away from this trip with a new appreciation for what a bunch of strangers can achieve when put on a boat together."
- General Bursary Recipient, 2023
"This opportunity was so incredible. I've learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the strait of Georgia. The knowledge and confidence I've gained from this experience are immeasurable, and I know they will serve me well for the rest of my life."
- General Bursary Recipient, 2023
- General Bursary Recipient, 2023
"SALTS has this magical way of bringing strangers closer in friendship. I have found everyone to be so kind, supportive, and knowledgeable. It makes me think about the type of person I aspire to be: to treat others kindly, to spread laughter and positivity, and to respect nature."
- Indigenous Bursary Recipient, 2023
- Indigenous Bursary Recipient, 2023
"The main highlight for [my son] seems to be that, despite the variety of ages, backgrounds, and personalities on the ship, everyone could be 100 percent themselves and totally accepted.
We've been talking a lot about how, in "regular life" - like at his high school - that so many people wear masks to try to fit in so there's not a lot of authenticity (i.e. true intimacy and connection). But on a ship in close quarters for days on end, without devices, and where you have to work and play together, the masks come off making way for authentic connection. He loved the deep conversations (and laughs) he shared with his shipmates.
I love that he has now had an experience of having deep connection with a variety of people." - Parent of Trainee, 2022
We've been talking a lot about how, in "regular life" - like at his high school - that so many people wear masks to try to fit in so there's not a lot of authenticity (i.e. true intimacy and connection). But on a ship in close quarters for days on end, without devices, and where you have to work and play together, the masks come off making way for authentic connection. He loved the deep conversations (and laughs) he shared with his shipmates.
I love that he has now had an experience of having deep connection with a variety of people." - Parent of Trainee, 2022
By the Numbers
SALTS program participants are sent a post-trip survey about their experience once they return to land. Here are the results from a few of the questions asked in 2023:- 92% agree “My confidence grew as a result of the voyage.
- 89% agree “I have a stronger sense that I am valuable and worthy of love.”
- 96% agree “I was challenged to do things I had never done before.”
- 91% agree “My mental health and well-being improved on/through the voyage.”
- 95% agree “I could be my real true self on board (rather than being fake).”
- 99% agree “I grew closer to other trainees on the voyage.”
Anonymous written responses to annual surveys
“… we created a safe space where everyone could share their true selves. There was never any pretending, and never any exclusion. I felt supported no matter how I was feeling. Being out on the ocean in the complete wilderness was also life changing. I found that I could focus on every small detail, while at the same time, seeing the bigger picture of what really matters in life -- the people. Coming back ashore, I feel a sense of calm and strength that I will do everything I can to maintain, because I've never felt so good.”“SALTS has and always will be a place where I’ve been able to find a strong sense of community that upholds each other positively and where everyone feels connected to the land and beauty around us.”
“I miss it so, so much. Getting off the boat felt wrong, and I must keep reminding myself to bring the lessons I learned onshore and carry my experiences into 'real life'. The trip made me feel safe and loved and taught me lessons about accepting people and loving other people simply for precisely who they are, and the same applies to myself. I can't wait to keep learning and exploring with SALTS when the time comes.”
“With SALTS you live in the moment, you get driven by the wind and live on the rhythm of the sea. And nothing is more precious than that.”
“With SALTS you live in the moment, you get driven by the wind and live on the rhythm of the sea. And nothing is more precious than that.”