12/24/12 - Welcome everyone and Merry Christmas! We encourage readers (sponsors, donors, parents, teachers and students alike) to bookmark this page and come back often to hear MVP news!

MVP headquarters has been heavy into marine program planning and there has been a full on effort to generate the funds needed to implement the programs.

See the links below for more information. Thank you for your support of the MVP. Boy Scouts Structure Article Waves Archives ABMT Home

MVP policy doesn't allow us to specify the dollar amounts provided by our contributors - but we can publicly thank them for their support!! Much started to happen in late summer when Mr. Curt Richardson of OtterBox (locally Ocean Surfari) and Blain Tomlinson (grandson of Chuck Senf who founded the "Boy Scout" tournament) provided us with funds to establish the MVP's bank and checking account. The new account reads: VI Council, Boy Scouts of America, Marine Vocational Program. This enables us to keep tournament income and expenditures separate from the rapidly developing vocational program. Next came the support of the Community Foundation who responded to our very first grant writing effort! A week later we met with Mrs. Trudy Prior at Coral World and both she and husband Neil immediately climbed onboard, fully realizing the potential of the MVP and it's real benefit to the community. Fingers and toes are crossed for other funding that may be on the way... but we won't jinx it by letting the cat out of the bag!

And here is an exciting development to announce to parents and students - Fred and Mary Beth Kopko, owners of the SF Marlin Prince (based on AYH's "A" Dock in Red Hook) have announced their willingness to completely fund and establish a "First Mate" training program. MVP students will soon be able to sign up for and receive "hands on" training aboard a popular sports fishing vessel. The program will first teach the daily routine of a professional mate (care for all surfaces, line handling, fender placement, communication and nautical terms, etc.) and after displaying proof of their learning, the kids will be taught how to catch fish both inshore and offshore. Capt. Eddie and son Travis will provide the professional instruction. Other boat owners have stated that they too would like to participate when the program gets into full swing.

And the good news just keeps coming! We were recently contacted by Tiffany Holmes, Director of Operations at the Ritz Carlton and asked if the MVP would be interested in "partnering" (at no cost to the MVP or students) in an environmental appreciation and nature awareness program. Holy Cow, can you believe how well that fits into the MVP's spectrum? Additionally we spoke of the MVP's desire to offer a program that will teach our students about the importance of tourism to these islands - Tiffany's response was "heck yes" we'll help with that program too! Who is better to teach hospitality than the Ritz Carlton? Our MVP students are blessed with the opportunities coming their way. Stay tuned for more good news coming your way!

Those wishing to donate by check can mail to the following address: ABMT MVP, 6616 Estate Nadir, St. Thomas, VI 00802. Please make check payable to: VI Council, Boy Scouts of America. Also be sure to note "MVP" somewhere on the check.