Community Outreach

ACBA’s member organizations are distinguished by their commitment to community outreach. They have operated rowing and paddling programs for over a decade at the current site, bringing watersport opportunities to thousands of children and adults, specifically to D.C. residents, including our neighbors along the Anacostia River. As such, ACBA is one of the few existing initiatives now fulfilling the vision of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative by constantly introducing new Washingtonians to the beauty and potential of the Anacostia River.

The numerous community outreach programs offered by ACBA’s member organizations, in partnership with schools and D.C. Government agencies on other community outreach programs, include:

• Free Learn-to-Row and Learn-to-Paddle Clinics

• Adult Competitive and Recreational Programs

• Programs for Senior Citizens

• Programs for Breast Cancer Survivors

• Fostering Rowing Programs at Local High Schools Otherwise Unable to Afford Them

• Summer Youth Rowing Camps, providing watersport opportunities to dozens of minority and low-income children each year 

• Environmental Programs run by the Anacostia Watershed Society 

• Annual support given for over a decade to the D.C. Department of the Environment's "Anacostia River Environmental Fair for D.C. Schools" by OARS, Capital Rowing Club, NCAWPA's Dragon Boat Section and the Anacostia Watershed Society, working to make it a perennial success 

• Host Site for the St. Peter’s Interparish School Anacostia River Classroom 

• Teaching of rowing to emotionally handicapped children from Kingsbury Middle School 

• Support for Non-Boating Programs, such as the “Trips for Kids” cycling program 

• Host for Competitive Regattas, includes buoyed race course, certified referees, hundreds of competitors and spectators from local and regional clubs and schools 

• Host site for on water training for summer teacher training workshops in environmental monitoring techniques sponsored by Gallaudet University and the Clerc Center Summer Institute