Finding Community at Spaulding Through Education
By Lili Jeske - March 20th, 2025
When I started working at Spaulding Marine Center, I knew I was stepping into a place with deep roots in the Sausalito boating community. My background was in outdoor education, bringing students into new environments to explore science and increase their confidence and connections. I first experienced the maritime world professionally through Call of the Sea, where I coordinated programs aboard schooner Seward. At Spaulding, I expanded on that experience by getting involved in small-boat sailing, event planning, and community outreach.
One of my main responsibilities was organizing events and programs that brought together Spaulding’s extended community—neighbors, customers, volunteers, and students both past and present. I learned and benefited from all those who came before me at Spaulding and the volunteers who helped make each program “organized fun.” From concerts to educational workshops and summer programs, these events were a way to connect people and share Spaulding’s special resources.
A highlight for me was our Summer Sea Camp programming and partnership with Call of the Sea. It was wonderful to work with my friends from that program while also giving Spaulding campers hands-on sailing experience in various types of boats.
Spaulding’s Summer Sea Camp and Homeschool Sailing Program were very rewarding parts of my job. Many of the students had never been on a boat before, so it was particularly inspiring to watch each student build confidence on the water. Teaching kids how to handle a sailboat and feel comfortable in a new environment reinforced the importance of this kind of hands-on learning experiences Spaulding offers. I entered the student role last spring when I received my Level 1 Sailing Instructor Certification. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of the skills I was teaching and also made me appreciate the connection of self, wind, and water. I loved sharing knowledge on sailing, ecology of the bay and real life-skills with new and interested learners – and I was continuously inspired by our students on and off the water.
Helping Spaulding strengthen partnerships with other organizations and making the maritime world more accessible to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity have been personally fulfilling. I attended community recruitment events for Spaulding’s youth programs and the apprenticeship program, which helped bring more people—both youth and adults—into that space. Now, as I move on to a full-time teaching role in San Francisco, I’m excited to bring my Spaulding experiences into the broader education world.
Spaulding is a special place that emits a strong sense of community through the work itself but also through friendships made among crew members, volunteers, partners, customers, and more. I know I’ll stay connected to the happenings at Spaulding—and look forward to following its future works.
Youth Education Programs like these are run in large part because of our generous community of donors and volunteers.
We encourage you to make a donation to our Educational Program Fund, and appreciate all your support!
