SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., April 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- If you're a parent wishing you could jump-start your teenage son into maturity, consider sending him aboard the "Rapture," a 145-foot ship that cruises the remote waters of the Pacific with a highly-trained crew that takes an assortment of 60 boys, ages 13 to 19, and turns them into a top-notch crew of 60 men. The 21-day life-changing sessions are known as "The Waterman Academy" and the two summer sessions are sponsored by Rapture Marine Expeditions of San Clemente, California, a 501 (c)(3), not-for-profit organization. The academy, which starts in San Diego, has parents throughout the nation on their feet and cheering.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2538
This Kansas mother's e-mail to Rapture Captain Scott McClung is typical: "I don't know exactly what happened to my son, but he's a different person entirely. Not only did he come home in top physical condition but he's now full of respect, addressing adults as 'Sir' and 'Ma'am.' He has a maturity and confidence we've never seen. You're right! We sent you a boy and you sent us back a man."
As the ship travels up toward Santa Cruz, the cadets, who all dress in regulation uniforms, become totally immersed in learning aquatic skills both onboard and in the ocean. They start with intense swimming instruction; go to free diving in the ocean and snorkeling; they become adept at SCUBA diving, kayaking, surfing, and proficient at handling a 22-ft. motorboat. By course end, the Waterman graduates have received endorsements and certification in an assortment of oceanic skills that range from Life Guarding to Shipboard Fire Fighting.
Captain McClung, a former lifeguard, firefighter and an Orange County Deputy Reserve Officer, has pulled together 15 crew members consisting of U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Masters and Licensed Mates, Emergency Medical Technicians, Dive Medical Technicians, Certified Ocean Lifeguards and Senior Drill Sergeants.
"These men quickly become the role models for the Waterman Academy participants," said Captain McClung. "The boys see in them what they want for themselves. Even though what crewmembers are putting them through is incredibly challenging, the young men are having a tremendous amount of adrenalin-pumping excitement in the process. Most are able to accomplish skills and tasks they never thought possible. The sense of achievement is something that will influence them for the rest of their lives. Graduates leave The Waterman Academy with a new sense of pride, self-confidence, accomplishment, respect, character and integrity."
The first session of The Waterman Academy is scheduled for June 24 to July 14 and the second session is from July 19 to August 8, 2006. The cost of the academy is $6,000. More information is available at www.watermanacademy.com or by calling Rapture Marine Expeditions at (949) 429-5100 or toll free (888) 942-5375.
