earn credit
session 1: march 4 - june 1*
afterschool 2 days a week
*session full - no longer accepting applications
get paid
session 2: july 1 - august 15*
full day, monday through thursday
earn credit
session 3: sept. 16 - dec. 12
afterschool 2 days a week
each session includes a one friday per month life skills workshop
for current and rising 9th and 10th graders
two session minimum registration - priority given to applicants who register for all three semesters
what is rocking the boat?
Rocking the Boat is a youth development program in the South Bronx that helps participants develop pride, purpose, and possibility by learning the unique and lifelong skills behind building and rowing wooden boats, sailing, and restoring the Bronx River. Through Rocking the Boat, participants have fun, gain self-confidence, and become part of an exceptionally strong community of young people determining their own futures.
Rocking the Boat recruits current 9th and 10th graders for its programs. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience to apply, just a willingness to learn new things and get dirty (and sometimes wet)! While all schools have different policies on awarding credit for extra-curricular activities, Rocking the Boat staff will work with all participants to help them obtain academic credit in return for successful program participation.
our programs
boatbuilding
Build wooden boats from scratch, learn how to read boat plans, and use shop tools to create something that really works. No prior carpentry experience needed.
environmental science
Become a Bronx River caretaker, learn to navigate and row boats built by your peers, monitor the ecological health of the river, and work to restore its natural habitats.
sailing
Learn to sail on the Bronx and East Rivers, including how to navigate, rig boats, and use sails and the wind to get where you want to go.
overnight trips
spring
Camping at Palisades Interstate Park
summer
Sailing trip on the Long Island Sound
fall
Frost Valley YMCA
benefits
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Learn practical skills in boatbuilding, sailing or environmental science.
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Build a community of peers and mentors who want to help you succeed in your personal and academic goals.
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Be supported by a team of licensed Social Workers. Support includes individual counseling, referrals to outside services, advocacy at school and at home, workshops and discussion groups, professional development, and college and career guidance.
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Attend monthly "Chat n' Chew" life skills workshops.
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Receive high school credit (fall and spring) and get paid (summer).
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Receive a full set of personal protective equipment (PPE).
All Rocking the Boat participants are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. We will continue to follow guidelines from the CDC and local public health protocols, and will adjust our programming and safety measures as needed. Read our COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols for more info.
apply
directions
Take 6 train to Hunts Point Avenue, walk south on Hunts Point Ave (crossing under the Bruckner Expressway overpass) until you reach Lafayette Ave. Make left turn at Lafayette Ave and walk all the way down the steep hill to Edgewater Road. Cross Edgewater Road and train tracks and make a sharp left on the sidewalk alongside a warehouse. Rocking the Boat is the first entrance on the right.
812 edgewater road, bronx, ny 10474
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
