General 

What is Leadership Classroom?
Leadership Classroom conducts leadership programs, both academic and adventure based, for high school students. 

What kind of programs do you offer?
We offer 10 day programs aboard sailing yachts in the Caribbean that include leadership skill building, sailing, marine biology, scuba diving, and other water sports.

How old do I have to be? 
Participants are between the ages of 14 and 18.

I don’t have any experience.  Can I still come?
Absolutely!  In fact, most students have no prior experience when they arrive. 

Where are the programs held?
Our programs are held in the British Virgin Islands of the Caribbean.

When are they held?
Programs are held from early to mid June through August.

Sailing

Is sailing safe?
Yes!  Participants learn how to sail under the watchful eyes of our experienced captains and sailing instructors.

What will I learn?
Depending on what you already know, our instructors will teach you basic sailing concepts or more advanced sailing techniques.  Topics include sailing terminology, boat design, points of sail, navigation, mooring and anchoring, knots, wind, weather, currents and more!

Where will I sail?
The British Virgin Islands.  There are over 30 islands, most of which are uninhabited.  Our programs visit many of these islands, anchoring in protected bays, snorkeling along colorful reefs, and visiting local shops and restaurants. 

What will I sail?
We sail approximately 40-50 foot yachts.  Some of these vessels are monohull sailboats while others are catamarans.

Will I wear a life jacket?
When conditions warrant, participants are required to wear life jackets.  Although they are always available to all participants, they are not needed much of the time.

Can I get certified?
Yes!  Students wishing to challenge themselves even more by taking their sailing skills to the next level may pursue American Sailing Association certifications through our instructors.

Diving

Is diving safe?
Yes!  When done properly, diving is extremely safe and can be enjoyed by almost anyone.  Our students learn how to dive under the watchful eyes of our highly trained and safety conscious professional scuba instructors.

What will I learn?
If you are new to diving, the PADI Open Water Diver course covers everything you need to know in order to safely dive with a buddy.  Successful completion of this course results in full certification.  Topics include buoyancy, breathing underwater, safety, nitrogen narcosis, decompression theory, dive table use and much more. 
Students who are already certified can choose to improve their diving skills with over 20 diving courses offered by Leadership Classroom.

Where will I dive?
The British Virgin Islands have a multitude of incredible dive sites.  From coral reefs teeming with life to shipwrecks rich in history, you’ll enjoy great visibility and warm water.

Do I need my own equipment?
All students are required to bring their own mask, snorkel and fins.  This ensures a correct and comfortable fit.  Leadership Classroom provides all necessary dive equipment.  Of course, if you already have your own dive equipment, feel free to bring it along.

Can I get certified?
Yes!  Leadership Classroom offers over 20 courses ranging from beginner through professional.  If you’ve never been diving, we’ll get you started.  If you’re already certified, we’ll take you to the next level.

Living

Where will I stay?
Students live aboard sailing yachts for the duration of the program.  These boats vary in size depending on the program, ranging from 40 to 50 feet long.  These yachts have separate sleeping cabins shared by fellow students, multiple heads (bathrooms), central living area and a galley (kitchen).  It feels very much like camping, because although there are some amenities that you are used to from home, things like water and electricity must be used sparingly.

How much spending money should I bring?
Students are encouraged to bring between $150 and $200 for optional meals ashore and souvenirs.  Keep in mind it is always better to return with extra money rather than run short while on the voyage.
In addition to the above spending money, Leadership Classroom staff will collect $20 cash from each student upon arrival.  This will be returned to each student on departure day to pay for their BVI departure tax collected at the airport.

Food

What will I eat?
Our students enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and more prepared by fellow students from simple, tasty and easy to follow recipes.  Students take turns being the chef as they rotate through various duties throughout the program.  There are also two or three optional meals ashore not included in tuition where students can dine in local restaurants.

Safety

Is it safe?
 

Staff

Who will the staff be?
 

Travel

How do I get there?
Students are responsible for and must arrange their own transportation to the program.  As students come from such a variety of places, it is not possible for us to include travel expenses in the tuition rate.  Please contact our headquarters to discuss any questions or concerns reqarding your travel plans.
Students arrive in Tortola, British Virgin Islands via the Beef Island Airport (Airport Code: EIS).  Usually flights to this airport connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Once you have booked your flight, be sure to forward us your itinerary.

Do I need a Passport?
Yes.  All students are required to have a passport valid for the dates of travel. 

Weather

What will the weather be like?
Located in the Caribbean, the picturesque British Virgin Islands enjoy beautiful weather year round.  During the months we will be sailing, the temperatures range from 80° - 95° Fahrenheit during the day, dropping to 80° - 85° Fahrenheit at night.  The occasional passing rain clouds drop what is affectionately known as liquid sunshine, as they rarely stay for more than a few minutes.  We are quickly dried off by the warm sun as soon as they pass, so our scheduled activities are rarely interrupted for long, if at all.

Insurance

Do I need insurance?
All students must show proof of current medical insurance prior to arrival.  Students should bring their insurance cards with them on the trip.
Optional Trip Insurance
Required Dive Insurance