Illinois Council of Skin and Scuba Divers (ICSSD)

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E-Mail Bob Gadbois, Webmaster

October 17, 2009

S.T.A.R.S. International

Help Change the World
Instructors, AI’s,
and General Volunteers
Needed!

    Again this year we are attempting to establish the S.T.A.R.S. (Scuba Training for At Risk Students) program in Chicago. For those that are unaware of S.T.A.R.S, this is a program that has been in existence for 6 years in Elgin providing self-esteem and self-development for teens that otherwise might be headed in the wrong direction in their lives. This is done through the discipline of scuba training. It is an intensive course that takes participants from Discover Scuba all the way through Rescue Diver and several specialty courses. It emphasizes fitness training, team building, problem resolution and responsibility. The program has a proven track record in increasing GPA and reducing school absenteeism and dropout rates.

    This year we are much further along than we were last year. We have the students, we have a fantastic facility (the Martin Luther King Boy and Girls Club near the United Center), we have a fully developed program, and we also have staff at the Club to deal with any discipline issues if they should rise up. All we need now are volunteers.

    We have a desperate need for INSTRUCTORS, ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS, DIVE MASTERS and people who are FITNESS ORIENTED that can help with that aspect of the program. I also need GENERAL VOLUNTEERS to help out in all aspects of the program. I need a COMMITMENT TO START AND FINISH THE COURSE for those that sign on. This coarse will require the same level of commitment and responsibility from our volunteers that we are asking of our students.

    You will receive training and support. Time commitments from our core volunteers would be approximately 36 hours, spread out over one or two days a week for 12 weeks. Of course, if we have enough volunteers, that would ease the load on everyone.

    We will also need help and support from people who have a flair for fundraising. We have a good base of equipment to start with, but could certainly use help from people in finding more equipment and supplies.

    INSTRUCTORS are one of my first concerns. Without them it would be hard for the program to go forward. This mailing list goes out to over 400 people. I know a few of you are instructors, but there must be a few I don’t know about as well. We really need you with this. If you know someone that is not a CSM member who might be interested, please refer them.

    This is an opportunity to give back and make a difference. It will be work, but also very rewarding. During these difficult times, being able to help others is more important than ever. I hope everyone reading this will give this careful consideration.

    Please respond back to me through my email address below.

    Thank you! -Dean Nolan deannolan@sbcglobal.net.

Samples of the ICSSD Dive Flag Notice--Brochure and Poster.

From Ronald McDonald Charities
(Supported by the member clubs of the ICSSD)

For a brochure about Ronald McDonald Charities pop-tab program,

Click Here

The Mac Has Been Sunk!!

On the morning of Thursday, April 10, 2003 "The Straits of Mackinac" was towed from its mooring on Chicago's Calumet River into Lake Michigan and was sunk just north of the city. "The Straits of Mackinac" is a spectacular, premier dive destination and attraction in the Chicagoland area.

Photo of sinking courtesy Dave Manchester

To learn more about this unique project
check their web site at
http://mackinacproject.tripod.com.