For 28 years, the WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine, has been offering courses in the various aspects of boatbuilding, seamanship and related crafts. Each year between late May and the end of September, the 60-acre coastal campus hosts some 600 students, who can select from more than 90 one- and two-week, "hands on" courses.

The schedule will appeal to a wide variety of interests. Among the diverse offerings are Fundamentals of Boatbuilding, Elements of Boat Design, Making Friends with Your Marine Diesel Engine, Bronze Casting for Boatbuilders, Blacksmithing and Modern Welding, Marine Photography, Restoration Methods, Lofting, Woodcarving, Elements of Seamanship, Finishing Out a Hull, and Building the 12 1/2-foot Semi-Dory Skiff, to name just a few.

Student lodging is available on campus as are campsites (no electrical hook-up). You may also elect to rent locally.

A few off-site courses are also offered at the Chesapeake Light Craft Shop in Annapolis, Md. Among those offered this year are: Building Your Own Chesapeake 17LT Sea Kayak, Building Your Own Shearwater Sea Kayak, Building Your Own Annapolis Wherry, and Building Your Own Wood Duck Kayak.

So if a little "constructive" fun takes your fancy, why not give it a whirl?

- Linda Hoff