Vision:
Take a moment to visualize a vast ocean (the journey of the project). There are waves, winds, and reefs. As mentors, we are on the shoreline, having sailed this sea, we set up our light house and are very familiar with the reef and the shore. Our scholars are on a journey. They are Captains of their own sailing vessels and we would like them to reach the shore. As Captains, they are responsible for choosing to put up their sail, using the blowing wind as their ally and steering through any rocks that they may or may not see within the water. Can they see the shore? Do they know what it looks like? Is there a fog? Are they clear about the reef? Do they feel a desire to come to the shore? Do they have the vision, and what does it mean to them? The vision of the shore is their "Why" and their first motivation to get to their destination. What is their vision of their potential?
Mission:
As they learn to sail their ships, they undertake a journey. In this journey, it may be their mission to navigate and reach the shore, it may be their mission to learn the skills of sailing the ship, other missions of the journey may show up much later as they come into contact with other shorelines. What is the true mission and can we answer that question at the beginning of the journey? We give them a destination on a course heading, turn on our lighthouse, as they sail their own ships, their missions come into the light.
Abilities:
Different Captains have different abilities. Some are great leaders, great navigators, others are great at lashing, hoisting, or splicing. Sometimes we may see their vice show up, it is actually their gift. Can we see the great defender in the one who argues? Can we see the detailed thinker in the one that is quiet? How well do we know them? What are their true abilities?
Skills:
Learning to sail means practicing the skills to navigate the waters, using the wind, putting up sails on the mainmast, and reading a compass. They may have to practice their skills more in one area or another. Some Captains may complete the project, making it to shore, learning the art of navigation, reading the map so they can reach their chosen destination. Do they have the skills to read the map and sail? What are the skills they need? Is there something that they can practice to improve their skills?
Knowledge:
What knowledge could help them on their journey? What knowledge could help build a skill to develop an ability to captain their ship? What knowledge will help them see the vision of the shore and feel a duty to their mission?
In the Journey:
Sometimes, all of the Captains come together in a fleet, enjoying one another's company (through lectures, discussion, colloquiums), even when the waters are rough (simulations). Other times, their ships may collide on purpose or accident. Some Captains may want a competitive victory within a race. They choose where and how they steer their ships, and consequences of good or bad result. Rifts can be caused when they invade another ship's boundary, and waves have impact. Are the waters calm in the ocean or are storms brewing? What's the lighthouse supposed to do and is there a communication with the Coastguard (parents) for assisting and understanding the Captain? Do you have buoy systems and maritime boundaries in place and do the Captains have a working knowledge of them? Can they sail by "ash-breeze" maintaining their motivation? Does the vision inspire them to continue the journey? Will the Lighthouse be there for them in the storm even if they choose not to come to the shore?
It is my sincere hope and reflection that the Lighthouse (mentor) will be, no matter the gail force of the winds, the Captain can look to the shore line and see the Lighthouse standing firm on the horizon welcoming them with love and encouragement.
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