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Door County for Families: Teaching Kids to Care Through Our First Mate Program

People on a boat in open water with an American flag and blue sky.

At Shoreline Boat Tours, we believe travel should do more than entertain—it should educate, inspire, and build lasting connections with the places we visit.

That’s why our First Mate Program was created: to give kids an unforgettable experience on the water while teaching them what it means to care for Door County. From knot-tying and helping “steer” the boat to learning about the area’s rich maritime history, our young First Mates don’t just go on a boat tour—they become part of a legacy of stewardship.

And thanks to Destination Door County’s Care for Door County initiative, we now have even more ways to help families explore responsibly, support local sustainability, and ensure this beautiful place stays healthy and welcoming for generations to come.

Logo with 'Care for Door County' and heart shape in green and blue text.

What Is “Care for Door County”?

Care for Door County is a community-wide pledge to protect the very things that make this area so special—its shorelines, forests, wildlife, culture, and small-town charm. It’s a guide for travelers and locals alike to treat this place with care and intention.

Taking the Door County Pledge means:

  • Respecting nature and staying on marked trails

  • Being mindful of water safety and shoreline health

  • Supporting local businesses and traditions

  • Leaving no trace—and leaving Door County better than you found it

Man and girl looking at a compass on a boat.

How Our First Mate Program Fits In

During each of our narrated scenic tours, kids of all ages can participate in our First Mate Program. It’s fun, engaging, and educational—and it’s also our favorite way to introduce young visitors to the values behind the Door County Pledge.

Each First Mate:

  • Learns a few boating basics (yes, they can “help” steer!)

  • Practices knot tying and other seafaring skills

  • Takes the Door County Pledge

  • Receives a signed certificate from the captain to take home

It’s more than just a photo op—it’s a hands-on way to spark curiosity, build responsibility, and create a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Two kids on a boat, one wearing a life jacket, smiling near a fire extinguisher.

Green Travel Resources for Families

If you’re visiting Door County with your family, we highly recommend checking out Destination Door County’s Travel Green Resources page. It’s packed with helpful tips and tools to help your trip leave a lighter footprint and a bigger positive impact.

Highlights include:

  • Leave No Trace family tips

  • Green-certified hotels and businesses across the peninsula

  • EV charging station maps for electric vehicles

  • Educational videos about Door County’s natural spaces and culture

It’s a great way to plan a trip that’s both fun and thoughtful—and kids love learning how their actions make a difference.

Four children on a boat holding completion certificates and wearing life jackets.

A Family Tradition Worth Starting

We love seeing kids step off our boats with huge smiles and a new sense of pride. When they take the pledge, they become part of something bigger than themselves—part of a community that values care, respect, and adventure with purpose.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan of Door County, we invite your family to:

Let’s teach the next generation to care for Door County, one First Mate at a time.

Circular badge with 'We Took the Door County Pledge' and tree and waves icon.

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