Nova Scotia Sea School

The Nova Scotia Sea School (Sea School), a charitable organization, was founded in 1994 by Crane Stookey, and began with the building of a 30-foot wooden sailboat named DOROTHEA which engaged 15 teens in traditional boat building and sailing experiences. Both expedition vessels were built in cooperation with Windhorse farms where the lumber was sustainably chosen & harvested for this purpose, and was processed and built by the teen building crew. The building of DOROTHEA in 1994 launched 26 years (and counting!) of nautical adventure within Atlantic Canada and inspired thousands of young people. In the organization’s lifespan, the Sea School has built two expeditionary vessels and another 15+ smaller boats in youth boat building programs. DOROTHEA and her sister ship ELIZABETH HALL have hosted over 5000 participants in expeditionary programs which explore the Nova Scotia coast line, and in recent years programs have expanded to include multi-day wilderness camps, sea kayaking expeditions, and even winter camping programs. 

The Sea School maintains a comprehensive effort ensuring vulnerable and marginalized youth have access to the programs which are highly subsidized through donations.