Creativity Sets Sail at Unleashing Potential

The water was full of cardboard boats, laughter, and unforgettable moments as students, families, volunteers, and community supporters gathered in July for Unleashing Potential’s Third Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex in St. Louis.

What began as sheets of cardboard and rolls of duct tape transformed into creative, one-of-a-kind boats thanks to the imagination, teamwork, and determination of Unleashing Potential’s campers and community participants. As each team launched into the pool, spectators cheered them on, celebrating every paddle stroke, every splash, and every successful voyage. And yes, a few boats sank along the way, creating some of the day’s biggest laughs.

While the races were exciting, the true victory was found in the journey. The Cardboard Boat Regatta is designed to strengthen STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) skills by encouraging students to think creatively, solve problems, collaborate with teammates, and persevere through challenges. Throughout the process, the students demonstrated that innovation isn’t about perfection. It’s about trying new ideas, learning from setbacks, and having the confidence to keep going.

The event also brought the community together, with families, volunteers, and local supporters encouraging every participant from the shoreline. A special thank you to First Alert 4 and Cory Stark for helping spotlight the event and celebrate the incredible creativity and talent of the Unleashing Potential students.

Unleashing Potential believes every child deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence, and explore what’s possible. Events like the Cardboard Boat Regatta do exactly that, creating hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, resilience, and joy.

“Thank you to our sponsors, community partners, and everyone who participated, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, and helped make this year’s regatta a tremendous success,” said Bridget Jones, interim president and CEO. “We can’t wait to see what our young innovators dream up next year!”