<

►

>

By: Crystal Rowland

On Saturday, August 10th, I was excited to set sail on the American Pride ship at Long Beach Harbor with the Pujols Family Foundation families!

The morning buzzed as many eager, young sailors arrived to board the Children’s Maritime Foundation, American Pride Ship. As our sailors arrived, they gave us their best pirate impression and took photos in front of the ship. Many came together to enjoy the morning on the Pacific waters. There was a tangible excitement for the adventure ahead. At 10am sharp, WE SET SAIL!

Once aboard the ship, the welcoming crew of the American Pride Ship met our sailors. The ship’s crew along with the Children’s Maritime Foundation has provided thousands of young people with the opportunity to set sail and learn about life at sea.

Some sailors helped raise the masts and others steered the ship. While cruising the waters, our guests were able to explore the underwater wildlife of the Pacific Ocean. We were able to learn a little about the Long Beach harbor and the ship with an interactive scavenger hunt. We had the opportunity to look and feel different animals like starfish, a sea urchin, and even a sea cucumber!

Before we knew it, we were pulling back into the harbor, greeted by the next round of eager sailors. Our lunch sponsor, CKE, provided lunch for the families and crew with the Carl’s Jr. Star Diner. Our sailors were able to eat and mingle with their friends.

It was such an honor to spend this time with our families in the Down syndrome community. The Long Beach Harbor and Ocean offered the setting for a perfect day, but it was the marvelous company of our families who made the day such a pleasure. I continue to be amazed by their spirit and genuine love for life and others around them. I can’t wait to set sail again soon. Godspeed!