Kids Need Adventure, Not Screens
Unplugged Sailing Voyages That Build Your Child’s Joy and Resilience
Experience deepened empathy and connection in your child.
Notice new contributions and help around the house.
Hear 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 topsail 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 You Can Trust Ocean Academy
Decades of experience. Strong Partnerships. Proven results.
✅ 30+ Years of Experience serving ages 7–17.
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
Staff qualifications include CORI/SORI checks, drug testing, first aid and lifeguard certification, Youth Mental Health First Aid training, and an in-house licensed social worker.
✅ Award-Winning Program
Nationally recognized for excellence in experiential and social-emotional learning by Tall Ships America.
✅ Internationally Accredited for Safety and Quality
Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) for 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 curriculum created in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire School of Social Work. This award-winning, research-backed, and nationally accredited program combines experiential learning with personal growth. Enroll your child today to help them break away from screens and stress and build lifelong resilience and joy.
All Ages Cruise (All Ages)
Dates: June 22–27
Investment: Starting at $1,990/person
Availability: Open
Junior Voyage Guide Training (Ages 14–17)
Dates: June 29–July 4
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($690–$2,210)
Availability: Open
Sea Shanties & Music(Ages 8–17)
Dates: July 6–11
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($690–$2,210)
Availability: Open
Splicing, Knots, & Rope-work (Ages–17)
Dates: July 13–18
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($690–$2,210)
Availability: Open
Coastal & Celestial Navigation (Ages 8–17)
Dates: July 20–25
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($690–$2,210)
Availability: Limited
Private Charter (All Ages)
Dates: July 26–August 1
Investment: Please contact us for pricing
Availability: Private
Group: Mariner Scouts Alumni (All–Ages)
Dates: August 3–8
Investment: Please contact us for pricing
Availability: Private
Ocean Explorers 11-Day Voyage (Ages 8–17) *Captain’s Pick
Dates: August 10–20
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($1,380–$4,420)
Availability: Open
Vineyahd Kids: Summer Finale 1 (Ages 10–12)
Dates: August 24–29
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($690–$2,210)
Availability: Full
Vineyahd Kids: Summer Finale 2 (Ages 10–12)
Dates: August 31–September 5
Tuition: Sliding-scale based on family income ($690–$2,210)
Availability: Open
Group: Chilmark School Outing Program (Grades 4 & 5)
Dates: August 14–19
Investment: Please contact us for pricing
Availability: Private
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 (takes 5 minutes).
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.