Jackson County Kids Set Sail: Empowering Local Youth Through Sailing

Chasing Bubbles Foundation Partners with Boys & Girls Club of Seymour to Send Members to Summer Sailing Camp

At the Chasing Bubbles Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of sailing. It's not just about learning to sail a boat; it's about building confidence, teamwork, and exploring the world beyond what’s familiar. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Seymour to offer a life-changing opportunity for local youth this summer. This June, five lucky members of the Boys & Girls Club will set sail at Eagle Creek Sailing Club in Indianapolis, marking the beginning of a journey that could change their lives forever.

Inspiring Big Dreams, Just Like Alex Rust

This partnership is the first phase of a bigger vision that the Chasing Bubbles Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club share—an initiative that aims to help Jackson County kids dream big. Just like Seymour native Alex Rust, whose incredible journey around the world is the inspiration for our foundation, we want to show local youth that adventure, exploration, and chasing big dreams are all possible, no matter where you start.

“We believe in the power of sailing to transform lives,” said Joe Rust, President of the Chasing Bubbles Foundation and Alex’s youngest brother. “Alex’s story started right here in Seymour, and his journey around the world proved that even a kid from a small town can chase big dreams. This program is our way of giving that spark to the next generation—starting with five incredible kids this summer.”

A Hands-On Sailing Experience

The five students selected for the program will spend a week at Eagle Creek Reservoir, learning the ropes of sailing, developing teamwork skills, and building confidence on the water. But the benefits of the program go far beyond just sailing—they’ll also gain life skills that will serve them in the classroom and beyond, with leadership and personal growth taking center stage.

“Our hope is that these kids see what’s possible for them, just like Alex did when he looked out at the open sea and dreamed of exploring the world,” added Joe. “We’re giving them a chance to chart their own course.”

Pictures above are from the Eagle Creek Summer Sailing Camp

What This Means for the Boys & Girls Club

As the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Seymour, Ryon Wheeler is excited about the partnership and its potential impact on local kids. “Programs and partners like this will change the trajectory of our kids' lives. Alex’s story is inspiring, and we’re eager to share it with our members. For some of these kids, this may be the first time they’ve even been on a boat—let alone had the chance to chart their own course.”

This partnership is more than just a summer camp experience—it’s the first step toward a larger mission to inspire local youth and provide them with real-world adventure and opportunities. And it’s just the beginning.

Looking to the Future: “Sail to Success” and More

The Chasing Bubbles Foundation’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club isn’t a one-time event. In the future, we’ll be expanding the program to include more students and new challenges. We’re excited to introduce the Sail to Success challenge, a merit-based program where kids can earn their way into sailing camps and trips through leadership activities, goal-setting, and community engagement.

In addition to the local sailing experiences, we’re also planning an annual expedition aboard S/V Bubbles to the Virgin Islands. This hands-on experience will give students the chance to go beyond the shores of Jackson County and see how the world opens up when you take risks and pursue your dreams.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our partners at the Boys & Girls Club and Eagle Creek Sailing Club,” said Joe Rust. “With their support, we’re not just teaching kids to sail—we’re helping them believe in themselves, explore the world, and chase their own dreams.”

How You Can Support the Program

We’re just getting started, and there are many ways you can help bring this life-changing program to even more kids.

First, sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date with our programs: https://www.chasingbubbles.org/contact

Second, donate to our programs to help make this program available for even more kids: https://www.chasingbubbles.org/donate

Your contribution can make a real difference in the lives of Jackson County youth, empowering them to explore the world and dream big.

About the Chasing Bubbles Foundation

The Chasing Bubbles Foundation was created in honor of Alex Rust, a Seymour native who left behind a successful career to sail around the world. His journey, captured in the documentary Chasing Bubbles, inspired millions to believe in the power of adventure and pursuing one’s dreams. Alex’s mission to help children in need led him to visit remote islands during his travels, and the Chasing Bubbles Foundation carries forward that dream by supporting the education and empowerment of kids worldwide.

From youth sailing camps in the Virgin Islands to international expeditions aboard S/V Bubbles, the foundation provides hands-on adventure-based programs that teach young people important life skills while inspiring them to chase their dreams—both on the water and off.