About
All Hands Boatworks Programs involve wooden boatbuilding along with on-the-water activities. The program also includes a focus on on-the-water skills and jobs. AHB Summer Camps are offered for ages 10–15, and On-The-Water Skills & Jobs is offered for ages 14–24.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Building is open Monday–Friday from 9am–5pm
All Hands Boatworks, Inc. 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. It teaches the craft of wooden boatbuilding to support positive youth development, STEM understandings, and workforce preparation, while also including learning about Milwaukee’s rivers and the Great Lakes. AHB was incorporated in the State of Wisconsin on May 24, 2013, and is now in its 13th year.
Programs are guided by the research and practices of Swedish Sloyd Education Theory and are influenced by Outward Bound and other experiential education practices. The programs focus on character growth, education, workforce training, and relationships with natural resources, with a goal to be a vibrant hands-on learning center for youth and the community. AHB Summer Camps are listed for ages 10–15, and On-The-Water Skills & Jobs is listed for ages 14–24.
The organization’s leadership and instructional team includes William Nimke (Executive Director & Founder), Krystal Meisel (Community Partnerships & Youth Engagement Manager), Paul Bargren (Volunteer Instructor, Boatbuilder & Board member), Will Francis (Job Skills Director & Senior Boatbuilder), Tom Frank Sr. (Shop Manager), Ed Koscik (Volunteer Instructor & Boatbuilder), Claire Oliphant (Lead Program Instructor), Patrick McBriarty (Special Projects), Carter Lawson (Shop Instructor/Water Front Coordinator), and Trent Myers (Volunteer Instructor & Boatbuilder). Board leadership includes Joseph Hughes (President), Sean Keenan (Treasurer), Deb Pietsch (Secretary), Araceli Arevalo (Board member), Paul Bargren (Board member), Myron Edwards (Board member), Mark Kuehn (Board member), Chris Mortenson (Board member), Lynn Rix (Board member), Thomas N. Tuttle, Jr. (Board member), Robert “Robo” Brumder (Emeritus), and Norma Balentine (Emeritus).
All Hands Boatworks has partnered with education partners and receives business, industry, and community support. Its success depends upon the involvement and generosity of many people throughout Milwaukee. Visitors are welcome to see boats under construction and take a tour of the shop by appointment.
Last updated February 25, 2026.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Building is open Monday–Friday from 9am–5pm
All Hands Boatworks, Inc. 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. It teaches the craft of wooden boatbuilding to support positive youth development, STEM understandings, and workforce preparation, while also including learning about Milwaukee’s rivers and the Great Lakes. AHB was incorporated in the State of Wisconsin on May 24, 2013, and is now in its 13th year.
Programs are guided by the research and practices of Swedish Sloyd Education Theory and are influenced by Outward Bound and other experiential education practices. The programs focus on character growth, education, workforce training, and relationships with natural resources, with a goal to be a vibrant hands-on learning center for youth and the community. AHB Summer Camps are listed for ages 10–15, and On-The-Water Skills & Jobs is listed for ages 14–24.
The organization’s leadership and instructional team includes William Nimke (Executive Director & Founder), Krystal Meisel (Community Partnerships & Youth Engagement Manager), Paul Bargren (Volunteer Instructor, Boatbuilder & Board member), Will Francis (Job Skills Director & Senior Boatbuilder), Tom Frank Sr. (Shop Manager), Ed Koscik (Volunteer Instructor & Boatbuilder), Claire Oliphant (Lead Program Instructor), Patrick McBriarty (Special Projects), Carter Lawson (Shop Instructor/Water Front Coordinator), and Trent Myers (Volunteer Instructor & Boatbuilder). Board leadership includes Joseph Hughes (President), Sean Keenan (Treasurer), Deb Pietsch (Secretary), Araceli Arevalo (Board member), Paul Bargren (Board member), Myron Edwards (Board member), Mark Kuehn (Board member), Chris Mortenson (Board member), Lynn Rix (Board member), Thomas N. Tuttle, Jr. (Board member), Robert “Robo” Brumder (Emeritus), and Norma Balentine (Emeritus).
All Hands Boatworks has partnered with education partners and receives business, industry, and community support. Its success depends upon the involvement and generosity of many people throughout Milwaukee. Visitors are welcome to see boats under construction and take a tour of the shop by appointment.
Last updated February 25, 2026.
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