Brooklyn Boatworks

MISSION Brooklyn Boatworks encourages, inspires and empowers young people through the unique craft of wooden boatbuilding and on-the-water experiences. We teach and promote the values of learning by doing, cooperation, perseverance and craftsmanship. WHAT WE DO Working inside New York City schools and educational organizations, Brooklyn Boatworks offers a unique boat building program that builds students' skills in Science Technology Engineering and Math and encourages positive behavior development. EDUCATIONAL MODEL Each group of 12 young people begins with four sheets of plywood, a set of plans, and basic hand tools. They work together to build their own Optimist pram sailboat. At the end of the school year each class launches and sails its boat in the New York City harbor. Students' leadership skills and confidence are developed and reinforced through "Captain of the Day" exercises. Classroom learning is strengthened by educational field trips to the New York City harbor.