Brigs' summer and winter activities are challenging and unusal programs that foster self-confidence, camaraderie, resilience, and a wide variety of skills. The impact of participating in Brigs programming, includes social and personal development, learning practical trade skills, and discovering new career options. The programs are especially impactful for young people who go on to participate in both summer and winter programming over a period of years, taking on additional learning and responsibility as voluntary members of the ship's crew.
We are deeply grateful to all our donors, supporters, volunteers, and staff across the decades who continue to make these programs available to youth from all financial backgrounds. Our regular fees represent approximately 50% of the real operating cost, and fees are further reduced or eliminating for any young person in need by the Pathfinder Access Fund and the support of partner organizations. If you or your business is in a position to support our work, please get in touch with our Executive Director, Stephanie Geosits, or visit brigs.ca/donate.
Read on to hear youth participating in the different programs Brigs runs describe their experiences and the impact it has had on them. You will find a variety of experiences, because for some young people it is the best thing they have ever done, and others it is not their cup of tea - but it is always memorable and teaches you a lot about yourself and others.
Trainee Testimonials
“I'm leaving knowing a lot more than I did when I got here and knowing awesome people that made me laugh my head off this whole week so it was very fun.”
- Trainee, 2021 season
“The whole experience was awesome, especially as it was such an adventure! Some of my favorite parts were going up aloft, working through a storm, and being up late for midnight watch, though there were of course difficulties involved with all of these. Everything about the trip was made better in that we had excellent officers, and that the other members of my watch were great. Add that up with the beautiful scenery and it made for an amazing voyage!
To conclude, I'll briefly mention the long term effects on myself. I certainly grew in confidence (I feel as if this was the largest overall benefit) and I felt challenged to live up to my responsibilities on the ship, especially as there were people relying on me to know what I was doing. Lastly, I have become very interested in travel, abroad and across Canada. I'm very thankful that I was eligible for the access fund, and I hope that others can benefit from this experience.”
- Trainee, 2022 season
“The Brigs sailing trip has taught me several key skills such as hauling the sail and navigating the ship. I also learnt all the parts of the ship as well as the safety protocols. In addition, my leadership skills, team building skills and confidence have improved tremendously.
I made many new friends and developed crucial life skills. I learnt to survive and persevere in the hot noon sun even when most of us experienced sea sickness and had to finish up a bunch of chores. This experience only made me stronger and more determined. We also had some fun activities such as sunset ceremonies and scavenger hunts on the beach. Overall, the sailing trip was a very rewarding and memorable experience. I would like to thank Pathfinder Access Fund for making this possible for me. Without it, I would not have been able to develop skills that would help me lifelong."
- Trainee, 2022 season
“I’ve been here awhile, wondering how to sum it up. How to write in lovely words - to describe how my doubt turned into this beautiful love, and how my fear grew to become a sense of community.
I met Playfair July nineteenth, and was onboard for ten days and eleven nights. For the first few days I remember being lost on that ship. I was anxious, and more than anything did I want to leave. The thing that brought me comfort was that I was in the same situation as many others aboard.
Somewhere along the line those feelings changed. I have many theories as to why, but I am afraid that explaining everything will take too much time. Put simply, it was the people. You had to bond with them, and adapt in a situation many have never been in before. For me, that made for fast friends. Both with the crew, and the trainees. Eventually our ship grew into this wonderfully messed up family. It makes me smile to even just remember the plainest of memories, memories that I doubt I will forget anytime soon.
This experience taught me many things, both educational and emotional, and because of that I have grown as a person. I left knowing I’d do anything in my power to be back, because although it was only ten days, I found myself to have fallen in love with the program, as well as the people in it.
There are times where you will want to quit, and that is normal. The challenge it brings you allows you to grow. This program presents you with people you will never forget, and ends with you leaving with a fond sadness - paired with memories you will laugh about for a long time afterward. The hard parts make for the best stories. Thank you for what this program has done for me.”
- Trainee, 2022 season
“This was my first time sailing aboard a tall ship and I loved it. Since then, I haven’t stopped coming back. I’m now a part of their winter program, where I can continue to learn more about the ships and possibly become an officer.
While you definitely need to be prepared for mental and physical challenges when sailing - it can take some time to adjust to being in such close quarters and being on a moving ship, as well as being up for four hour stretches in the night - being an active part of a working ship is amazing. Give yourself a few days to really settle into the rhythm of life aboard a ship. I know for me, it took a little while, but after that, I didn’t want to go home!
“While sailing, you also get the chance to meet a lot of great people and learn what it's like to live and work closely with one another. This definitely has its challenges, but you can also make some great friendships.
“My involvement with Brigs has helped me in other aspects of my life too, especially with being confident. As I’ve continued to stay involved with the ships and learn more, my experiences there have built up my confidence, which has now translated over to other areas in my life, especially work. Sailing a tall ship is definitely an incredible experience.”
- Trainee, 2023 season
Youth Crew and Winter Program Testimonials
"My introduction to Brigs was when I was a trainee on Pathfinder. I came in with absolutely no knowledge of the marine industry or how any of this worked, and it was just so spectacular. If you told me two years ago that this was the kind of experiences I would be getting, I would have never believed you. But this program has given me so many skills, I've made so many friends, the people are amazing. It's just spectacular."
- Current Member of the voluntary Youth Crew
"I got to sail as a crew member on Pathfinder this summer and I loved every second of it. I wanted to say above all, what the program means to me, is being able to share something I've found a passion for with so many people. And really, it is the people."
- Current Member of the voluntary Youth Crew
"Tall ship sailing with Brigs has helped me discover my love for sailing. Before my first course on T.S. Playfair in 2021, I didn't know anything about tall ships. I'm incredibly grateful for the knowledge I've learned at sea and during Winter Program with my fellow Officers. Sailing with Brigs has boosted my confidence and opened doors I never thought possible, as well as paving the way for me in terms of marine education and job opportunities.
Volunteering with Brigs gave me the experience that helped me receive the Young Sailor Scholarship Award. Thanks to that award, I got the chance to join Class Afloat and sail across the Atlantic Ocean onboard the Alexander Humboldt II. Since January I have sailed on the Alex from Barbados to Bremerhaven, stopping at 5 ports in different countries along the way. I am excited to sail with Brigs again this summer when I return home from my amazing journey with Class Afloat."
- Recent Graduate from the voluntary Youth Crew
Parent Testimonials
"My son’s first winter as a Petty Officer – age 14 – was filled with training on everything from navigation to ship-building, sail-making, engine maintenance, woodworking, and marine first aid. At the end of that first winter he said, “Mom, I’m so certified!” He is now a Marine Engineer and he started down that pathway as a result of his many very happy years with Brigs."
- Parent of a Youth Crew graduate
"Our children’s long engagement in their teenage years with the Brigantine program gave them the invaluable knowledge that sometimes realizing a dream is not always easy or comfortable, but is absolutely worth the input.
I feel that looking back on some of the most powerful memories of those years is a basis for the resilience and determination that our kids have developed as adults, and which is so necessary, especially these days. Unforgettable experiences, and we have always wished that we had found [Brigs] in time to benefit our elder daughter too."
- Parents of Youth Crew graduates
"Our child's journey with Brigs began in 2019 at the age of 15 when they joined one of the summer courses on Playfair. At the time, they had no previous experience in sailing, but it was love at first sight for them. Since then, they have actively participated in the Winter and Summer programs every year, and we can unequivocally say that Brigs has been a life-changing experience for them.
- Parents of current Youth Crew members