As the Brendan Sail Training Program for Youth with Learning Differences begins its 28th season, founder James Muldoon and others associated with the program recently celebrated the accomplishments of the students and volunteers who participated in the 2010 program at an awards ceremony held at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The award winners hailed from Ann Arundel, Prince Georges and St Mary’s Counties.
This summer’s camps are just finishing in Annapolis but have openings for the St. Mary’s County camp in July. The Brendan program is designed for “kids who learn differently,” according to its founder. “Often these kids learn best by ‘doing’ rather than hearing, or watching, or reading about something,” Muldoon noted.
Many years ago, Muldoon observed that sailing came naturally to many youngsters with learning differences and envisioned a program where they would not only enjoy sailing, but learn how to handle themselves in emergencies, how to stay safe, how to help others, and how to work with a team.
Since the program was conceived, more than 600 young people, ages 11 to 18, have been introduced to the joys of sailing, and, in the process, improved relationships with their peers and built self-esteem, confidence and maturity.
The following are the sailing stars of the 2010 program:
Gordon McIntire of Bowie received the “NoGutsNoGlory” award for outstanding achievement for ages 11-14 at the Annapolis school. This award is named after the sailboat “Nogutsnoglory,” owned by Jean and Howard Kluttz. Sheree & Kelly Bjornerud, longtime volunteers with the program, presented the award, saying of McIntire: “He loves being on and around the water, and is always mindful of the environment and the needs of his fellow students. He is safety conscious for himself, as well as for others, and never hesitates to lend a helping hand.”
Stephen Hunt of Greenbelt received the Jerry and Kathryn Wood Award for outstanding achievement at the 11-14 age level at the St. Mary’s College of Maryland camp. This award is named after former owners of the Annapolis Sailing School, which has housed the Brendan Program free of charge since its inception. Volunteers Lisa and Michael Kelley presented the award, and said of Hunt: “Although he didn’t know much about sailing when he arrived, this award winner committed himself to meet each day with a positive outlook and an eagerness to get on the water. He made himself at home in the group and his enthusiasm was infectious.”
Joseph Gummel of Pasadena received the Arthur Birney Award for outstanding achievement at the advanced level (ages 15-18) at the St. Mary’s College of Maryland camp. This award is named after Arthur Birney, the owner of Port Annapolis where the program’s orientation and swim test is held. The Kelleys also presented this award, calling Gummel “a dynamic individual who knew how to channel his limitless energy and enthusiasm to boost the group’s morale. He used the knowledge and skills he had acquired from his previous years with Brendan to benefit everyone in the class. His positi
