Mission Statement
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Vision The vision for Stay-Focused is to create a unique organization for teens and young adults with disabilities that enhances their quality of life and provides the opportunity for continued growth and leadership development. SCUBA diving, like no other sport, offers teens with disabilities an unparalleled opportunity to experience freedom from their wheelchairs and disabilities. With water as the great equalizer, divers with disabilities are able to enjoy the same experience as their able-bodied friends, while challenging themselves and gaining confidence. Friendships formed during the program last a lifetime with Stay-Focused alumni, particularly the mentors, guiding the organization. Continuing to explore the beneficial aspects of diving for persons with disabilities is an ongoing priority. Ultimately, Stay-Focused will attain recognition as the most highly-regarded learning organization for teens and young adults with disabilities. Values Safety - Number one priority Leadership - Staying focused! Respect – For all persons involved as well as the diving environment Teamwork – "No man left behind" Persistence – Never give up!
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Stay-Focused offers a unique, transformational learning experience to teens and young adults with disabilities. Through a SCUBA diving certification program, participants gain confidence, develop leadership skills, become more independent, and join the Stay-Focused community. Participants learn to challenge themselves, set higher goals, and form long-term friendships. Stay-Focused is committed to supporting medical research that explores the beneficial aspects of diving on persons with mobility challenges.|
Purpose Stay-Focused is best described as a learning organization, with both academic and experiential components. While the program provides participants the opportunity to challenge themselves and learn valuable lessons, it is also fun and offers participants a positive, achievement-oriented experience. During the initial, weeklong Stay-Focused program, participants take part in a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certified program, as well as a complement of workshops designed to enrich their diving experiences and encourage them to focus on achieving personal goals. Participants learn about the marine environment and fish behavior from their diving instructors and by participating in workshops offered by the Ambassadors of the Environment Program at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. |
Goals Beyond learning to dive and the educational value of the Stay-Focused experience, one of the primary goals of Stay-Focused is to maintain lifelong connections with the teens and young adults who participate in the program. Participants in the program become alumni of Stay-Focused and will always be part of the Stay-Focused network. Each participant is offered the opportunity to return to Grand Cayman one year after the first trip to participate in a second week of diving and workshops. These "reunion" trips enable divers to refresh their diving skills and help reinforce lessons-learned during the first trip, including overcoming challenges and setting realistic, achievable personal goals. Stay-Focused Cayman Ltd. Stay-Focused is registered in Grand Cayman as Stay-Focused Ltd., a charitable organization. While the organization's purpose and goals remain unchanged, Stay-Focused Cayman Ltd, has a broader agenda of lifting awareness in Cayman for the potential of all persons with disabilities. |