OUR STORY

AHB was incorporated in the State of Wisconsin on May 24, 2013, following a “pilot program year” at three Milwaukee-area schools. Its founding Board Members were Robert “Robo” Brumder, Lynn Rix, and William Nimke. AHB passionately believes that all youth possess invaluable assets and talents and are capable of accomplishing far more than they or others think they can. The organization was influenced by Outward Bound and other experiential education practices. By working together to build and use a functional and elegantly simple wooden boat, AHB has been successful in setting intertwining goals for character growth, education, workforce training, and more abiding relationships with our natural resources. At AHB, it is truly about “building more than a boat.”

AHB’s programs are guided by the research and practices of Swedish Sloyd Education Theory, which makes a strong correlation between handcrafts and cognitive development to advance the educational, social-emotional, and skills capacities of youth.

Mission & Vision

All Hands Boatworks, Inc. (AHB) exists to build the capacities, hopes, resilience, and goals of Milwaukee’s youth through wooden boatbuilding projects, work-based learning experiences, and on-the-water activities. AHB teaches the craft of wooden boatbuilding to support positive youth development, STEM understandings, and workforce preparation, while also learning about Milwaukee’s freshwater assets – our rivers and the Great Lakes.

AHB envisions an inclusive, maritime community that is a safe harbor for Milwaukee youth and a vibrant hands-on learning center that values craftsmanship, supports personal growth, and connects us with our rivers and lakes.

A Holistic Approach to Youth Development

We nurture and build the strengths of resilient, boatsmart young people.

Craftsmanship
Collaboration
Critical Thinking
Communication
Creativity

All Hands Boatworks Staff & Volunteers

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals and volunteers are the backbone of All Hands Boatworks. Their passion and dedication carry out the mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.