Clearwater’s Junior Bosun program offers students an immersive, hands-on learning experience at the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s home port in Kingston, New York. Students explore a historic wooden tall ship while it is actively undergoing repairs, working alongside professional crew to observe and assist with maintenance tasks both aboard the vessel and in the adjacent workshop. Students build practical seamanship and sailing skills and experience life aboard ship, including an overnight stay in the Clearwater’s main cabin. The program also extends beyond the dock, incorporating journaling and reflection, hikes in the surrounding landscape, visits to the Hudson River Maritime Museum, and group games and singing inspired by Clearwater founder and folk singer Pete Seeger. Designed as an intentionally small-scale experience, Junior Bosun emphasizes close mentorship through low adult-to-student ratios and direct access to working mariners.
For more information about the Junior Bosun Program, email Education Director Emily Marcet at emily@clearwater.org.
