New mission: Tennessee Aquatic Project and Development Group, LLC (TAP) aims to broaden the horizons of middle Tennessee youth from under-resourced communities. TAP offers life skills and unique opportunities through aquatic activities, outdoor exploration, and leadership experiences. TAP motivates young people to face their fears, find a sense of direction, and build confidence in their abilities.
New vision: We envision a future where youth are well-equipped to lead sustainable lives, contribute positively to their communities, and tackle the global challenges of tomorrow.
Two new open water SCUBA divers were certified through PADI and four through NAUI for a total of 11 at one time.
SCUBA divers learned a bit about scientific diving.
We celebrated the graduation of a high school senior.
Students of all ages completed the CARES (Collective Approach To Restoring Our Ecosystem) program, learning fish and coral identification.
The new Lifeguard Academy had 15 participants and 8 passed the prerequisites to attend lifeguard training. One will complete the program in 2024-2025..
Seven new lifeguards got great jobs.
We had a website upgrade.
There was intense Board work on all facets of organization.
July – TAP Empowerment Camp in Pelham, AL with a NAUI Course Director Trainer.
June – GBO Day in Sandy Bottom, GA with support from the National Park Service and Atlanta Underwater Explorers. More than 100 youth and adults participated from Tennessee and Georgia.
June – Fifteen students and guardians spent five days in paradise, Grand Cayman Island, and divers had 5-6 dives in different locations.
May – Took two creative writing classes.
May – Completed three of four phases of Wilderness Survival Camp, hearing from a naturalist about plant identification, geocaching, and tree identification.
April – We learned how to describe TAP in an elevator speech, which one family shared at a Metro Council Meeting.
April – We participated again in Swim Across America with Ms. Dee, our advanced aquatics instructor.
April – We celebrated Earth Day by testing Whites Creek water, facilitated by our Earth Echo ambassadors.
April – Received BCD donations at the Bells Bend Earth Day celebration and talked about climate change.
April – Made reusable grocery bags from rice bags.
February – Tried a flight simulator at Fisk University and interacted in the technology lab.
February – Fifth Empowerment Camp at Devil’s Den in Williston, FL.
