Teenaged boys making the transition from middle to high school experienced a five-day voyage aboard the Spirit of Bermuda to build teamwork, leadership and character.

The boys, who took part in the voyage last week, were chosen because they demonstrated leadership in the classroom, sports field or in their communities.

Dwayshum Santucci, Zeeko Johnstone, Shaquille Bean, Courtney Dublin, Kleche Burgess, Cory Bean, TiaeVince Douglas, Daquan Pitcher, Quadra Lowe, Jaquan Evans, Maurico Simmons, Dominicio Fuhrtz, Jameko Harvey-Outerbridge and Davante Johnson spent the week aboard the vessel learning to introduce, guide and model teamwork among strangers.

The boys were from Sandys, Clearwater, Spice Valley, Dellwood and home school. It was the idea of Sandys teacher Jennifer Brookes and educational therapist Kevin Grigsby.

The Coalition for the Protection of Children partnered with Darrin Lewis, Health and PE Education Officer, and Keith Smith, senior Youth Development Officer, to make the idea a reality.

According to a press release, putting the 14-year old boys from different areas of Bermuda in such a small space was "physically and emotionally powerful" for the boys and the group. "The boys experienced personal growth in the five days that will prepare them for high school and life", the release said.

Cpt. Chris Blake said at an awards ceremony on Friday: "You had the chance to create real team work. Some of you knew what you had to do and did it. Some of you didn't but you know now what you will need to do in the future to succeed in life whether it be in school or on the athletic field."

The volunteer crew included Bill Trott, Adam Goodwin, Stuart Kriendler, Everton Dawes, Eric Bean and Edmiko Butterfield.