OK. - They left school. - Are they happy now? - - "TS Aerie" TimeOut adventure helps them move on.
TO PARENTS:
We have an Environmental trust DGR Tax Benefit to help purchase and operate the Aerie school ships. All our Riverboats programs fees are Tax deductible. We provide education and training about the Murray River Environment.
The Aerie project team are all qualified teachers, disenchanted with the school system. We know from long experience that adventure is the motivator for older teens. If school is not an adventure for them, they will either hit misery and depression, or smart ones will walk out.
Is School a disaster for your child? - - - Recover their happy future with Aerie "Time Out" a 10 week adventure river cruise "restart" program, designed to change their ideas about learning.
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? A "Time Out" – a chance to "turn it off" and restart, before permanent damage occurs.
While many successfully use a traditional Gap year before start of Uni, some young people need this essential "cleaning process" much earlier.
Aerie "Time Out" is designed precisely for this earlier reboot. We help young brains achieve this crucial restart. Think of it as a brief microsecond "turn off," followed by a restart and a reload of new, positive data. This happens over a ten-week "Time Out" river cruise, completely remote from any previous negative influences that might try to "worm" their way back in. Your brilliant machine needs this dedicated time for its "cleaning process" during the first Aerie term.
Shedding Mental Clutter on the River - Learn Boat operator skills. It really does not matter what useful skills they learn. Fun is the key to happiness.
At Aerie, your only physical luggage is your backpack and swag – there's no room for unnecessary "stuff." Similarly, we help you shed the unnecessary mental clutter during your "Time Out." You'll have the space to absorb the river's quiet calm, search for majestic Sea Eagle nests along the Murray, and engage in meaningful conversations. You'll build partnerships, learn new skills, make music, and cultivate happy thoughts, far from the distractions of the past.
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.