What does the shore crew get up to when everyone else is at sea? Sometimes it is connecting with folks joining the next leg or voyage, making sure everything is ready for the ship’s arrival in July (the countdown has begun!), or going to talk to the grade eights of Georges P. Vanier Junior High School in Fall River, Nova Scotia. Maggie and new crew member Amy did just that on May 7th. Meaghan Douglas (World Voyage 3 Alumni and Vanier Counsellor) invited the Picton Castle to join in for the school’s wellness day. This was a fun day where students learned about experiences they may not be exposed to otherwise – such as the importance of a Bowline Knot! Maggie and Amy spoke to four classes throughout the day speaking about the Picton Castle’s voyages and TallShips Canada and ending with a show and tell of nautical/marine gear such as the Sextant. A Sextant is essential for celestial navigation whether you are looking at the sun, moon, or stars. We were able to show the students how one works – many thanks to Captain Watson of the Bluenose II for lending us his. The end of each session was messy as the classroom was filled with ropes and rope dust. It was a knot-tying workshop that the students enjoyed and excelled at as they learned how to tie a Bowline and a Square Knot. Overall, it was a great time to meet with the staff and students at Georges P. Vanier Junior High School in Fall River, and something we hope to participate in again. In the photos below, you can see Maggie showing off the Sextant and her knot-tying skills.
