Kids Need Adventure, Not Screens
Help your child become more confident, capable, and independent through unplugged sailing voyages aboard Shenandoah.
Raising Self-Reliant Kids Has Never Been Harder.
Screens and scrolling replace imagination, creativity, and real-world connection
Social media fuels comparison, judgment, and insecurity.
Pressure to perform can be overwhelming and isolating.
Constant stimulation makes it harder for kids to feel calm, present, and engaged
In a world where tech companies compete to keep your child scrolling, unplugging has become essential for healthy development.
Give your child the gift of being a kid again.
Life Aboard Shenandoah
NO PASSENGERS. ONLY CREW.
Students aboard Shenandoah don’t sit back and watch. They sail the ship, solve problems, share responsibility, prepare meals together, and support one another each day.
Screens and stress are replaced with hoisting sails, playing games, exploring beaches, and singing shanties.
And through fun, challenging experiences, students discover they are capable of more than they thought.
Most participants surveyed said their experience was “life-changing.”
With Ocean Academy, Your Child Will:
Build lasting friendships through shared adventure
Learn to handle setbacks with greater resilience
Develop a sense of purpose that stays with them
Return home more confident and independent
Why Parents Trust Ocean Academy
✅ 60+ years of youth voyages aboard Shenandoah
✅ Research-backed social-emotional curriculum
✅ Internationally accredited for safety and quality
✅ Award-winning program design.
✅ Experienced staff with mental health and safety training
✅ Sliding-scale tuition so every child can participate
“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
Upcoming Voyages Aboard Shenandoah
Each voyage offers adventure, challenge, and meaningful connection at sea.
LIMITED SPACES LEFT
All Ages Cruise (All Ages)
Sail, work, and unplug together aboard Shenandoah on a shared family adventure at sea.
Dates: June 22–27
Starting at: $1,990/person
Availability: Open
LIMITED SPACES LEFT
Junior Voyage Guide Training (Ages 14–17)
A leadership-focused voyage that builds confidence, responsibility, and seamanship skills.
Dates: June 29–July 4
Tuition: $690–$2,210 sliding scale
Availability: Open
Sea Shanties & Music (Ages 8–17)
Experience maritime music, teamwork, and life at sea aboard Shenandoah.
Dates: July 6–11
Tuition: $690–$2,210 sliding scale
Availability: Open
Splicing, Knots, & Rope-Work (Ages–17)
Learn hands-on seamanship skills while working together as crew aboard Shenandoah.
Dates: July 13–18
Tuition: $690–$2,210 sliding scale
Availability: Open
JOIN WAITLIST
Coastal & Celestial Navigation (Ages 8–17)
Learn to navigate by chart, compass, stars, and sea aboard Shenandoah.
Dates: July 20–25
Tuition: $690–$2,210 sliding scale
Availability: Full — Join Waitlist
Ocean Explorers 11-Day Voyage (Ages 8–17)
An extended voyage offering deeper adventure andstronger friendships.
Dates: August 10–20
Tuition: $1,380–$4,420 sliding scale
Availability: Open
JOIN WAITLIST
Vineyahd Kids: Summer Finale 1 (Ages 10–12)
An unplugged end-of-summer voyage focused on adventure, teamwork, and connection.
Dates: August 24–29
Tuition: $690–$2,210 sliding scale
Availability: Full — Join Waitlist
Vineyahd Kids: Summer Finale 2 (Ages 10–12)
A supportive voyage designed to help younger students build confidence and independence at sea.
Dates: August 31–September 5
Tuition: $690–$2,210 sliding scale
Availability: Open
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.
Choose an upcoming voyage for your child.
1.
Register and pay a deposit to secure their bunk (takes 5 minutes).
2.
Experience your child’s transformation when they return.
3.
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.*
Watch students grow through challenge, teamwork, and life at sea aboard Shenandoah. →
* Source: Jones, D. E., Greenberg, M., & Crowley, M. (2015). Social competence in kindergarten and future wellness. American Journal of Public Health, 105(11), 2283–2290.