Whether steering a helm through a channel crossing or negotiating market prices in Castries, teens practice decision-making without parents calling the shots. They return home taller—figuratively and sometimes literally (hello, rope-swing workouts).
Labeling plankton under a microscope or logging dive data for regional reef-health databases transforms “Will this be on the test?” into “I can’t believe this counts as learning.”
Living in tight quarters—cabin bunks or shared rainforest dorms—fast-tracks bonding. Group high-fives after a flawless mooring become stories they’ll replay in college orientation halls.
Seeing how island communities protect reefs while relying on them for livelihood sparks eco-mindfulness that sticks. Many teens come home ready to spearhead sustainability clubs or even nix single-use plastics at family BBQs.
Spotty Wi-Fi and star-littered skies do wonders for mental reset. When the only glowing screen is a bioluminescent wave, teens rediscover curiosity beyond the scroll.