Black Friday is here! As you shop for amazing deals, don’t forget to invest in something even more meaningful—supporting the nonprofits that strengthen our community. With the year winding down, now is the perfect time to make an impact.
This upcoming Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is #GivingTuesday—a global day dedicated to giving. Noozhawk is proud to partner with local nonprofits to inspire you to take action.
Explore our Giving Guide and donate to one (or more!) of the incredible organizations creating change right here at home. Let’s make this #GivingTuesday one to remember!
In this interview Noozhawk spoke with Adri Howe, Deputy Director at Mystic Ocean Adventures (Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation), to learn more about the educational nonprofit.
Mystic Ocean Adventures – Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: The tall ship Mystic Whaler is the outdoor classroom of Mystic Ocean Adventures based on the Central Coast of California, specifically in the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Its mission is to promote hands-on education, STEAM academic comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills with a special focus on youth through sailing and the sea.
Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
A: Mystic Ocean Adventures (Central Coast Ocean Adventures) has served the community since 2022. It was founded by Sarah and Roger Chrisman.
The organization’s flagship resource, the 110-ft schooner Mystic Whaler, is the perfect medium for exploring adventure-inspired learning through sailing and the sea. Mystic Whaler’s hands-on, activity-based programs develop and strengthen STEAM academic comprehension and build up social skills, environmental stewardship, and nautical skills. Mystic Whaler is committed to making engaging experiential education and the Santa Barbara Channel more accessible to the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Q: What motivated the creation of your nonprofit?
A: Roger and Sarah Chrisman purchased the tall ship Mystic Whaler and founded MOA in 2022, acting on the long-standing belief that the Santa Barbara Channel- and its ocean, islands, and coastline are educational treasures that everyone should benefit from. The Chrisman’s believe that young people, in particular, strongly benefit from the experiences that can be had on board a sailing ship utilizing experiential learning. Their motto for the organization is “No Child Left Ashore.”
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?
A: Private donations and grants fund Mystic Whaler and her educational programs and operations. The non-profit’s greatest needs are funding for educational programming and ship maintenance and repairs.
Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?
A: Mystic Whaler engages its community by providing unique experiential learning opportunities to young people (and adults) from its decks.
Fundraisers include public sail days, deck tours, and other public events.
Q: How is your team structured? Have there been any major changes in your operations since you started?
A: Mystic Whaler is managed by a board of directors that is comprised of eleven local individuals who bring many years of non-profit and sailing knowledge and experience with them. The remainder of the team is comprised of the Captain/Executive Director, a Deputy Director, an Operations Coordinator, an Education Manager, a Grant Writer, and the crew of Mystic Whaler.
Q: How can people get involved with your nonprofit or volunteer?
A: Volunteering is a wonderful way to support the Mission of Mystic Whaler. The organization is always looking for educational, administrative, and ship maintenance volunteers.
Q: What sets your nonprofit apart from similar organizations?
A: Mystic Whaler addresses several key needs and problems through its mission and programs, focusing on community engagement, education, and environmental stewardship. They include a lack of STEAM engagement among youth, environmental awareness and conservation, the need for personal development opportunities for youth, community cohesion and inclusivity, and barriers to educational and recreational activities.
In addressing these needs and problems, CCOAF not only enhances the educational landscape but also strengthens community bonds, promotes environmental health, and fosters essential life skills among the youth in our target communities. By tackling these multifaceted issues, CCOAF contributes to a more informed, engaged, and cohesive community.
Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
A: Mystic Whaler is originally from the East Coast of the US. Her mission there was the same as it is now, to provide unique educational learning opportunities for young people. Mystic Whaler was also shipped through the Panama Canal on her way to California.
Q: What makes your organization trustworthy for donors, and are there other ways people can support your cause beyond donations?
A: We believe in partnerships and transparency with our partners (and supporters). By working with other organizations, including the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, we open the doors to them and make them a key part of our educational process and programs.
We also believe in maintaining high levels of professionalism by being involved with organizations that provide support and training to our staff and crew. These groups include Tall Ships America and the Association for Experiential Education.
Mystic Whaler’s non-profit organization’s Seal of Transparency can be found on Candid Guidestar at https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/33f87311-2de1-449e-9633-16e4cb08
Volunteering is a wonderful additional way to support the mission and goals of Mystic Whaler.
Click here to support Mystic Ocean Adventures’s (Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation) mission to promote hands-on education, STEAM academic comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills with a special focus on youth through sailing and the sea.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.
If you would like to include your nonprofit in our Good for Santa Barbara section and Giving Guide click HERE.