2015 Robert Finton Award Winner John Tapscott, Captain, Snow Goose, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
John Tapscott 2015 Finton Outdoor Educator Award Winner
The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) announces the 2015 Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year, John Tapscott. Tapscott is the eighth recipient of this award which recognizes individuals who demonstrates leadership and innovation in environmental and outdoor education. Robert Finton, who passed away in 2005, personified enthusiasm, innovation, and excellence in the field of environmental education. This yearly award honors Finton’s memory by rewarding the efforts of those who strive for these qualities.
John had been working as an Environmental Consultant but needed a change in his life. It was apparent from the get go that John was perfect for the world of outdoor environmental education. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Chesapeake and the environment as a whole. You cannot spend time with him without learning something. His genuine lifelong love of learning and enthusiasm for sharing what he learns even translates into how he lives day to day. He models environmentally responsible behavior by his green lifestyle: riding his bike to work daily, and maintaining a community garden plot. It seems like each decision he makes takes the environment into consideration.
After some time as a deckhand and mate at Living Classrooms, John decided to take his own education a step further and become a Captain. For many years he was in command of first the Buy Boat Mildred Belle then the Skipjack Sigsbee. He also took some time away from these programs to work for Outward Bound’s Pulling Boats on the Bay. Currently he’s working for Chesapeake Bay Foundation as the Captain of their Harbor Education Program vessel Snow Goose. He and his program manager have found ways to refresh a program that had remained unchanged for a number of years. He also managed to bring the Baltimore City Teacher Education summer program back to life after many years of inattention.
He excels when it comes to explaining how the health of the harbor is a reflection of the historical changes and challenges it has faced since the 1600’s. Students are engaged and interested in the stories he tells about the battles fought along the Patapsco and how that history relates to the health of the river. John understands the city of Baltimore and as a result the inner city youth that he teaches about the Chesapeake Bay, the Patapsco, and their urban back yards, respect him and ask him thoughtful questions. He keeps them engaged so that they want to learn and explore more! As a captain and educator, John safely and skillfully helps all that step aboard the Snow Goose join in the investigation of their river’s and its inhabitant’s health. He is dedicated and patient with everyone – students, teachers and co- workers. He truly wants people to embrace they power they have to influence the health of the environment they live in. The Bay is truly lucky to have this educator on its team!