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The On-Water Education program grew out of the Boatbuilding program and is now equally integral to Rocking the Boat's mission of helping youth develop into empowered and responsible adults.
Each semester-long On-Water class is divided into two sections of ten students each. They work together on the banks of the East and Bronx Rivers on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 pm during the school year.
During the summer, all students are paid a stipend of $575 to work from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Thursday for seven weeks.
Half the time, students learn and practice Maritime Skills such as boat handling, traditional and modern navigation techniques, and swimming, and are trained in CPR/First Aid.
The other half is devoted to Environmental Restoration -- understanding the natural environment of upper New York Harbor and working to restore its habitats by implementing projects in partnership with a range of professional scientists.
Among many Bronx River restoration projects, students are responsible for planting beds of spartina grasses, which help filter the water and create a habitat for young fish, and mapping different aspects of riverbed topography in order to paint a comprehensive picture of the Bronx River.
By using the wooden boats built by the Boatbuilders, the On-Water students are able to get out on the water to explore various waterways and perform data collection and restoration work that could not be done from land.
Access to Rocking the Boat's wooden boats and the East and Bronx Rivers is also made available to school groups, other non-profit organizations, and camps. Each year, over 300 young people have the chance to get out on the Bronx River through Rocking the Boat's Community On-Water Program. Rocking the Boat welcomes all types of organizations wishing to have a comprehensive experience getting to know the Bronx River.
The On-Water program is based from the Congressman Jose E. Serrano Riverside Campus for Arts and the Environment on the banks of the Bronx River in Hunts Point.
Check out the Bronx River through this Bronx River Virtual Tour Learn more about the natural and social history of the Bronx River
schedule
Each semester after school programs are offered from 4pm - 7pm.
Fall: 2nd week of September - 3rd week of December Spring: 1st week of March - First week of June Summer: 1st week of July - 3rd week of August eligibility All high school age students are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be in school to join. requirements Students need not have any prior science or water based experience only the desire to have new experiences and the willingness to put in the effort to learn new things. apply:  or contact Chrissy Word at Rocking the Boat |
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