About Us

Our Mission, Vision & Values

CISF is a coastal education organization that provides access, education, and recreation to kids and adults for life on the water. Located in the heart of Jamestown, we serve Rhode Islanders near and far, all year round, with seasonal programming: sailing, marine science, fishing, summer camps, and beyond.

Education, access, and adventure on the water.

Mission

Through boating and education, CISF inspires and engages people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with the coastal environment.

Our Vision

A future shaped by generations connected to the water and our environment.

Campers in life jackets sipping drinks under a lemonade stand umbrella
An instructor and four campers sailing a Hobie under a blue-and-yellow sail
A family netting together at the edge of a marsh pool at Fort Getty
A homeschool student testing a floating wind-turbine model built from recycled materials, in a CISF program with US Sailing

Core Values

Four values shape every decision we make and every program we run.

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Opportunity

Build competence and confidence on the water and along the coast by offering affordable access to boating and marine education on Narragansett Bay.

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Education

Provide environmental and science-based programming, with a focus on fun and hands-on learning

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Stewardship

Through education & personal impact awareness, create generations of informed marine and environmental stewards

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Positive Youth Development

By creating a strong sense of community where youth feel connected to others through shared experiences, they are given agency to explore, learn, and grow. On the boats, in the marsh and in the classroom, kids get real chances to build confidence, lead, and work as a team.