River Wrights Boat Builders – RWBB (Carpentry and Environmental studies)

While the development of positive youth outcomes for at-risk and disadvantaged youth remains at the core of all OPP youth businesses, River Wrights Boat Builders (RWBB) projects have expanded and evolved over time, responding to the needs of the community and the interests of our youth.

"What I learned in River Wrights Boat Builders is that there is nothing wrong with working together with other people from different races."
- William Walker

When it began in 1997, youth helped to build river-worthy wooden boats that were either sold or donated to summer camps in the region. RWBB now engages youth in a variety of program activities centered on creative woodworking, community improvement and environmental projects.

In the Summer of '08 River Wrights teamed up with National Geographic
...more.

In 2005, RWBB implemented a “Science on the River” collaborative project with National Geographic, the Connecticut Department of Environment Protection, Riverfront Recapture, Trout Unlimited and The Connecticut River Watershed Council. The program allows youth to study the overall health of the local eco-system, and to monitor fish and other wildlife in and around the Connecticut River.

RWBB also creates Native American and African drums, builds and sells outdoor furniture, refurbishes donated furniture, and rebuilds old boats in addition to building new wooden boats. RWBB “services and products” may change but the core activity of helping youth build a future for themselves continues to flourish. To purchase drums and furniture, or to inquire about boats and boat repair contact Paul Gemme at (860) 761-7381 or paul.gemme@opp.org.

Pathways is funded in part by the US Department of Labor.