Watch Us Go Boating - Muskegon

Connecting Muskegon Youth to Water, Community, and Opportunity

Muskegon is a community shaped by water. From the shoreline of Lake Michigan to the rivers and inland lakes that wind through West Michigan, our waterways are one of the region’s greatest natural assets. Yet for many young people growing up here, access to these resources—and the experiences they offer—is limited. Watch Us Go Boating – Muskegon was created to help change that.

Our nonprofit was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to give local youth safe and meaningful opportunities to connect with the water through kayaking, mentorship, and environmental stewardship. By introducing young people to outdoor recreation and the natural beauty surrounding Muskegon, we aim to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Learning on the Water

Our summer kayaking program serves youth ages 9–12 from across Muskegon County. Through structured paddling sessions, students learn the fundamentals of kayaking and water safety while exploring local waterways. But the experience goes beyond learning how to paddle.

Participants also take part in conversations about the environment, the importance of protecting our shoreline, and the role each person can play in keeping Muskegon’s natural spaces clean and healthy. Many sessions include shoreline cleanups and stewardship activities that allow youth to actively care for the places they’re learning about.

These hands-on experiences create a powerful connection between young people and the environment around them.

Mentorship and Community

At the heart of Watch Us Go Boating – Muskegon is mentorship. Volunteers and community members work alongside youth participants to encourage teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. The program is supported by a growing network of volunteers and partnerships with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Muskegon Family Court, United Way, and other local groups working to support youth in the community.

Research consistently shows that mentorship programs can have a lasting positive impact on young people. When youth have access to supportive mentors and constructive activities, they are more likely to build confidence, develop strong decision-making skills, and stay engaged in positive community involvement.

A Growing Movement

Since launching, Watch Us Go Boating – Muskegon has quickly gained support throughout the community. Volunteers have organized multiple shoreline cleanup events and outreach efforts to engage residents who share a passion for improving opportunities for local youth.

Our community of supporters continues to grow. Recently, the organization celebrated reaching more than 1,000 followers on social media, a milestone that reflects the increasing interest and enthusiasm surrounding the program.

We are also excited to be planning Paddle for Purpose 2026, a community fundraising event that will help support the continued growth of our youth programming.

Looking Ahead

Our vision for the future includes expanding opportunities for youth to connect with Muskegon’s waterways in safe and educational ways. One of our long-term goals is to establish a kayak launch and rental kiosk that will help sustain the program while providing the community with increased access to the water. Proceeds from kayak rentals will support youth programming, equipment, and continued environmental education initiatives.

As we grow, our focus remains the same: creating safe spaces where young people can explore, learn, and feel connected to their community.

Join Us

Watch Us Go Boating – Muskegon is more than a boating program. It’s a movement to reconnect youth with the natural resources that define our region while building confidence, leadership, and stewardship for the future.

If you’re interested in supporting the program, volunteering, or learning more about our upcoming events, we invite you to follow along and become part of the journey.

Together, we can help Muskegon’s next generation discover the power of the water that surrounds them.