2023-2024 YOUTH  PROGRAMS

We have been monitoring the Baker Administration’s COVID policy for the state of Massachusetts to be sure that our programs here at Lowell’s Boat Shop are conducted as safely as possible, and in compliance with state regulations. 

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com to request a full version of our covid safety protocols.

Fall Programs at Lowell’s Boat Shop

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
for 5 weeks starting September 15

Looking for something to supplement the online/hybrid learning models that have become this year’s “back to school”? Lowell’s Boat Shop is offering six mini-classes that incorporate STEAM learning objectives through place-based, hands-on education. Classes will be held outdoors whenever possible, and will be limited to small groups of 8. Kids will have the opportunity to row our Banks dories, and will learn about safety on the water in addition to developing skills and knowledge in math, history, science, engineering and the arts.

Two classes will be offered each day – 9:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:30 (Students enrolled for both classes can stay and have their lunch at LBS)
Ages: 10-13 (some flexibility – please call); limit 8 per class
$175 LBS Members; $190 Nonmembers (per class)

TUESDAY:

9-12: Importance of Place
The Merrimack River has played a major role in the development of the communities that line its banks. We’ll investigate the river’s many uses, and how it has shaped our local towns and cities.

12:30-3:30 River Ecology
The Merrimack River’s waters change from salt to brackish to fresh as it travels inland from the ocean. We’ll explore the different ecosystems at these differing levels of salinity, and learn about the species of plants and animals that thrive – or have adapted – in each. We’ll also talk about climate change, and the special importance of the marsh ecosystem in mitigating its effects.

WEDNESDAY:

9-12: Math on the River
A modified version of our renowned high school program, this class will challenge kids to observe and record the river’s depths, currents, and tides, and how the lunar cycle affects them.  Students will learn the basics of navigation, and calculate the best way to get from Point A to Point B based on the data they compile.

12:30-3:30: Riverkeepers
The Merrimack River is one of the most important on the East Coast in its conservation value to migratory fish species like river herring and sturgeon. The watershed also supports the largest tidal marsh habitat in New England, a portion of the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, and a great number of state and federally-listed endangered species. We’ll experiment with some basic water quality testing, collect and track marine debris, and study the effects of land development along the shoreline. 

THURSDAY:

9-12: LBS/Maritime History
As the oldest continuously operating Boat Shop in the country, Lowell’s Boat Shop is uniquely equipped to present a history of boatbuilding and its importance both locally and on a national level. We’ll learn about the rise and fall of the fishing industry, practice skills such as knot-tying and splicing, and parse maritime vocabulary and idioms to better understand the language of seafarers.

12:30-3:30: Design and Construction
This program will take students through the process of building a (model) boat from lofting to construction, utilizing boatbuilding math to create and scale their design. We’ll discuss hull shape, form and function, Lowell’s construction process, the characteristics of local wood species, and traditional tools and their uses. Students will build (a very basic) model boat through the course of the program.

KIDS ROWING CLUB
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3:45-5:30
$20 per day or $60 per week
Must sign up in advance; space is limited. Suggested ages 10-16.
No rowing experience necessary. We’ll run this as long as boats are in and weather holds.

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have any questions or concerns.

The Expedition – An Adventure for Kids! Session I

When: Tuesday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 8th

We’ll start our rowing adventure from Lowell’s Boat Shop, and head upriver to Maudslay State Park and its surrounds. As we go, we’ll learn to map the land from the river, chart currents and tides, and determine the best place to land. Once on shore, we’ll practice wayfinding and orienteering in the Maudslay Woods using map and compass, and record the different species of flora and fauna we encounter on our travels.

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

*A miminum of 4 students is required to run this class. Should there be fewer than four students Lowell’s Boat Shop reserves the right to cancel the class at any time for a full refund.

We have been monitoring the Baker Administration’s COVID policy for the state of Massachusetts to be sure that our programs here at Lowell’s Boat Shop are conducted as safely as possible, and in compliance with state regulations. 

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com to request a full version of our covid safety protocols.

Fall Programs at Lowell’s Boat Shop

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
for 5 weeks starting September 15

Looking for something to supplement the online/hybrid learning models that have become this year’s “back to school”? Lowell’s Boat Shop is offering six mini-classes that incorporate STEAM learning objectives through place-based, hands-on education. Classes will be held outdoors whenever possible, and will be limited to small groups of 8. Kids will have the opportunity to row our Banks dories, and will learn about safety on the water in addition to developing skills and knowledge in math, history, science, engineering and the arts.

Two classes will be offered each day – 9:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:30 (Students enrolled for both classes can stay and have their lunch at LBS)
Ages: 10-13 (some flexibility – please call); limit 8 per class
$175 LBS Members; $190 Nonmembers (per class)

TUESDAY:

9-12: Importance of Place
The Merrimack River has played a major role in the development of the communities that line its banks. We’ll investigate the river’s many uses, and how it has shaped our local towns and cities.

12:30-3:30 River Ecology
The Merrimack River’s waters change from salt to brackish to fresh as it travels inland from the ocean. We’ll explore the different ecosystems at these differing levels of salinity, and learn about the species of plants and animals that thrive – or have adapted – in each. We’ll also talk about climate change, and the special importance of the marsh ecosystem in mitigating its effects.

WEDNESDAY:

9-12: Math on the River
A modified version of our renowned high school program, this class will challenge kids to observe and record the river’s depths, currents, and tides, and how the lunar cycle affects them.  Students will learn the basics of navigation, and calculate the best way to get from Point A to Point B based on the data they compile.

12:30-3:30: Riverkeepers
The Merrimack River is one of the most important on the East Coast in its conservation value to migratory fish species like river herring and sturgeon. The watershed also supports the largest tidal marsh habitat in New England, a portion of the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, and a great number of state and federally-listed endangered species. We’ll experiment with some basic water quality testing, collect and track marine debris, and study the effects of land development along the shoreline. 

THURSDAY:

9-12: LBS/Maritime History
As the oldest continuously operating Boat Shop in the country, Lowell’s Boat Shop is uniquely equipped to present a history of boatbuilding and its importance both locally and on a national level. We’ll learn about the rise and fall of the fishing industry, practice skills such as knot-tying and splicing, and parse maritime vocabulary and idioms to better understand the language of seafarers.

12:30-3:30: Design and Construction
This program will take students through the process of building a (model) boat from lofting to construction, utilizing boatbuilding math to create and scale their design. We’ll discuss hull shape, form and function, Lowell’s construction process, the characteristics of local wood species, and traditional tools and their uses. Students will build (a very basic) model boat through the course of the program.

KIDS ROWING CLUB
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3:45-5:30
$20 per day or $60 per week
Must sign up in advance; space is limited. Suggested ages 10-16.
No rowing experience necessary. We’ll run this as long as boats are in and weather holds.

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have any questions or concerns.

The Expedition – An Adventure for Kids! Session I

When: Tuesday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 8th

We’ll start our rowing adventure from Lowell’s Boat Shop, and head upriver to Maudslay State Park and its surrounds. As we go, we’ll learn to map the land from the river, chart currents and tides, and determine the best place to land. Once on shore, we’ll practice wayfinding and orienteering in the Maudslay Woods using map and compass, and record the different species of flora and fauna we encounter on our travels.

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

*A miminum of 4 students is required to run this class. Should there be fewer than four students Lowell’s Boat Shop reserves the right to cancel the class at any time for a full refund.

We have been monitoring the Baker Administration’s COVID policy for the state of Massachusetts to be sure that our programs here at Lowell’s Boat Shop are conducted as safely as possible, and in compliance with state regulations. 

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com to request a full version of our covid safety protocols.

Fall Programs at Lowell’s Boat Shop

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
for 5 weeks starting September 15

Looking for something to supplement the online/hybrid learning models that have become this year’s “back to school”? Lowell’s Boat Shop is offering six mini-classes that incorporate STEAM learning objectives through place-based, hands-on education. Classes will be held outdoors whenever possible, and will be limited to small groups of 8. Kids will have the opportunity to row our Banks dories, and will learn about safety on the water in addition to developing skills and knowledge in math, history, science, engineering and the arts.

Two classes will be offered each day – 9:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:30 (Students enrolled for both classes can stay and have their lunch at LBS)
Ages: 10-13 (some flexibility – please call); limit 8 per class
$175 LBS Members; $190 Nonmembers (per class)

TUESDAY:

9-12: Importance of Place
The Merrimack River has played a major role in the development of the communities that line its banks. We’ll investigate the river’s many uses, and how it has shaped our local towns and cities.

12:30-3:30 River Ecology
The Merrimack River’s waters change from salt to brackish to fresh as it travels inland from the ocean. We’ll explore the different ecosystems at these differing levels of salinity, and learn about the species of plants and animals that thrive – or have adapted – in each. We’ll also talk about climate change, and the special importance of the marsh ecosystem in mitigating its effects.

WEDNESDAY:

9-12: Math on the River
A modified version of our renowned high school program, this class will challenge kids to observe and record the river’s depths, currents, and tides, and how the lunar cycle affects them.  Students will learn the basics of navigation, and calculate the best way to get from Point A to Point B based on the data they compile.

12:30-3:30: Riverkeepers
The Merrimack River is one of the most important on the East Coast in its conservation value to migratory fish species like river herring and sturgeon. The watershed also supports the largest tidal marsh habitat in New England, a portion of the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, and a great number of state and federally-listed endangered species. We’ll experiment with some basic water quality testing, collect and track marine debris, and study the effects of land development along the shoreline. 

THURSDAY:

9-12: LBS/Maritime History
As the oldest continuously operating Boat Shop in the country, Lowell’s Boat Shop is uniquely equipped to present a history of boatbuilding and its importance both locally and on a national level. We’ll learn about the rise and fall of the fishing industry, practice skills such as knot-tying and splicing, and parse maritime vocabulary and idioms to better understand the language of seafarers.

12:30-3:30: Design and Construction
This program will take students through the process of building a (model) boat from lofting to construction, utilizing boatbuilding math to create and scale their design. We’ll discuss hull shape, form and function, Lowell’s construction process, the characteristics of local wood species, and traditional tools and their uses. Students will build (a very basic) model boat through the course of the program.

KIDS ROWING CLUB
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3:45-5:30
$20 per day or $60 per week
Must sign up in advance; space is limited. Suggested ages 10-16.
No rowing experience necessary. We’ll run this as long as boats are in and weather holds.

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have any questions or concerns.

The Expedition – An Adventure for Kids! Session I

When: Tuesday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 8th

We’ll start our rowing adventure from Lowell’s Boat Shop, and head upriver to Maudslay State Park and its surrounds. As we go, we’ll learn to map the land from the river, chart currents and tides, and determine the best place to land. Once on shore, we’ll practice wayfinding and orienteering in the Maudslay Woods using map and compass, and record the different species of flora and fauna we encounter on our travels.

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

*A miminum of 4 students is required to run this class. Should there be fewer than four students Lowell’s Boat Shop reserves the right to cancel the class at any time for a full refund.

We have been monitoring the Baker Administration’s COVID policy for the state of Massachusetts to be sure that our programs here at Lowell’s Boat Shop are conducted as safely as possible, and in compliance with state regulations. 

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com to request a full version of our covid safety protocols.

Fall Programs at Lowell’s Boat Shop

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
for 5 weeks starting September 15

Looking for something to supplement the online/hybrid learning models that have become this year’s “back to school”? Lowell’s Boat Shop is offering six mini-classes that incorporate STEAM learning objectives through place-based, hands-on education. Classes will be held outdoors whenever possible, and will be limited to small groups of 8. Kids will have the opportunity to row our Banks dories, and will learn about safety on the water in addition to developing skills and knowledge in math, history, science, engineering and the arts.

Two classes will be offered each day – 9:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:30 (Students enrolled for both classes can stay and have their lunch at LBS)
Ages: 10-13 (some flexibility – please call); limit 8 per class
$175 LBS Members; $190 Nonmembers (per class)

TUESDAY:

9-12: Importance of Place
The Merrimack River has played a major role in the development of the communities that line its banks. We’ll investigate the river’s many uses, and how it has shaped our local towns and cities.

12:30-3:30 River Ecology
The Merrimack River’s waters change from salt to brackish to fresh as it travels inland from the ocean. We’ll explore the different ecosystems at these differing levels of salinity, and learn about the species of plants and animals that thrive – or have adapted – in each. We’ll also talk about climate change, and the special importance of the marsh ecosystem in mitigating its effects.

WEDNESDAY:

9-12: Math on the River
A modified version of our renowned high school program, this class will challenge kids to observe and record the river’s depths, currents, and tides, and how the lunar cycle affects them.  Students will learn the basics of navigation, and calculate the best way to get from Point A to Point B based on the data they compile.

12:30-3:30: Riverkeepers
The Merrimack River is one of the most important on the East Coast in its conservation value to migratory fish species like river herring and sturgeon. The watershed also supports the largest tidal marsh habitat in New England, a portion of the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, and a great number of state and federally-listed endangered species. We’ll experiment with some basic water quality testing, collect and track marine debris, and study the effects of land development along the shoreline. 

THURSDAY:

9-12: LBS/Maritime History
As the oldest continuously operating Boat Shop in the country, Lowell’s Boat Shop is uniquely equipped to present a history of boatbuilding and its importance both locally and on a national level. We’ll learn about the rise and fall of the fishing industry, practice skills such as knot-tying and splicing, and parse maritime vocabulary and idioms to better understand the language of seafarers.

12:30-3:30: Design and Construction
This program will take students through the process of building a (model) boat from lofting to construction, utilizing boatbuilding math to create and scale their design. We’ll discuss hull shape, form and function, Lowell’s construction process, the characteristics of local wood species, and traditional tools and their uses. Students will build (a very basic) model boat through the course of the program.

KIDS ROWING CLUB
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 3:45-5:30
$20 per day or $60 per week
Must sign up in advance; space is limited. Suggested ages 10-16.
No rowing experience necessary. We’ll run this as long as boats are in and weather holds.

Please email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have any questions or concerns.

The Expedition – An Adventure for Kids! Session I

When: Tuesday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 8th

We’ll start our rowing adventure from Lowell’s Boat Shop, and head upriver to Maudslay State Park and its surrounds. As we go, we’ll learn to map the land from the river, chart currents and tides, and determine the best place to land. Once on shore, we’ll practice wayfinding and orienteering in the Maudslay Woods using map and compass, and record the different species of flora and fauna we encounter on our travels.

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

*A miminum of 4 students is required to run this class. Should there be fewer than four students Lowell’s Boat Shop reserves the right to cancel the class at any time for a full refund.

Build Your Own Pond Yacht!

WHEN: Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17 from 9am-2pm; River Regatta on Saturday, July 18 from 10-11am

Spend a week at Lowell’s Boat Shop learning traditional boat building skills by building your own model sailboat! We’ll work in the shop’s classroom to design and shape hulls, round masts and booms, paint, and then rig the boats in time for a mini regatta on the Merrimack River. No proir experience or woodworking skills required. This is a great opportunity to familiarize your child with woodworking and tool use. Session fee includes materials.

Recommended for ages 10 and up. Students are asked to wear close-toed shoes and bring a snack, lunch, and water bottle with them each day.

The Expedition – An Adventure for Kids! Session II

When: Tuesday, July 21st and Wednesday, July 22nd.

We’ll start our rowing adventure from Lowell’s Boat Shop, and head up the Merrimack to the Powow River and its surrounds. As we go, we’ll learn to map the land from the river, chart currents and tides, and determine the best place to land. Once on shore, we’ll practice wayfinding and orienteering using map and compass, and record the different species of flora and fauna we encounter. On Day 2, we’ll row further upriver to Indian Creek and explore the trails and woods along the banks — and compare what we find there to what lives along the Powow.

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

.

RiverKeepers

A program for conservation-minded kids who want to make a difference!

When: Thursdays (July 23 and 30; August 6 and 13) from 9am-4pm

LBS Members: $105 per session / $400 for all four weeks

Nonmembers: $115 per session / $440 for all four weeks

*Please call LBS to take advantage of 4-session discount

The Merrimack River is one of the most important rivers on the East Coast in its conservation value to migratory fish species like river herring and sturgeon. The watershed also supports the largest tidal marsh habitat in New England, a portion of the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, and a great number of state and federally-listed endangered species. Join us on Thursdays as we explore the river in rowboats, and take an active role in monitoring and preserving its health. We’ll do some water quality testing, collect and track marine debris, and study the species that rely on the river for their survival.

Appropriate for children ages 9-16. Space is limited.

Castaways – An Adventure for Kids!

WHEN: July 28 & 29

What does it take to survive on an island in the middle of the mighty Merrimack? Join us on this Castaways adventure to find out! Each day we’ll row from Lowell’s Boat Shop downriver to High Rock, where we’ll make landfall and practice our survival skills such as shelter building, tracking, and wild edibles identification. Teamwork and the ability to think out of the box required!

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

Afternoons at the Boat Shop

WHEN: Thursday and Friday from 1-4PM

July 9-10; July 23-24; July 30-31; August 6-7; August 13-14

These afternoon sessions introduce kids to the history of Lowell’s Boat Shop and the boatbuilding process as practiced for centuries by the Lowell family at the Shop. Projects and activities will incorporate a number of learning objectives – the proper way to use hand tools; identifying the properties of different wood species; form as it relates to function; and the skills of organization, numbers sense, mental math, and fractions. The best part is that all of this education is delivered through hands-on practice, with the goal of having fun! No prior experience or woodworking skills required. This is a great opportunity to familiarize your child with woodworking and tool use. Session fee includes materials.

You can register for single workshop sessions, or get a $25 discount when you register for all six. Each day offers a different experience with something new to learn.

Recommended for ages 10 and up (there is some flexibility). Students are asked to wear close-toed shoes and bring a snack and a water bottle with them each day.

M = $95 per session**; $450 for all 5 ($25 discount)

NM = $105 per session**; $500 for all 5 ($25 discount)

**Each session is a consecutive Thursday and Friday

Seafaring and Sail Training for Teens I

August 3-8, 2020: Seafaring and Sail Training for Teens

This sail training voyage — a collaboration between Lowell’s Boat Shop, Maritime Gloucester, Tall Ships Maine and Ocean Passages — offers teens the adventure of a lifetime! We’ll spend a week aboard the schooner Harvey Gamage, working side-by-side with a professional crew to learn seamanship, sail handling, and leadership. Graham McKay of Lowell’s Boat Shop will Captain the vessel for our trip; he is fully USCG licensed and has decades of experience sailing tall ships and leading onboard educational programs. The itinerary will be dictated by the weather, but may include a visit to Hurricane Island, a day on Stellwagen bank watching whales and learning about the fisheries, and an overnight passage to explore some of Maine’s more remote islands before sailing to Newburyport, MA on Friday.

The hands-on nature of this distinctive program encourages independence and a sense of achievement that increases levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. A week at sea offers the perfect opportunity for kids to unplug and truly engage with the world around them!

**This program is academically accredited by Falmouth (Maine) High School. Participants receive a letter of elective credit which should be valid as a transfer credit on their high school transcript.

Space is limited. Please call 978-834-0050 or email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have questions.

Program Dates & Rates

• Board Monday, August 3, 2020 at 4PM in Portland, ME
  

• Disembark Saturday August 8, 2020 at 11AM in Newburyport, MA
  

• Fee of $1,200 includes 3 meals per day, fuel, crew, docking fees, etc. Non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at registration; balance due June 1. A limited number of scholarships are available.

The Powwow Excursion

August 4th and 5th.

Join us for this exploration of the Powwow River, a tributary of the Merrimack that originates in Danville, NH, and courses 22 miles before flowing through the center of Amesbury. We’ll row from Lowell’s Boat Shop to where the Powwow meets the Merrimack, and travel upriver as far as the depths allow. As we row, we’ll observe the differences between the two bodies of water, and the plants and animals that are supported by the ecosystems we encounter. If time and tide allow, we’ll find a good spot to beach the boats and visit downtown Amesbury for pizza from Flatbreads or an ice cream treat!

Member Fee: $150

Nonmember Fee: $165

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-16. Space is limited.

Seafaring and Sail Training for Teens II

August 10-15, 2020: Seafaring and Sail Training for Teens

This sail training voyage — a collaboration between Lowell’s Boat Shop, Maritime Gloucester, Tall Ships Maine and Ocean Passages — offers teens the adventure of a lifetime! We’ll spend a week aboard the schooner Harvey Gamage, working side-by-side with a professional crew to learn seamanship, sail handling, and leadership. Graham McKay of Lowell’s Boat Shop will Captain the vessel for our trip; he is fully USCG licensed and has decades of experience sailing tall ships and leading onboard educational programs. The itinerary will be dictated by the weather, but may include a visit to Hurricane Island, a day on Stellwagen bank watching whales and learning about the fisheries, and an overnight passage to explore some of Maine’s more remote islands before sailing to Portland, ME on Friday.

The hands-on nature of this distinctive program encourages independence and a sense of achievement that increases levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. A week at sea offers the perfect opportunity for kids to unplug and truly engage with the world around them!

**This program is academically accredited by Falmouth (Maine) High School. Participants receive a letter of elective credit which should be valid as a transfer credit on their high school transcript.

Space is limited. Please call 978-834-0050 or email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have questions.

Program Dates & Rates

• Board Monday, August 10, 2020 at 4PM in Newburyport, MA
  

• Disembark Saturday August 15, 2020 at 11AM in Portland, ME
  

• Fee of $1,200 includes 3 meals per day, fuel, crew, docking fees, etc. Non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at registration; balance due May 1. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Castaways II – an Adventure for Kids!

August 11-12

This second Castaways session builds on Castaways I, and offers the opportunity to learn new skills such as orienteering, navigating, forecasting the weather, building a fresh water still, knot-tying, and lashing. Each day we’ll row from Lowell’s Boat Shop downriver to High Rock or another nearby island, where we’ll make landfall and practice the new skills we’re learning.

This is a two-day program, 9AM-4PM each day, appropriate for children ages 9-13. Space is limited.