Summer Youth Programs at Lowell’s Boat Shop & Museum in Amesbury! Ages 9 and up
Lowell’s Boat Shop is a local historic gem offering unique summer program experiences! It’s a National Historic Landmark and working museum dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the art and craft of wooden boat building.
Set along the scenic Merrimack River, campers have the opportunity to work with real tools, build projects, learn about life on the water, and discover the craftsmanship behind one of America’s oldest continuously operating boat shops. Through creative activities, teamwork, and interactive learning, children gain confidence while connecting with history in a meaningful way.
2026 Summer Camps at Lowell’s Boat Shop
Rowing the Powow to the Past (and Pizza!)
When: Monday June 29 – Wednesday July 1
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 9 and up
Member Cost: $325
Non Member Cost: $355
Join us for this time-travel row from Lowell’s Boat Shop up into the Powow River to learn about Amesbury’s past, and how the the Powow and its Falls played an important role in the town’s industrial evolution. We’ll investigate the remnants of the past still visible on the river banks, then hike into town from our landing spot to partner with the Amesbury Industrial History Center for an in-depth look at Amesbury’s water-power history. We’ll learn about the mills and other industries that used to exist along the Powow, get an idea of how water power functioned, and practice grinding corn with a mortar and pestle as it was done before the grist mills made the process easier and more efficient. We’ll then have a pizza lunch to further understand the importance of milling grains (pizza provided). If time and tide allow, we’ll hike to Lake Gardner to further explore the watershed and take a dip!
Art in Nature, Nature in Art
When: Monday July 6 – Wednesday July 8
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 9 and up
Member Cost: $325
Non Member Cost: $355
This session will be a deep dive into the natural environment surrounding Lowell’s Boat Shop, to discover art in nature, and to learn to how nature is used as inspiration. We’ll look at the work of “environmental” artists including Andy Goldsworthy, Agnes Denes, and Michael Grab as examples of how nature lends itself to form, then we’ll row to different locations to create ephemeral pieces of our own utilizing rocks, leaves, branches and other natural materials. We’ll also discuss the man-made materials we find, and how we might bring awareness to the impact of human behavior on the environment.
Build a Coracle
When: Monday July 13 – Wednesday July 15
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 9 and up
Member Cost: $325
Non Member Cost: $355
A Coracle is “a small, round, or very broad boat made of wickerwork or interwoven laths covered with a waterproof layer of animal skin, canvas, tarred or oiled cloth, or the like — used in Wales, Ireland, and parts of western England” (Dictionary.com). In this session we will make such a boat, using foraged wood and branches for the frame, and probably a tarp for our waterproof layer. Each day we’ll row with our building materials to the creek behind High Rock, where the currents are calmer, and work together to build our Coracle. Once it’s complete and deemed seaworthy, we’ll see how far we can row/paddle it using the High Rock creek as our testing waterway. **This session was inspired by Pepper Wallace’s dream to build and row a Coracle, and she will lead the construction.
Mudlarking on the Merrimack
When: Monday July 20 – Wednesday July 22
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 9 and up
Member Cost: $325
Once a means of survival for the poor living along the banks of the Thames in England, mudlarking in the US is akin to beachcombing. There is an undeniable feeling of thrill and accomplishment when you dig up an interesting object, especially something from the distant past; bottles, coins, pipe stems, even a ceramic doll have been found close to the Boat Shop. Each day during this session we’ll row to different points along the shores of the Merrimack where low tide allows for a stretch of mud where treasures might be found. Then we’ll take our finds back to the Shop where we’ll look them up to try to identify their origin and history. Shoes that can get wet and muddy are required!
Woodworking Projects Session
When: Monday August 3 – Wednesday August 5
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 9 and up
Member Cost: $325
Non Member Cost: $355
This session is for kids who want to brush up on their woodworking skills and learn some new ones by constructing a project from start to finish. We’ll offer a list of possible projects, then practice proper tool use and the traditional skills that LBS boatbuilders have used for generations. Both hand tools and some power tools (with supervision, of course!) will be utilized. No prior woodworking experience necessary. In the afternoons we may take a break and row across the river for a swim off the sand bar. Participants must wear close-toed shoes while working in the Shop.
Build Your Own Pond Yacht
When: Monday August 10 – Friday August 14
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ages: 10 and up
Member Cost: $520
Non Member Cost: $570
Kids will use hand tools to learn woodworking skills and build their own model sailboat! We’ll work in the Shop’s classroom to design and shape hulls, round masts and booms, paint, and then rig the boats in time for a mini-regatta on Friday afternoon. No prior experience or woodworking skills required. This is a great opportunity to familiarize your child with woodworking and tool use. Session fee includes materials. In the afternoons, we may take a break and row across the river for a swim off the sand bar. Participants must wear close-toed shoes while working in the Shop, and should bring a snack, lunch, a water bottle, a bathing suit and a towel with them each day.
Scholarships
Lowell’s Boat Shop is committed to providing quality programming for youth regardless of financial circumstances. If our fees are a significant hardship, we are happy to do what we can to help.
Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and funding availability; assistance may be limited to one week per child to provide opportunities for as many children as possible.
Lowell’s Boat Shop summer programs are perfect for curious kids who love building, creating, and exploring, The camps blend education, history, and outdoor adventure into an unforgettable summer experience. Sign up today!
Questions? Contact Dorothy Antczak, Education Director here: dorothy@lowellsboatshop.org
Lowell’s Boat Shop
459 Main St, Amesbury, MA 01913
Phone: (978) 834-0050
dorothy@lowellsboatshop.org
