USVI-On-Line

USFSC has been working on a surf camp and a swim camp for St. John youth. We have also found an organization that will help to fulfill these two projects but we
need your help.

Please go to www.travel2change.org
and look for “Just Surf” and “Just
Swim”. Once you have registered
(very easy) click on them and
please read through the idea and
rate them accordingly. If each one
gets enough votes, the group will
help to see the program through.

Thank you so much!
Dean Doeling
Founder, Using Sport For Social Change

The problem the idea addresses and the goals of the project:
St. John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands, is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations within the USA. Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year. Non violent petty theft is on the rise, but violent crime is becoming more prevalent as well.

Kids of the USVI need something to do in order to sway them from becoming a statistic. While there are a few sports programs in place on the island, not all youth enjoy the few sports that are available to them. That's why I believe that surfing can improve the lives of VI youth.

As one youth surfer stated in a surf essay contest about surfing: "With too much time on their hands, people get bored and usually resort to making bad decisions in an attempt to stimulate their minds. Whether it's joining gangs or doing drugs many people (especially kids) in the VI unfortunately go down these roads in a battle to be noticed by others. Surfing can benefit the community by creating a fun hobby for people to enjoy...focusing on progression in a sport, rather than drugs and alcohol."



How idea makes a difference:
Using Sport For Social Change would like to hold a FREE weekend long surf session at one of the more surf friendly beaches on St. John. While the waves are very small, it would still provide the opportunity for VI youth and adults to learn how to surf in a safe, non threatening environment.

By holding this weekend long surf clinic, it would bring families together and get kids off the streets and into a physically demanding sport.

As another surf essay contest winner wrote: "...surfing can help keep youth out of trouble and off the streets. By being an individualistic sport, surfing can teach youths to be self relying. It also builds inner strength, when you are out by yourself you don't have anyone to rely on but yourself.

There are enough people on island that surf regularly and have already shown an interest in helping with just such a program. We could also include local businesses in sponsoring this event.

Please visit www.usingsportforsocialchange.com

The problem the idea addresses and the goals of the project:
It is said that over 30% of West Indian people living in the US Virgin Islands do not know how to swim. It is hard to believe since the Virgin Islands are surrounded by some of the most beautiful clear blue waters in the world.

Generation after generation, Virgin Islanders have handed down many wonderful family traditions to their young. However, this same culture and traditions also plays a large part in children and adults not knowing how to swim.

Using Sport For Social Change would like to hold a FREE weekend long swim clinic on St. John, USVI. This yearly clinic would introduce children and adults to water safety, beginner swimming and water play.




How idea makes a difference:
I am envisioning a FREE beach play day where the participants are introduced to the water gradually, while playing fun beach sports like football catch and Frisbee toss as well as playing with water toys such as swim noodles and inner tubes. The participants would learn about water safety in a "Hands on" and non threatening environment. All at no cost to the participant.

There are many organizations on island that can help with this endeavor. There is the Red Cross, the St. John Community Foundation, the St. John Parks and Recs, the St. John Rotary Club and several key people who have the ability to teach kids and adults to swim.

It is my hope that this will begin to break down the fear of water and bring families together in a way that they may not have been able to before.

Please visit www.usingsportforsocialchange.com

Hoping everyone is headed to Dean's site to register and vote! This is an easy thing to do and it would be so beneficial for the youth on St. John. Please help Dean with all his hard work and efforts.