My wife and I put our son in the First Mate Academy and we are so happy that we did. Captain Andy and his team run a high quality camp experience. This isn't one of those camps where teenagers babysit your kids for four hours. This is a real life, hands on experience where kids learn everything about being a mate on a boat. They get to actually go on the boat and fish each day with a professional who teaches them what they need to know. This starts them down the path of building the knowledge and experience foundation that a true professional captain needs to be successful. Captain Andy is a father himself so he knows what the kids need and how to keep them interested. I was most impressed when Captain Andy taught my son how to take off his hat and sunglasses and look somebody in the eye, introduce themselves and shake their hand properly. I knew then that Captain Andy and this experience was exactly what we wanted for our child.

- Randy Houseman Verified

Response from FIRST MATE ACADEMY Such a big compliment! THANK YOU! We thoroughly enjoyed working with your son and see the mariner life in his blood. A quick learner and handled responsibility well. Thank you for trusting us and the opportunity to work with your son! We hope to have him back for future camps and ACADEMY programming!