Smooth Sailing with One Family Illinois Mariners

Smooth Sailing with One Family Illinois Mariners

It was my first time on a sailboat, and 8-year-old Josiah was at the helm.

Josiah and a crew of three other children, under Captain Tom’s guidance, took turns steering, managing the sails, and setting the course.

The young crew’s extraordinary confidence set me at ease, so I could relax and enjoy being on Lake Michigan and the incredible views it offered of Chicago’s glistening skyline.

This amazing sailing opportunity for One Family Illinois’ youth in foster care is possible because of the organization’s long-time connection with the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation (CYCF).

Through this partnership, One Family Illinois youth and families have been given opportunities to experience sailing and boating in ways they may never have otherwise imagined. These experiences go beyond learning how to operate a boat. They build confidence, encourage curiosity, and allow young people to step outside of their comfort zones. 

All Aboard!

As part of the One Family Illinois Communications team, I had the chance to experience these benefits firsthand aboard a yacht with foster mom Ms. Carmen and her children, AKA, our crew.  

The boat’s captains, Tom and Mary Falck, have worked with One Family Illinois youth for many years and have had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Carmen’s children over time. I admired the personal connection they had developed with each child. The captains knew exactly which activities each child enjoyed the most and which tasks they were less excited to take on. 

Some of my favorite moments came when a captain mentioned a job and the children immediately knew what needed to be done and how to do it. There was no hesitation. They moved with confidence and purpose, putting their knowledge into action. 

Josiah and the others are such good sailors because they spent hours training and learning on the lake during CYCF’s annual summer sailing camps. Through STEAM programming, water safety education, sailing experiences for both first-time and returning sailors, and other hands-on opportunities, CYCF is helping young people discover
the excitement and possibilities that come from being out on thewater. 

Experiences like these are made possible by CYCF’s generosity. One Family Illinois is incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers, captains, and supporters who continue to make these unforgettable opportunities possible for our youth and families. 

Kids and teens in foster care deserve the excitement of trying something new. This experience was about much more than a day on the water. It was about building confidence. It was about inspiring our youth to remain curious and to keep exploring. 

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