An Afternoon at Sarles Marina and Annapolis Classic Watercraft

Inside the wooden boat shop at Annapolis Classic Watercraft the participants view the latest restoration project

Mr. George instr1ucts Jaquan on the proper use of a Japanese saw. A tool that will be used often in the construction of the Peace Canoe.
Viewing for the first time, a Peace Canoe from Chesapeake Lightcraft

A cool afternoon was spent at Sarles Marina where Mr. George introduce 5 of the participants in the boat building project to the Peace Canoe and many tools they will use through construction.
He specified the need for safety and then let all interested try out the Japanese saw. Finally, it was time to go into the wooden boat shop and warm up. While inside, owner Bill Donahue, showed the kids around and talked greatly about the restoration process from beginning to end.

This is what Jaquan thought about the afternoon, " I think it was very educational, because we learned about the tools we'll be using to build our Peace Canoe. I got to use the Japanese saw and I found it easy."

"We had so much fun as we were part of a demonstration that showed us how to use a Japanese saw," stated Maurice.

The Annapolis Maritime Museum and Box of Rain Foundation are thrilled to have George Smith leading this initiative. George shares a couple of his thoughts on the program. "Youth boat-building programs are about taking it to a new level. We want to see tools in our hands as we learn, build, and have fun, leading to life-tools of ingenuity and team work." George has enjoyed meeting participants of the program at both the SERC and Sarles afternoons, he believes there is a lot of potential in the group.

A Wonderful Paddle at SERC!

On Saturday, November 1, 2008. 11 Participants in the Boat Building by the Bay project traveled over to Edgewater to visit the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for a wonderful afternoon of canoeing on the Rhodes River. Under the leadership of Karen McDonald and George Smith the participants learned paddling/steering techniques,about the wildlife in the area, history of the canoe, and what happens at SERC.
The weather was picture perfect and this is what some of the participants had to say about the day:

I learned about water animals. ~Tiant age 12

I went canoeing and sat in the back of the boat. I had to stick my oar into the water to steer. ~ Mauricus age 13

SERC is a water research center that studies wildlife. ~Maurice age 15

The water appeared dirty, because it was very dirty in the Rhode River. ~ Mekhi age 10

I had fun learning how to canoe. ~ Kenan age 9

I love going canoeing. I'm excited to go to Sarles to learn how to build a boat. ~Jaquan age12