The Community Boat Project students, led by Captains Wayne Chimenti and MB Armstrong and veteran teacher Marci Van Celeve, launched the fourth boat built in the program, the 32-foot sailing vessel EPIC.
The Community Boat Project is a unique partnership between the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (the lead organization), Port Townsend School District (#50), Chimacum School District (#49), 4-H/Washington State University (WSU), and the Puget Sound Voyaging Society.
You can see what the Shop is doing at their website, here: communityboats.wordpress.com/
It is an "all ages, all volunteers" community-oriented non-profit organization specializing in free, accredited programs for high school students.
Intergenerational maritime education is the mission of the Community Boat Shop.
The Shop strives to give youth a "sense of place" by connecting them to the environment, the economy, and the people of the Olympic Peninsula.
In short, Community Boat Project volunteers –build– large voyaging boats with high school students – one large boat per year – while the non-profit Puget Sound Voyaging Society, which runs at the same time, and then through the summer, teaches high school students how to — use– those same boats.
The program’s philosophy is centered on five principles.
Social Justice: Quality educational opportunities should be available to all. Therefore all Community Boatshop programs are free to public school youth or sliding scale that matches the needs of any group. Community Boatshop programs are open to all.
Community Supported Education: Education should be community driven. The Local Community drives what is important to learn. Community Boatshop programs are funded by donations of materials and money from the community, and are run on 100% volunteer expertise and energy.
Experiential Learning: Learning is best done through hands-on, real meaningful experiences.
Environmental Sustainability and Sensitivity: The environmental implications of all of Community Boatshop actions are considered, and the the best choice made for minimum impact.
Empowerment: There is a leader in every person.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located in Port Hadlock WA and is a private, accredited non-profit vocational school.
The School’s mission is to teach and preserve the fine art of wooden boatbuilding and traditional maritime crafts.
You may find us on the web at www.nwboatschool.org .
You can reach us via e-mail at info@nwboatschool.org or by calling us at 360-385-4948.
