This is an article from “Good Old Boat” (a magazine we like a lot), written by Sara Clemence about an organization we really admire – Rocking the Boat. Good Old Boat and Sara have graciously allowed us to republish it for OCH members.
The South Bronx may be the last place one would associate with handmade wooden boats. Yet head to the industrial neighborhood of Hunts Point, hard by the world’s largest food distribution center, right next to the metal recycling facility, and down the street from the concrete supplier.
In a well-lit workshop you will find a klatch of local kids building boats piece by piece — cutting, bending, planking, sanding. And, as the motto of youth development organization Rocking the Boat goes, you’ll find that boats are building kids.
Rocking the Boat was founded by native New Yorker Adam Green. In 1996, while volunteering at a Harlem school, he saw how students were transformed by building a wooden dinghy together. A few years later, he established Rocking the Boat as an independent non-profit — and its impact has expanded dramatically since.
. . . sign up to the right to get immediate access to this full post,
plus you'll get 10 of our best videos for free.
Get Free Videos& Learn More Join Now!!for Full Access Members Sign In
Michael Werneburg says:
I always say that every boy, or girl, should join the boy or girl scouts, as they teach so much of what a young person needs to know about life, but this program might just fit the bill even better. You are surely blessed to be able to be involved in this endeavor. Remember, you will never have more happiness, than you discipline! Or, The most reliable evidence we have of the power of self discipline, is to observe the wreckage caused by it’s absence! Good luck, and God Bless. Love, Mike.
peter strietmann says:
This is such a great program. Everyone wins.
Peter Brackenbury says:
Love this program! Hope more spring up like this one!
Karl Child says:
keep up the good stuff.
Carroll Brownlee says:
Great article about a great program! It reminded me of Floating the Apple, founded by my close friend, Mike Davis. Is there any connection between the two programs?