Clearwater’s Youth Empowerment Programs are no-cost, three-day adventures on the mighty Hudson River, offering a one of a kind experience of scenic beauty, bonding, and personal achievement. Our unique multi-day programs connect youth to the Hudson River as they sail onboard the historic sloop Clearwater and camp along the river’s shores. Young Women at the Helm and Queerwater are both programs for students aged 14-18. Young Women at the Helm is for all female identifying students, and Queerwater is for all students who identify as LGBTQ+.

Participants are involved in a wide range of physical and academic activities in small groups and as a larger team. Onboard, participants experience activities in ecology, water quality, sailing, and navigation. The two nights of the program are spent camping on shore, meeting with guest speakers, and relaxing alongside the beautiful Hudson River. Many past participants have later returned to the boat as volunteers and crewmembers, and have gone on to succeed in environmental and maritime careers.

For more information about Clearwater, please visit the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater website. For more information about this program please visit Youth Empowerment Programs.