The Carpenter’s Boat Shop is dedicated to nurturing and enriching lives through the practices of building wooden boats, living in community, and serving others.  Our core program is our nine month Apprenticeship that runs annually from March through November. 

The Apprenticeship is a unique opportunity for adults of all ages to take a deliberate time of reflection and skill-building as they search for new direction in their lives.  Through daily work in the woodshop, reflection, and living out service to others at home and in the community, we learn about ourselves and each other. The skills we practice range from the technical, to self-awareness, to interpersonal, as we navigate the joys and challenges of living and working closely with others.

 

getting ready to flip catspaw dinghy in the shop

poem engraved on boatshop plaque

 

We welcome all comers to tea-time at 10:00 AM each weekday (holidays and vacation times excepted).  We would love to host you for a hot drink, a snack, and conversation. For over forty years we have practiced hospitality in this way, and been enriched by the many wonderful connections we make.  Whether you are interested in apprenticing, are taking a summer class with us, or are passing by, please consider stopping in for a visit.  Tea is held inside of or out in front of the New Workshop, depending on the weather.

Welcome to our Table

At the Boat Shop, we value our differences, even as we strive to build one community. Our core commitment is to learning and growing together. For this, we need the views and heritage that each person brings to our large kitchen table. We welcome people of every race, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and religion.

We are not here just to build boats. Boatbuilding is a key vehicle for our work of building greater understanding and compassion for ourselves and others. We also devote time each day and each week to learning about ourselves, each other, and the world we are part of. Sometimes this means probing our personal edges and witnessing others speaking their truths. Other times it means playing together. We believe that balancing work, reflection, play, and learning keeps us whole.

 

The Carpenter’s Boat Shop does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, selection of apprentices, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who enter into our community. The Carpenter’s Boat Shop is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and is not a political advocacy organization.