Prepare Your Child for Life’s Challenges
Real Experiences. Real Growth. A Joyous Voyage They’ll Never Forget.
Hear your child speak with greater empathy and understanding.
See your child take initiative and contribute meaningfully at home.
Watch your child embrace social situations with newfound confidence.
Is Your Child Ready For Life’s Setbacks?
Today’s kids face powerful barriers to social-emotional growth.
Excessive screen time replaces real connections.
Packed schedules limit independence and problem-solving.
The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming.
Without awe-inspiring moments in nature and profound, shared experiences, kids miss the chance to build the confidence and resilience they need to flourish.
Give your child a transformative experience aboard the schooner Shenandoah and
Help Your Child Thrive.
At Ocean Academy Your Child Will…
Develop a sense of purpose that fuels their passion and growth.
Find meaningful connection and joy in a close-knit crew of shipmates.
Strengthen their resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
Most participants say their experience with Ocean Academy was “life-changing.”
Your Voyage Opportunities
Aboard Ocean Academy’s schooner Shenandoah, your child will learn and grow through our Positive Youth Development curriculum. Developed in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire School of Social Work, our award-winning, research-backed program blends experiential learning with personal growth, helping kids build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills.
Youth Voyages — ages 8–17
Set sail for an unforgettable adventure! Join the crew of Shenandoah, a nineteenth-century tall ship, learning navigation, hauling sails, and becoming part of something greater than yourself.
Your kids won’t even realize how much they’re learning while playing games, singing songs, and working together as a team.
Vineyahd Kids — grades 4th – 6th
For over 30 years, Vineyard children in grades four through six have set sail for a week aboard Shenandoah. This unique experience is a rite of passage, where students connect with their island heritage, develop skills essential for life by the sea, and bond with classmates in a way that only adventure can foster.
Sign your “Vineyahd Kid” up for an immersive, unplugged week aboard Shenandoah. It’s an experience that becomes a part of who they are.
All Ages Cruises — families, couples, friend groups, solo travelers, etc.
Adults, this is your chance to experience the magic our youth participants enjoy each summer. Whether you come solo, with friends, your partner, or your whole family, you'll embark on an unforgettable voyage, unplugged from the fast-paced world.
Meet new shipmates, enjoy great food, nap in the sun, and create a lifetime of memories—all part of your adventure.
Men-At-Sea Leadership Retreat — adults who identify as male wishing to improve their leadership
Join an amazing crew of entrepreneurs, CXOs, and men of purpose aboard the tall ship Shenandoah for six days and five nights of transformative experiences. Together, we’ll forge profound connections, hone leadership skills, and craft more meaningful lives. Mature your masculine experience and deepen your leadership capacity and range.
*Men–At–Sea is offered by a third-party partner organization and hosted by M.V. Ocean Academy.
Group Voyages — classes, troops, clubs, businesses, religious organizations, teams, etc.)
Teachers, coaches, and leaders—this is the ultimate team-building experience. Groups will embark on a weeklong voyage where charting courses and singing shanties are just part of the immersive, dynamic, and challenging curriculum. Expansive horizons replace walls, and friendships and memories are created that will last a lifetime.
Private Charters — all ages welcome
Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable experience, unplugged from the fast-paced world of the 21st century. This is a voyage with no itinerary, sailing as the ancients did—guided by the wind and the tides. Enjoy great food and cozy bunks, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
“The experience Spencer had last summer was truly remarkable. He learned so much about himself and the power of a community.”
— Emo C.
Your 3-step plan for helping the children in your life develop the skills they need to thrive.
1.
Register your child for an upcoming voyage with Martha’s Vineyard Ocean Academy.
2.
Witness their new behaviors, knowledge, and skills in action when they return.
3.
Experience the joy and confidence of knowing your child is on a healthy, empowered path.
Did you know that social-emotional competence predicts lifelong success better than academic grades?
Students who score high on social skills are four times more likely to complete college.
Play Video
See how Ocean Academy participants transform into confident, happy, and compassionate kids, inspired to contribute to group activities and their families.
