Boating Skills & Marine Ecology Program -- Lathrop Homes in Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago July 25 - 30

The Chicago Maritime Arts Center -- is hosting exclusive programming for Lathrop Homes residents, area neighbors, and residents of the First Ward - for up to 18 participants ages 11-15 years-old. Join us for this one-week program on small boat & on-the water safety, navigating rowboats, kayaks, and learning important boating skills like knot tying, launching, and securing a boat. Children will also learn maritime ecology and about the importance of taking care of Chicago's rivers and Lake.

Program Schedule:

July 25 - July 30 (1-week) from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday (with Lunches provided) at Lathrop Homes Club / Boys & Girls Club of Chicago - located at 2915 N. Leavitt St, Chicago, IL  60618

Including - Boat Launch Day -- Saturday, July 30 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Family and friends are encouraged to join us to see the teens to show off their new skills.

Program Details:

The Chicago Maritime Arts Center will provide all the materials, tools, and instruction and lunches are included.  Participants should wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty and comfortable shoes.  Participants will have the chance to learn boating and water safety to successfully get in and out of small boats, dock, row, and paddle a variety of small watercraft along with protected areas on the Chicago River. The program will also teach knot tying, naming parts of a boat, weather & the environment, use of throwing buoys, and basic navigation. The program begins with initial instruction on the fitting and wearing of lifejackets, and dock and boating safety.  Highlights of the program may also include a ride on a captained Riverboat and a rowing and kayaking course race.  Participants will not be swimming but should wear comfortable clothes for activities on the water.  Life jackets, equipment, and safety boats are provided.

Covid Protocol

We are following the Chicago Bridge Phase protocols for COVID Protection.

Program Cost: $250/participant

The Registration Fee of $50 will be applied to the program cost. The balance is due on or before the first day of the program:

CHECKS should be made out to Chicago Maritime Arts Center and mailed to 1848 W. Waveland Ave. Unit 3W, Chicago, IL 60613 or brought on the first day of the program.

-OR- paid ONLINE via Paypal to email address: support@ChicagoMaritime.org

ALTERNATIVELY, after the $50 Registration Fee participants may request scholarship support, prior to the program start.  Applicants must submit a short essay requesting level of need, explain why they would like to take the program, and the situation.  Essays should be sent to jay@ChicagoMaritime.org.  Please note the participant’s name, age, program, dates, and location.

Return to Events page to download the required participation Waiver form and the Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocol.