Continued from Page 2 date, the museum’s Miniboat Program is readying to launch this year’s fl eet of student built boats — and the community is invited to get involved. On Tuesday, the museum will host its fi rst-ever “Miniboat Summit,” where students from three schools will present their boats, conduct a sparkling apple cider christening and make an offi cial hand-off to the Colum- bia River Bar Pilots and U.S. Coast Guard, who will launch the small boats on their voyage across the ocean. “Miniboats may be small, but they are mighty,” explains Nate Sandel, education director at the Columbia River Mari- time Museum. “They have the power to create substantial and lasting impact — in the community and well beyond. We’ve seen these boats capture the imagination of our students, but also many people from around the world who encounter the boats, help with a rescue or simply follow the boats’ prog- ress online. It’s an exciting adventure we’re so happy to share during this year’s Miniboat Summit.” ‘MINIBOATS MAY BE SMALL, BUT THEY ARE MIGHTY.’ Nate Sandel, education director at the Columbia River Maritime Museum Lasting impact Through the Miniboat Program, students take on roles as quartermasters, sail designers, keel engineers, cargo track- ers and documentarians. Along the way, they learn real world skills and make friends overseas while they track their boats online — boats packed with mementos curated by the students. “It’s not everyday that you get to balance a keel, design a sail, or navigate the waters of the Pacifi c Ocean,” Alisa Dun- lap, Clatsop County regional business manager at Pacifi c If You Go Power, said. “The Miniboat Summit Miniboat Program 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday offers an extraor- dinary way for 5th Columbia River Maritime Museum, through 7th grade 1792 Marine Dr, Astoria students in our Free region to learn cru- cial STEAM skills, discover future careers and build international connections that will last a lifetime. We know STEAM skills are important part of building opportunity for the future, especially in the small communities we serve. We are excited to support a pro- gram dedicated to enriching the education of young learn- ers and empowering them to try new things and explore their creativity.” A student built boat on its voyage. An international endeavor Since the program’s start in 2017, 1,213 students on both sides of the Pacifi c Ocean have been involved in the launch of 24 miniboats, traveling a total of 55,236 nautical miles (a number that climbs daily). These boats are tracked every day and students are still building on the skills they honed to launch them. This year’s participants include 7th graders from War- renton Grade School, 5th graders at Columbia City Elemen- tary School and 7th graders from Wy’East Middle School in Vancouver, Wash. These three schools partnered with three schools in Japan: Tanesashi Primary School, Okuki Elemen- tary and Kanehama Elementary in Hachinohe City, in the Aomori Prefecture. Follow the miniboat adventures on Facebook at CRMM Miniboat Program or through the museum’s website at crmm. org. 14 // COASTWEEKEND.COM Students present their fi nal product. The program is not only a partnership among organizations, but also nations.