At the Boatshop at Strawbery Banke, we're not building boats. We're building people.
The Bosuns & Boatbuilders and Sailors & Shipwrights camps are offered in partnership with the Gundalow Company. Campers spend each morning in the Boatshop crafting their own model boat and have one-the-water fun each afternoon learning seamanship with the Gundalow Company.
Each of these experiential and skills-focused camps offer the unique opportunity to explore the joys and fundamentals of boat building while also experiencing first hand the joys of getting out on the water.
Camps run 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. Space is limited in each camp to 12.
The Bosuns & Boatbuilders and Sailors & Shipwrights camps are offered in partnership with the Gundalow Company. Campers spend each morning in the Boatshop crafting their own model boat and have one-the-water fun each afternoon learning seamanship with the Gundalow Company.
Each of these experiential and skills-focused camps offer the unique opportunity to explore the joys and fundamentals of boat building while also experiencing first hand the joys of getting out on the water.
Camps run 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday. Space is limited in each camp to 12.
Early access registration for 2024 summer camps is handled by the Gundalow Company and opens on January 8 for Gundalow Company & Strawbery Banke members (or those willing to pay a $100 early-access fee, see below for more details). General registration opens January 15.
IMPORTANT: Due to expanding interest in camps and extensive waitlists, the following policies have been put in place in order to ensure as many children as possible have access to our programs. These changes include:
Limited programs for each camper: As part of the Gundalow Company's catalog of summer camp offerings, the Boatshop at Strawbery Banke camps fall under the policy that limits early access registration to one camp program offering per-camper. Once general admission opens on January 15, you may log back in and register for additional sessions up to the three program limit per camper. These changes have been made to ensure equal access to camp slots.
Early access and membership: As in the past, current members at the $100 level will receive free early access to camp registration. New for 2024, non-members may pay a $100 fee on January 8 to enjoy early access. Both options will be accessible upon logging in to the Gundalow's registration system, Campbrain, on January 8.
Cancellation policy- Cancellations made two weeks prior to your child’s first day of camp will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after that time.
IMPORTANT: Due to expanding interest in camps and extensive waitlists, the following policies have been put in place in order to ensure as many children as possible have access to our programs. These changes include:
Limited programs for each camper: As part of the Gundalow Company's catalog of summer camp offerings, the Boatshop at Strawbery Banke camps fall under the policy that limits early access registration to one camp program offering per-camper. Once general admission opens on January 15, you may log back in and register for additional sessions up to the three program limit per camper. These changes have been made to ensure equal access to camp slots.
Early access and membership: As in the past, current members at the $100 level will receive free early access to camp registration. New for 2024, non-members may pay a $100 fee on January 8 to enjoy early access. Both options will be accessible upon logging in to the Gundalow's registration system, Campbrain, on January 8.
Cancellation policy- Cancellations made two weeks prior to your child’s first day of camp will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after that time.
2024 Hands-on Summer Camps
Bosuns and Boatbuilders (ages 7-9)
Two sessions available (please only sign up for one):
July 8-12 OR August 5-9
In partnership with the Gundalow Company REGISTER
Cast off on a new adventure with the professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke and the crew at the Gundalow Company for a fun-filled week of making new boats while making new friends. Budding boatbuilders ages 7-9 will join the crew at the Boatshop to discover the wonders of transforming raw materials into a simple cat rigged model sailboat. In this hands-on camp, participants will work to produce their very own boat that we’ll launch and sail on the final day. Along the way, we’ll introduce some basic tool usage, measuring, knots, and examine concepts such as buoyancy and displacement. When we’re not in the shop, we’ll keep the energy high and the learning flowing through cooperative team building games.
After a morning of boat building, campers will head out for some time on the water. We’ll sail the Gundalow, row our Piscataqua Wherries, paddle small kayaks and explore the rivers and waterfront of the Portsmouth region. Campers will help the crew set the sail, steer the boat, tie knots, and learn to navigate from the deck of the only Gundalow in the world.
Cost: $500. 10% discount for Strawbery Banke and Gundalow Company members. REGISTER
Two sessions available (please only sign up for one):
July 8-12 OR August 5-9
In partnership with the Gundalow Company REGISTER
Cast off on a new adventure with the professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke and the crew at the Gundalow Company for a fun-filled week of making new boats while making new friends. Budding boatbuilders ages 7-9 will join the crew at the Boatshop to discover the wonders of transforming raw materials into a simple cat rigged model sailboat. In this hands-on camp, participants will work to produce their very own boat that we’ll launch and sail on the final day. Along the way, we’ll introduce some basic tool usage, measuring, knots, and examine concepts such as buoyancy and displacement. When we’re not in the shop, we’ll keep the energy high and the learning flowing through cooperative team building games.
After a morning of boat building, campers will head out for some time on the water. We’ll sail the Gundalow, row our Piscataqua Wherries, paddle small kayaks and explore the rivers and waterfront of the Portsmouth region. Campers will help the crew set the sail, steer the boat, tie knots, and learn to navigate from the deck of the only Gundalow in the world.
Cost: $500. 10% discount for Strawbery Banke and Gundalow Company members. REGISTER
Sailors and Shipwright (ages 10-12)
July 22-26
In partnership with the Gundalow Company REGISTER
Campers will join the professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke for an exciting week of building their own wooden model sailboats from scratch. Each camper will discover the fundamentals of boatbuilding and learn how to use basic woodworking skills to experience the magic of transforming a drawing and raw materials into a 3-dimensional model sailing boat. The week will culminate with campers launching and sailing their finished boats before taking them home for future adventures.
Campers will join the crew aboard the Gundalow and learn to navigate and sail this traditional vessel. In addition, campers will have the chance to venture out in wooden wherries and learn to row and explore the hidden spots on our rivers.
Cost: $500. 10% discount for Strawbery Banke and Gundalow Company members REGISTER
July 22-26
In partnership with the Gundalow Company REGISTER
Campers will join the professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke for an exciting week of building their own wooden model sailboats from scratch. Each camper will discover the fundamentals of boatbuilding and learn how to use basic woodworking skills to experience the magic of transforming a drawing and raw materials into a 3-dimensional model sailing boat. The week will culminate with campers launching and sailing their finished boats before taking them home for future adventures.
Campers will join the crew aboard the Gundalow and learn to navigate and sail this traditional vessel. In addition, campers will have the chance to venture out in wooden wherries and learn to row and explore the hidden spots on our rivers.
Cost: $500. 10% discount for Strawbery Banke and Gundalow Company members REGISTER