More Than Boats: A Day of Sweat Equity at the SCAR Boatyard

Oscar
Jun 1
2 min read

SCAR rowers and a parent volunteer construct a new wooden boat rack at the boatyard. Team members hold the frame in place while concrete is poured into post holes, helping expand storage space for the club's racing shells.

There is something special about a rowing team coming together outside of practice.

This past weekend, SCAR families and athletes traded oars for rakes, clippers, and work gloves as we gathered for our annual Boatyard Cleanup Day. While there were no races to win or erg scores to beat, there was plenty of hard work to be done—and our crew showed up ready.

Throughout the morning, rowers and parents tackled overgrown areas around the boatyard, trimming shrubs and trees, hauling away fallen limbs, raking leaves, and clearing brush that had slowly crept into our space. By the end of the day, the boatyard looked cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone who calls it home.

One of the biggest accomplishments was the construction of a brand-new boat rack, giving us additional storage space for our growing fleet. We also made significant progress on an extension that will provide more room for erg workouts, helping our athletes train together when weather or conditions keep us off the water.

Two SCAR rowers clear overgrown palmetto fronds and vegetation during a boatyard cleanup day. Surrounded by Florida palms and hanging Spanish moss, the athletes work together to trim brush and remove debris from the property.

Of course, not every discovery involved lumber and landscaping. During the cleanup, volunteers found a nest of baby birds tucked safely among the vegetation. Work in that area immediately stopped so the nest could remain undisturbed and protected. It was a wonderful reminder that while we share this space with each other, we also share it with the wildlife that makes Lake Jesup unique.

The Florida sun definitely made us earn every accomplishment. There was plenty of sweating, lifting, hauling, and probably a few sore muscles the next day. But there was also a lot of laughter, teamwork, and pride in seeing what can happen when a community works together.

Our boatyard is more than a place to store boats. It's where friendships are built, goals are achieved, lessons are learned, and memories are made. It gives so much to our athletes throughout the year, and days like this are our chance to give something back.

Thank you to every parent, athlete, family member, and supporter who donated their time and energy. The improvements made this weekend will benefit every rower who walks through our gates this season.

That's what SCAR is all about—working hard together, on and off the water.