The Valley’s fabled Sloop Clearwater is a replica vessel of the cargo ships that sailed the Hudson in the 18th and 19th centuries, developing commerce and sustaining early communities. It was built by folk singer Pete Seeger and friends in 1969 as an engaging way to educate people about the degradation of the Hudson River. “We use [the boat] as a platform to teach people about the ecology and history of the river,” explains educational programmer Dave Conover.

The hallmark of Clearwater’s education program is the hands-on experiential boat programs, which include Youth Internships and Empowerment Programs and the popular Classroom of the Waves. Shore-based and classroom programs are offered as well.

Their latest such program is the Power of Song. “It harkens back to our founder, Pete Seeger. Music is a great learning tool for kids. We use music as a way to get kids engaged in the powerful history that has happened in the Hudson Valley environmentally and socially. We get them to realize they can make a difference and get involved and have fun while doing it,” says Conover. “Students will develop and perform songs, learn how to put music into action, linking their experiences into songs themselves so they can relate directly.”

The pilot program just wrapped in the Beacon schools, and this spring Power of Song educator and longtime Clearwater team member Linda Richard will be bringing it to a handful of other schools across the Valley. Power of Song is offered as an assembly or classroom program, and is appropriate for elementary or middle school aged children. For more information on Clearwater’s educational opportunities visit: clearwater.org or contact Dave Conover at 845-265-8080.