Teens learn about nautical life on schooner

By Marli Horwitz/The Jersey Journal
July 09, 2013 at 1:01 PM

Despite some overcast weather and a little sprinkle of rain, it was all hands on deck last Tuesday morning for 14 members of the Boys and Girls Club summer teen program.

The high school students climbed aboard the A.J Meerwald, NJ?s official tall ship, for a three-hour sail around the New York Harbor.

The 85-year-old schooner, originally built to collect oysters, was docked in Liberty State Park in Jersey City. It now serves as a ?sailing classroom? and stops in ports from Delaware to Connecticut.

The students learned ship terminology and commands, hoisted the 2,000-pound sail, helped pull in the trawl net, and even sang a ship shanty to accompany their work.

They were also taught about the economic and ecological effects of oil as cargo, the pros and cons of renewable energy, diverse marine life, and how the environment affects the ocean.

?It was a really great experience overall,? said Nydreama McDuffie, 16.
?I liked looking at the clams and looking inside when one was opened.?

Erykah Smith-Thomas, 14, described learning about the importance of using energy from multiple sources, and the dangers and frequency of oil leaks during transportation.

Iyana Correia, 14, and Alecia Legette, 15, both agreed learning about the horseshoe crabs was of great interest.

?Their blood is blue because of the copper element,? Iyana told The Jersey Journal.

Members of the 10-person crew on board detailed life aboard the A.J. Meerwald upon students? request.

?It?s not just an adventure, it?s a way of life,? said Monica Halverson, who directed activities on board.

Boys and Girls Club Director of Program Development and Teen Services Janet Wallach was all smiles as she watched the young students enjoy a new experience.

?These student members choose to do something positive, they choose to come to the club,? she said. ?It?s a very special place.?

The trip even inspired some students to apply for scholarships to the A.J. Meerwald?s Maritime Camp, a 5-day, 4-night adventure on board that takes place this week.

?I had more fun than I thought,? said Amina Thomas, 14. ?It was definitely worth waking up for.?

The Hudson County Boys and Girls Club has locations in both Jersey City and Hoboken.

It serves students after school during the year and runs a six-week program, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the summer. More than 2,000 children in the county participate in programs at the club.

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