Building Boats. Creating Possibilities.
The story of 11 youth, two boats, and one unforgettable week at Boat School.
This summer, 11 youth ages 12–19 stepped into the Boat School at the Halifax Waterfront with a challenge: build a boat from the ground up.
Over five days, working in two groups and guided by Boat School facilitators Dan and Ed, with support from MacPhee Centre summer staff Ember and Sophie, youth slowly turned pieces of wood into something they could call their own. They measured, cut, assembled, learned to safely use a variety of tools, worked with waterproof adhesives, solved problems together, and learned about boat and water safety.
By the end of the week, they had built two fully functioning Bevin’s Skiff rowboats. But somewhere along the way, something else was taking shape too: confidence.
From hesitant to “I can do this.”
For some youth, stepping into a boat-building workshop filled with unfamiliar tools and materials was exciting. For others, it was intimidating. A few were hesitant to pick up the tools at first, unsure of themselves and overwhelmed by the new environment.
With patient guidance and gentle encouragement, those first moments of hesitation gradually gave way to curiosity and confidence.
As one summer staff member shared:
“There were a few youth who were hesitant to use the tools, but with gentle and consistent encouragement, all youth were comfortable using each tool by the end of the week.”
For one participant in particular, finding their way into the group started with something very small: a little duck.
Initially shy and overwhelmed, the youth found a way to participate by creating a little duck mascot for one of the boats. What may have seemed like a small contribution became a first step toward greater participation. As the week went on, they became more engaged, more comfortable and proud of what they were helping to create.
That boat eventually became The Grandmaster, a name inspired by their love of chess. As a group, they also designed its plate and medallions, making sure their ideas and creativity became part of the boat itself.
The second boat became The Odyssey, a name that grew out of conversations within the group: some youth were reading The Odyssey, while others were talking about the movie. The youth also created its name, plate, and medallions.
By the time the boats were finished, they were more than something the youth had built. They were theirs.
And then, we launched.
On Friday, families gathered at the waterfront to see what the youth had accomplished.
Before the boats touched the water, there was a boat ceremony and blessing. Then The Grandmaster and The Odyssey were carried down to Halifax Harbour. Suddenly, the pieces of wood that had filled the Boat School all week became two real boats, ready to row.
Youth climbed aboard and began learning to control and row the boats they had built with their own hands, right in the middle of Halifax Harbour. Ferries, sailboats, personal watercraft and the Harbour Hopper moved around them as they proudly showed their creations to family and friends.
The pride was unmistakable. Families cheered, cameras came out, and some parents and siblings even climbed aboard to be rowed around by their children. Even some of the youth who had initially been hesitant to get on the water eventually took the leap.
As one summer staff member reflected:
“It was nice to see the boats in the water and see the youth learn how to row and control the boats they made. Even folks who were hesitant to get in the boats eventually did, and they all had lots of fun showing their boats off to family and friends.”
It was a celebration of the boats, of course, but also of everything it took to get there: trying something unfamiliar, working through challenges, contributing to a group, finding your place, and discovering that you can do something you weren't sure you could do.
Perhaps one parent captured the experience best:
“Sincere thanks for a wonderful experience; my son really enjoyed attending Boat School this past week. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity and for creating such a supportive environment.”
That is what we hope youth take away from every MacPhee Centre program: the confidence to try, the freedom to create, and the knowledge that they are capable of more than they may have imagined.
Now, their next adventure begins.
The Grandmaster and The Odyssey are looking for their forever homes.
These youth-built boats are ready for their next adventure, and your purchase can help make another young person's adventure possible.
100% of the proceeds from the sale of these boats will support free programming at the MacPhee Centre, helping us continue to provide youth with opportunities to learn, create, connect and discover what they are capable of.
Take home a piece of the story. Help create the next one.
