Yarmouth Boat Yard Supporting Compass Project

“The kids build the boats…the boats build the kids.” That’s the slogan for the Compass Project of Greater Portland, a unique hands-on program that engages at-risk youths through boatbuilding and rowing programs. The Compass Project utilizes these fun, challenging and rewarding programs as a way of encouraging the development of personal responsibility and community and environmental engagement.

The Compass Project uses boatbuilding and rowing as a way help get kids excited about learning.

 

 

Our goal is to help students become invested in learning with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This hands-on  approach helps foster confidence and appreciation for learning and it is fun for the students," said Shane Hall, Project Manager and boat building instructor.

This spring Yarmouth Boat Yard will be displaying and selling a hand-made skiff from the Compass Project. Proceeds from the sale of the skiff will be donated to the Compass Project.

 

Science, technology, engineering and math are all part of the boatbuilding experience.

The Compass Project’s 2011-2012 Programs include a year-long STEM through Boatbuilding Programs with the following schools South Portland High School's One Classroom Project, Gorham High School's Bridges program, Falmouth High School's Pathways program, Spurwink Cummings School. There are also various semester long boatbuilding programs.

The Compass Project is looking for volunteers to assist with their boat building and rowing programs.

“Yarmouth Boat Yard is pleased to assist the Compass Project,” said Steve Arnold, owner of Yarmouth Boat Yard. "We want to help spread the word about the innovative and important work they do with young people."

One of Compass Project's public events is their annual Boat Building Festival. This popular three day event provides teams of family, friends and/or co-workers an opportunity to build their own boat and launch it at the end of the festival. No special skills necessary, all materials and professional instruction included. For information about the festival or any of the Compass Project's program please visit www.compassproject.org.