So, how many times have you driven by a group of kids and wondered what they were up to? Could it be trouble? Have you ever wondered what that kids story is? Who is that person, what are they like? We take things like this for granted everyday. In this country, there are millions of "at risk" kids. The numbers have grown as a result of a tough economy and parents that have to work harder than ever to support their families. Kids get left to their own devices. Sooner or later they will come to a crossroad that will affect them for the rest of their lives. They can be pulled into a life of crime, drugs or violence.
I grew up in a very stable environment. Great parents that provided for my brother and myself to the best of their abilities. We, of course in exchange, took it for granted. Not all kids are as fortunate as I was. Broken homes, single parents are more the norm, than when I grew up. What if kids had something to give them a sense of accomplishment, pride, and confidence? Would it make a difference when they are faced with a decision on what is right and wrong? I like to think so. Given confidence in themselves, they can accomplish great things. What does this have to do with boat building? I am about to tell you.
When I started working for Chesapeake Light Craft, I had the idea, that I would be able to help people do something I loved doing. What I did not know, I was going to be involved in something with a much deeper meaning. CLC had been supporting a local organization called The Box of Rain Foundation. We donated kits to for a program called Boat Building by the Bay. I attended the launch ceremony in 2010 of a Northeaster Dory they had built. The kids were amazing! They were proud of what they had accomplished. They had built a boat and were about to see the fruit of their labor, float for the very first time. I was inspired by what I saw. I decided to get involved.
The Box of Rain Foundation was formed to help "at risk kids", in honor of Lee Griffin, who was the victim of homicide in downtown Annapolis. His friends formed the charity in hopes of helping kids through education and mentoring. One of the programs is Boat Building by the Bay. Every winter, a new boat is created by kids. We, as volunteers, guide them through the process of constructing a boat. Seeing them playfully argue over who gets to perform a particular task, is gratifying. Seeing their confidence grow as the boat forms, is inspiring.
Last year, the kids built a Kaholo Stand Up Paddleboard. It was sold at auction and all of the proceeds went back to the foundation to fund future programs. This year it was announced that a "Coot" dinghy was going to be built. This was a huge leap for the program, because this was going to take the build to a new level. I have to admit, I had my doubts. After all this was a strip constructed boat. George Smith, the driving force behind, Boat Building by the Bay, has a vision. I can see that it will happen. The kids have adapted to this style of building and are doing a superb job. The boat will be a testament to what they can accomplish.
The kids were divided into teams, we had a Port and Starboard planking teams. One would cut the strips to length, another applied the glue. The adults held things tight while the Staple Master secured each strip to the forms. Another team fiber-glassed the seats. The shop was busy with activity, time flew by. After a few hours the sides and bottom were stripped. What remains is about eight strips on each side, a monumental accomplishment.
So, what do I get out of this? It's is a feeling that is hard to describe. Getting to know these kids is a privilege. Some of have natural leadership abilities. Seeing that come out, is awe inspiring. They are engaged in what they are doing, eager and best of all, happy. After every session, I feel like my reset button has been set. Things that I may have been worried about, weren't all that stressful anymore. I leave inspired.
There is more to come on what these kids are about to accomplish. A beautiful boat will be built, not just in appearance, but because who built it.
I grew up in a very stable environment. Great parents that provided for my brother and myself to the best of their abilities. We, of course in exchange, took it for granted. Not all kids are as fortunate as I was. Broken homes, single parents are more the norm, than when I grew up. What if kids had something to give them a sense of accomplishment, pride, and confidence? Would it make a difference when they are faced with a decision on what is right and wrong? I like to think so. Given confidence in themselves, they can accomplish great things. What does this have to do with boat building? I am about to tell you.
When I started working for Chesapeake Light Craft, I had the idea, that I would be able to help people do something I loved doing. What I did not know, I was going to be involved in something with a much deeper meaning. CLC had been supporting a local organization called The Box of Rain Foundation. We donated kits to for a program called Boat Building by the Bay. I attended the launch ceremony in 2010 of a Northeaster Dory they had built. The kids were amazing! They were proud of what they had accomplished. They had built a boat and were about to see the fruit of their labor, float for the very first time. I was inspired by what I saw. I decided to get involved.
The Box of Rain Foundation was formed to help "at risk kids", in honor of Lee Griffin, who was the victim of homicide in downtown Annapolis. His friends formed the charity in hopes of helping kids through education and mentoring. One of the programs is Boat Building by the Bay. Every winter, a new boat is created by kids. We, as volunteers, guide them through the process of constructing a boat. Seeing them playfully argue over who gets to perform a particular task, is gratifying. Seeing their confidence grow as the boat forms, is inspiring.
Last year, the kids built a Kaholo Stand Up Paddleboard. It was sold at auction and all of the proceeds went back to the foundation to fund future programs. This year it was announced that a "Coot" dinghy was going to be built. This was a huge leap for the program, because this was going to take the build to a new level. I have to admit, I had my doubts. After all this was a strip constructed boat. George Smith, the driving force behind, Boat Building by the Bay, has a vision. I can see that it will happen. The kids have adapted to this style of building and are doing a superb job. The boat will be a testament to what they can accomplish.
The kids were divided into teams, we had a Port and Starboard planking teams. One would cut the strips to length, another applied the glue. The adults held things tight while the Staple Master secured each strip to the forms. Another team fiber-glassed the seats. The shop was busy with activity, time flew by. After a few hours the sides and bottom were stripped. What remains is about eight strips on each side, a monumental accomplishment.
So, what do I get out of this? It's is a feeling that is hard to describe. Getting to know these kids is a privilege. Some of have natural leadership abilities. Seeing that come out, is awe inspiring. They are engaged in what they are doing, eager and best of all, happy. After every session, I feel like my reset button has been set. Things that I may have been worried about, weren't all that stressful anymore. I leave inspired.
There is more to come on what these kids are about to accomplish. A beautiful boat will be built, not just in appearance, but because who built it.
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