Educational Programs for Schools & Camps
As a respected authority on Charleston's Golden Age of Piracy, Eric Lavender
has presented his Charleston Pirates program throughout the southeast at
major museums, schools, and even the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament.
Sullivan's Island Elementary |
"Student travelers will love sailing out to the horizon with Charleston Pirate Tours, led by guide Eric Lavender and his parrot, Captain Bob. Student tour groups hear the tales of how piracy affected the port of Charleston in the early 1700s." InSite on Student Travel, June 11, 2010
Eric can customize a fun, educational program for your school, after-school program, or summer camp that includes everything from local pirate lore, Charleston history and local ghost stories to balloon art, photos with Bob, and a little education on exotic birds! 
Charleston Museum |
The program, “Golden Age of Piracy” (1690-1730) explores how piracy impacted Charles Towne. It dispels the romantic myths and legends of pirate life and explores the difference between privateers and pirates. Eric also discusses the politics of piracy. Did you know that pirate ships operated as a democracy? Did you know that commerce between pirates and “legitimate” businessmen was an important part of Charles Towne’s early economy?
Eric brings to life the pirates, who visited our fair shores: Stede Bonnet, Blackbeard, Jack Rackham, Richard Worley, Charles Vane, and of course the notorious female pirates, Mary Read and Anne Bonny.
Eric also explains what pirates really did with parrots, which leads to a brief discussion of his partner, Bob, a rescued Blue & Gold Macaw and the importance of conservation of these beautiful birds. Eric closes the program with a question and answer period.
"Thank you to Eric and Capt. Bob for visiting with us yesterday!! Everyone had a fabulous time! I received many comments from parents on what a great program this was. We all learned a lot and-of course-the kids loved meeting Capt Bob!" Sarah Sherrill, U.S. Air Force Base Charleston
Mt. Pleasant Academy |
Eric
brings history alive
and makes it fun for the kids. Of course, his
authentic costume and Bob, the big blue & gold macaw, immediately
capture the attention and imagination of the children.
We donate 5% of the
fee for every group tour or event to BirdLove Avian Sanctuary, a parrot
rescue facility and Captain Bob's former home.