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Talisail
Talisman has contracted Sound Experience and the historic schooner Adventuress to assist in providing a sailing program for teens (13-17 years old) with Asperger’s, and High-functioning Autism, which takes place in the world-class waters of the San Juan archipelago in Northwestern Washington. The boat sails round-trip from Friday Harbor, Washington, 90 miles north of Seattle. Participants will spend 8 days living and sailing on the 101’ double-masted historic schooner with 10 Adventuress crewmembers, 4 Talisman staff and a peer group of 18 teens. Primary goals of Talisail are to increase pro-social skills, facilitate a positive social experience with peers, and to give the opportunity for an adventure packed with learning, all while having the experience of a lifetime.
Social skills are taught via facilitated groups, supportive and choice-based interventions, and from guided modeling by staff and peers. Sailing a historic 101’ vessel takes a large amount of teamwork, which provides an un-ending supply of opportunity for unique social experiences, practice, and instruction.
Secondary to a highly structured social skill and socialization focus, participants will become an integral part of a crew, learning all aspects of sailboat operation including navigation with chart and compass, steering of the vessel, weather patterns, tides and currents, and maritime lore. Participants will help cook meals, and complete all aspects of cleaning, from dinner dishes to personal hygiene, to scrubbing the decks - all while at sea for 8 days. There is absolutely no experience necessary to participate in Talisail, as the program is designed to meet the needs of a diversified group of participants.
Program Director
Peter Weiss is a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years experience working with kids with special needs in wilderness and clinical settings. He has a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Outdoor Leadership, and has taught Adventure-Based Counseling at Antioch University in Seattle. Pete works as a full-time child & family therapist, serving a diversified group of clients from kids diagnosed with ADHD, to Asperger's, to victim's of trauma. In 1999, Pete created and developed Talisman's TOBA flatwater and whitewater canoeing program. Pete's sailing experience includes extensive cruising in the Puget Sound as well as being a crewmember on a 38' racing boat.
64 Gap Creek Road