Kids Need Adventure, Not Screens
Guided Sailing Voyages That Build Purpose, Resilience, and Joy
Feel your child’s deepened empathy and connection.
See your child’s new contributions at home.
Hear their increased confidence in social situations.
Is Your Child Ready for Life’s Setbacks?
Today’s kids face powerful barriers to personal growth.
Excessive screen time replaces real connection.
Packed schedules limit independence and problem-solving.
The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming.
Kids need adventure and community–away from screens and stress–to build their strengths and thrive.
Aboard Ocean Academy’s schooner Shenandoah, your child will unplug, breathe deeply, and rediscover what truly matters: freedom, courage, and belonging.
Help Your Child Thrive.
What Your Child Will Gain On Board
• A sense of purpose that fuels their passions and growth.
• Resilience to withstand and recover from setbacks.
• Joy and belonging within a close-knit crew.
Most participants surveyed said their experience was “life-changing.”
Why Trust Ocean Academy?
Decades of experience. Strong Partnerships. Proven results.
✅ 30+ Years of Experience
Shenandoah has hosted over 300 weeklong youth sailing voyages in the past three decades.
✅ Research-Backed Curriculum
Ocean Academy studies student outcomes and has published findings in peer-reviewed journals.
✅ Certified, Experienced Staff
All staff are CORI/SORI checked, drug tested, first-aid and lifeguard certified, and trained in youth mental health first aid.
✅ Award-Winning Program
Nationally recognized for excellence in experiential and social-emotional learning by Tall Ships America.
✅ AEE-Accredited for Safety and Quality
Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) for meeting established standards in safety, risk management, and adventure programming.
✅ Equity-Based Tuition
Our sliding-scale tuition model ensures that no family is turned away because of financial need.
“Hannah (11) is 100% ready for her next voyage. And so are we! Her growth edges are moving, and I am certain that her week aboard the Shenandoah made a huge difference in her social-emotional development.”
—Liliana P., parent
Choose A Voyage!
Aboard Ocean Academy’s schooner Shenandoah, your child will flourish in our Positive Youth Development program. Created in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire School of Social Work, our award-winning, research-backed, and nationally accredited curriculum blends experiential learning with personal growth. Kids need adventure and challenge to prepare for life, not screens and stress. Enroll your child today.
Junior Voyage Guide Training (ages 14–17)
June 23–28 — Availability: Limited
Fireworks & Cannons | Vineyahd Kids (ages 10–12)
June 30–July 5 — Availability: Open
Sea Shanties & Music (ages 8–17)
July 7–12 — Availability: Open
ALL AGES CRUISE!!
July 14–19 — Availability: Open
Splicing, Knots, & Ropework (ages 8–17)
July 21–26 — Availability: Open
Coastal & Celestial Navigation (ages 8–17)
July 28–August 2 — Availability: Three Spaces
Sewing & Leatherwork (ages 8–17)
August 4–9 — Availability: Open
Ocean Explorers 11-Day Voyage (ages 8–17)*
August 11–21 — Availability: Open *(Captain’s Pick)!
Summer Finale | Vineyahd Kids (ages 10-12)
August 25–30 — Availability: Join Waitlist
Contact Us To Discuss Your Group Voyage or Private Charter.
“The experience Spencer had last summer was truly remarkable. He learned so much about himself and the power of a community.”
— Emo C.
How to Begin Your Child’s Journey of Growth.
1.
Choose an upcoming voyage for your child.
2.
Register and pay a deposit to secure their bunk.
3.
Experience your child’s transformation when they return.
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.