Norm Eder

Wind & Oar Boat School is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to engaging youth through hands-on, STEAM-focused boat-building programs. The private company is based in Portland, OR. The school serves students from elementary through high school and beyond, offering project-based experiential learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math with practical skills in woodworking, design, and environmental stewardship. Programs include building traditional wooden boats, with activities ranging from model making and geometry lessons to full-scale boat construction, tree harvesting, and launching on the Willamette River. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, perseverance, and real-world application of academic concepts, tailored in partnership with schools and community organizations. Additional offerings include summer camps, credit recovery programs, special projects, and sponsored boat builds.