2004 Long Beach Whale Watch Trip

In 2004, MATFA's Saving Our Children At Risk (SOCAR) program took a group of Visually Challenged on a whale watching trip. The mentors preprared the youth to understand the many challenges others experience and to understand it is a "reason" and not an "excuse". The youth learned how to use words of expresion instead of actions. In learning this, they were able to describe; what the water, dolphins, and whales looked like to the challenged. What a great experience for both to have. On this day many great friendships were made!

Some of the challenged enjoying the warmth of the sun, cool breeze in their hair, and the salt water on their lips.

Not only was this a 1st time experience for people who could not see, but some of the youth who went on this trip had never been on a boat, or have seen sea animals up this close!

Co-Author of Chicken Soup for the Volunteers Soul and CEO Melanie Washingto.

All tired out from a day of adventure!