May 11, 2025

Students Celebrate Successful Boat-Building Program

News Summary

Local students from Charleston County recently marked the culmination of a year-long boat-building initiative with a launch event at Colonial Lake. Under expert guidance, they constructed boats, incorporating lessons in science, math, and ecology. The event showcased not only their skills in crafting but also the friendships and teamwork developed during the program. With participation from multiple schools, students expressed excitement and pride as they launched their creations, reinforcing a connection to Charleston’s maritime history and practical skills that will serve them in the future.

Charleston, SC – Local students celebrated a successful year-long boat-building program with a launch event at Colonial Lake on May 9, 2025. The initiative, which involved students from several Charleston County schools, aimed to provide hands-on learning experiences by transforming traditional academic subjects into practical skills. Under the guidance of Rachel Bergquist from the Lowcountry Maritime School, the students constructed plywood boats from scratch, integrating valuable lessons in science, math, and ecology through this immersive approach.

The launch event served as an informal final exam where students tested their creations for buoyancy, with many successfully rowing their boats in the water. Participating schools included A.C. Corcoran Elementary, First Baptist School, and Haut Gap Middle School. The excitement was evident as students displayed their creativity with uniquely designed boats, complete with colorful paint schemes and imaginative names that reflected their individual experiences during the project. Observations from the event noted that students formed friendships while learning to use tools such as drills and saws, marking a significant milestone in their teamwork and confidence-building efforts.

Throughout the academic year, a total of 220 children participated in the boat-building program, tackling various hands-on projects that fostered craftsmanship and attention to detail. This approach not only equipped students with practical skills, such as carpentry and teamwork, but also prepared them for future real-world tasks within those realms. The program included additional sessions focused on radio-controlled sailboats, expanding its scope beyond traditional boat-building practices.

Noteworthy among the participants was eighth grader Lamar Snelson, who expressed enthusiasm for the skills he gained and the experience of being on the water for the first time. Students showcased not only their newfound abilities but also a deepening connection to local maritime history, invigorating the historical context of Charleston’s storied past with flotillas and maritime adventures.

This initiative represents a continued commitment by educators and community leaders to enhance student learning through practical applications. Brandon Clark, director of development at Lowcountry Maritime School, highlighted the transformative impact of the program on the participants, emphasizing the importance of engagement and the development of essential life skills.

Rachel Bergquist, a geographer-turned-master boatbuilder, shared her journey in empowering students from diverse backgrounds through boat-building. She recognized the unique potential of each participant and sought to instill confidence and resilience in their abilities. The experience was described as magical, with many students expressing both excitement and a touch of nervousness about their boats navigating the water.

The boat-building curriculum aligns educational standards with real-life skills, ensuring students not only gain knowledge but also develop competencies that are valuable in both personal and professional contexts. By embedding science and math lessons within a creative framework, students are given the opportunity to learn through active participation, encouraging a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

As the students launched their boats into the water, the event culminated in a celebration of their hard work, collaboration, and the skills they have developed over the year. The success of this program illustrates the positive effects of hands-on learning experiences in education, inspiring the next generation of innovators and builders in Charleston and beyond.

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