A recent $25,000 gift to the Eastern 4-H Center enabled the purchase of a new rescue boat, used to ensure the safety of summer campers during boating activities throughout the summer camp season. Regulator Marine, a North Carolina boat manufacturer based in Edenton, made the gift in late 2021.

“Education of the next generation of boaters and anglers is important to us here at Regulator and we were thrilled to partner with the 4-H Eastern Center in the purchase of a Maycraft 1700 powered by Yamaha.  While Regulator’s focus is on building offshore sportfishing boats, this Maycraft,  also a NC manufactured vessel, will be a great platform for the young people who spend time on the inland waters of the Albemarle Sound,” said Joan Maxwell, president of Regulator Marine.

The new rescue boat, a 2022 Maycraft 1700 center console 16’9” rescue boat powered by a Yamaha outboard motor, replaces the former rescue boat, a 2001 American Skiff center console 15 foot power boat, which has been used for over the past two decades. With a waterfront location on Bulls Bay on the Albemarle Sound, having a state-of-the-art rescue boat is critical for ensuring waterfront safety for summer campers during activities like canoeing, kayaking, and soon-to-be paddle boarding this summer.

“This donation of $25,000 from Regulator Marine allowed us to purchase this new Maycraft vessel.  This boat will replace our 20 year old previous rescue boat.  This new boat will help our lifeguards to continue  patrolling our campers during our water activities on the Albemarle Sound.  The safety of our campers is always our number one priority and this new rescue boat will allow us to continue providing our campers with a safe and fun water activity program for years to come,” said Jenn Standish, Eastern 4-H Center Director.

The new rescue boat was included on the

at the Eastern 4-H Center on the North Carolina 4-H Camps & Centers Infrastructure Needs List. Through generous donations like the gift from Regulator Marine, it helps ensure the best possible summer camp experience for North Carolina youth.

“Each of our three 4-H centers in North Carolina provide outstanding experiential learning opportunities for youth and serve as a tremendous resource for local communities. This gift will enhance this mission and we encourage others to join them in supporting these hidden gems.” said Sterling Frierson, Senior Director of Development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University.

“Thanks to Joan Maxwell and Regulator Marine for their generous gift to our Eastern 4-H Center!  We are truly appreciative and grateful for their support.  Their gift leaves a lasting legacy helping ensure the safety of our summer campers for decades to come,” said Dave Herpy, NC 4-H Camping Specialist.

If you are interested in supporting 4-H camps and centers, contact Dave Herpy at (919) 515-8483 or via email djherpy@ncsu.edu.