Is your older teen depressed & miserable? Do they want to leave school? Give them "Time Out".
To Parents:
- Entry to Aerie School ships is by "Donation to Avoca trust DGR"
- Risk assessment and safety training refresh, is always first in all our adventure planning.
- Aerie Kids always Work and stay close with Buddy Pairs
- Water rescue skills are a priority skills training
The Aerie project team are all qualified teachers. We know from long experience that adventure is the motivator for older teens.
We know that when school is not a happy place for them, they will wither;
- Curl up in their room in unhappy misery and refuse to come out, OR
- Leave home to go to school BUT then find excitement elsewhere, probably with a bad mob.
Imagine their brain is a magnificent built in computer.
Just like any computer, it can get overwhelmed and cluttered, especially during the chaotic early high school years, filling with useless data and "garbage" from negative experiences. The solution? Give them "Time Out" – a chance to "turn it off" and restart, before permanent damage occurs.
Clean out brain Clutter on the River - Learn Boat operator skills. It really does not matter what useful skills they learn. Fun is the key to happiness and wellness to move forward.
Our school ship, "TS Aerie," is a large-capacity, backpacker-style river Murray cruise boat. It provides swag sleeping spaces for 16 students, along with ablutions, a kitchen, and a dining lounge on the main deck, and staff cabins on the top deck.
The "Time Out" Voyage: A Week-by-Week Guide
Your Aerie journey begins with Week 1: Planning at berth, Mannum, for the "Time Out" voyage of the good ship "TS Aerie."
During this foundational week, you will:
- Minimalist Packing: Ensure all your essential belongings fit into your backpack:
- Backpack and waterproof swag/sleeping bag.
- Two sets of clothes and a rain/wind jacket.
- Your laptop computer (we can provide one to purchase over time if needed).
- No other luggage. Your phone stays with the teacher; it can be provided for good reason upon request.
- Campus Immersion: Spend the first week at Aerie Marina Resort to get everything organised.
- Safety First: Participate in comprehensive Risk Assessment training.
- Kayaking Skills: Dedicate at least two hours daily to kayaking with your partner to build essential skills.
- Personal Reflection: Maintain a personal Log of your time using our Aerie log format template.
- Team Contribution: Attend to your rostered tasks to the best of your ability, asking for help if you're unsure.
- Positive Environment:
- Be kind to everyone, especially the teachers, who have a very challenging job.
- Vent any anger on the river water, but always ensure your teachers are aware.
- Take care of your partner, your teammates, and especially your teachers – you might need them.
Structured Days and Creative Evenings
While officially "At School," Aerie blends coursework with a unique residential experience. Teachers supervise daily work and all time schedules.
A typical evening onboard includes:
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, with a rostered team contributing to preparation.
- 7:00 PM: Performance Time! Every evening except Sunday is dedicated to creative expression. Bring your instrument (even a plastic bucket will do!), or simply use your voice to sing, tell a story, or read a poem.
- 9:30 PM: Choir Time – we all sing together to end the evening on a harmonious note.
- 9:45 PM: Personal Log time in your personal space for reflection.
- 10:00 PM: BED, silence, sleep. (Phones remain with teachers).
The end of the first term culminates in a tidy ship and a marina campus party – marking the successful completion of your brain's reboot!
Family Boats can Cruise in partnership with "TS Aerie"
Parents are welcome to accompany the voyage in their own boats, provided they do not disrupt the crucial work of our teachers with the students. Captain Bouc is always available for private discussions about our philosophy and methods.
Our highly experienced teachers are dedicated to safely guiding these bright young people through their "fledgling" years, ensuring they emerge as confident, independent adults.