Boat building

This year’s boat building students not only built their own vessel, but also contributed to an important part of Nova Scotian history.

Seven Bridges for Learning students took part in the Safe Spaces and Relationships program in 2026 and proudly launched “Ducky”, their 14-foot Bird Class Dinghy, in June.  This employability and life-skill building program is operated out of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic with the support of the Youth Development Initiative.  Our Recreation Therapist and the team from BFL support the young people to work in the boat shop on Tuesday’s from January through June.

Each participant attended an individual boat shop orientation where they learn what is expected of them and how to safely use a variety of tools. Three students earned a Construction Technology 12 high school credit for their efforts and two earned their WHIMIS certification through Skills Online Nova Scotia.  The length of the students’ participation varied, with some participating from start of the program and others joining in part way through.  Regardless of the duration, however, everyone gained experience in using appropriate personal protective gear, using a variety of hand and power tools, measuring, and working with epoxy and fiberglass.

Launching Ducky into the harbour in front of a crowd of supporters was definitely a highlight of the program, but several of the students could also proudly say they contributed to the Bluenose II restoration.  A number of cedar mast hoops on the Bluenose II were steam bent and constructed by HomeBridge youth.  They wrote their names inside the hoops in sharpie so their contribution was marked on the historic vessel.

As always, the participants all received certificates acknowledging their accomplishments in this program, a list of new skills and experience to include on their resume, and amazing memories that will last a lifetime.  The meaningful connection and relationships built in this program are evident every time a youth asks to go back to the boat shop over the summer to visit the staff or to take one of the boats out on the water. We continue to be incredibly proud of this program and grateful tour partners at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Youth Development Initiative for making it possible.