Instructors and Crew
BOAT CAMP Inc. crew and instructors represent a diverse background of skills and talents, but all have a true love for the spending time at sea and sharing great adventures with kids, families and adult educators.
“Very friendly, always polite. My daughter is so comfortable with everyone. We think it is a fantastic program and are very lucky to have you here in Newburyport.” —A parent
Captains
Capt. Rob Yeomans
Capt. Rob has worked aboard the Erica Lee for 32 years, 20 of those as captain. He holds a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license, and has decades of experience fishing for a variety of New England species in the Gulf of Maine. In fall 2007, Rob and Kate formed BOAT CAMP Inc. in order to further pursue their passion for marine education by expanding marine education opportunities for all ages, tots to teachers, in the greater Newburyport area. Rob has been the owner/operator of the Erica Lee since 2005. When not at sea, Rob, teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Marine Biology at Newburyport High School, where in 2011 he became chair of the science department. He taught biology at Lynn Classical High School from 1996 to 2005. He earned a BA Biology (1996) and a MA in Teaching Biology from Salem State (2000). During the summer of 2009, Rob also worked as a high school curriculum development consultant for a National Marine Fisheries education project on the Atlantic Sturgeon.
Rob was a 2009 recipient of the Swasey Grant for curriculum development at Newburyport High School. In November, he traveled to Monterey, California, to study humboldt squids. This trip included tagging the giant squids with Stanford University’s Dr. William Gilly and his staff from the Hopkins Marine Station. Rob returned with squid to be dissected with his high school marine biology students, as well as great connections and ideas to bridge the east and west coast ecosystems for his students at N.H.S. and at BOAT CAMP. You can read about his adventure and see pictures here!
In late fall, 2010, Rob received a second action research Swasey Grant to fund an trip to Tahiti in early January 2011 with Sea Education Association of Woods Hole’s Colleagues SEA Semester for one week. While there, Rob sailed aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans.
During the 2011-2012 school year Rob was awarded his third Swasey Action Research grant, and is studying wildlife tracking with the folks at White Pine Programs in Cape Neddick, Maine.
“Capt. Rob was wicked fun” —A young Erica Lee participant
Kate Yeomans
Kate grew up on the water messing about in family-owned recreational boats before heading to sea as a deckhand on the Newburyport Whale Watch boat Capt. Red at age 12, a seasonal job she held for more than ten years. During this time she attained a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard license. For the past 15 years, Kate has written about the sea and the people who work and recreate upon it. She is the former editor of Embassy Cruising Guides, a series of four bi-annual guides spanning the cruising waters from Canada to Alabama. She has a BA in Journalism (minor in marine biology) from UNH (1995) and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College (1999). Her award-winning work has appeared in Boston Magazine, Boston Sunday Globe Magazine, Cruising World, Commercial Fisheries News, National Fisherman, Offshore, Professional Mariner, Robb Report, Voyaging and others. She is the author of Dead Men Tapping: The End of the Heather Lynne II. Kate continues to lead a weekly evening writer’s group at BOAT CAMP.
Kate earned a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Education at UNH in May 2011, and is applying this knowledge directly to the development and enrichment of BOAT CAMP’s curriculum and programming. In August 2011, Kate and Rob were personally selected to participate in an Associate Mentoring program where together, and individually, they are being mentored by Jon and Nicole Young.
Rob and Kate were high-school sweethearts at Triton Regional High School, where they first studied marine biology and oceanography in 1989. Kate and Rob were married in 1996 and have two young sons, with whom they share their love for boats and the sea. Rob and Kate have owned the Erica Lee since April 2005. The BOAT CAMP Inc. logo holds personal meaning for Rob and Kate and is symbolic of their family and love for the sea. The ship’s wheel represents their love for boats, especially the Erica Lee, the sun and waves motif are carved on their wedding rings, and the two fish represent their two sons.
Teacher-Naturalists, Board Members and Crew
“The crew was helpful, enthusiastic, appropriate and knowledgeable.” —A parent
Steve Bloom, Board of Directors
Steve is a member of our board of directors. He has over 25 years experience in the medical, computer, high-tech and cleantech industries, and shares our commitment to inspiring sound ocean and environmental stewardship. In his professional career, Steve inspires excellence and motivates companies and teams to exceptional performance through the difficult challenges of constant business changes. Steve is active in many local endeavors. He lives in West Newbury with wife, Calli; 2 sons; Ari and Aren, and some furry creatures.
Bonnie Bowes
Bonnie’s roots run deep in our community as her family, for several generations, has run Fernald’s Marine on the Parker River. Bonnie grew up exploring the vast marshes and tidal flats of Plum Island Sound, a tradition she now continues with her own children. A graduate of Bradford college, where she earned a degree in marketing and also studied early childhood education and graphic arts, Bonnie spent several years as a marketing specialist for high-tech start-ups before returning to Newbury with her husband Jim to start their family. When not teaching at BOAT CAMP, Bonnie supports the growth of the River Valley Charter School by serving as president of the the River Valley Charter School Foundation. She lives in Newbury with her husband Jim, and children, Maxim and Nola.
Garry Dow
Garry brings a deep and varied background in environmental education and outreach. Before he joined BOAT CAMP Inc., Garry worked as an interpreter and coastal naturalist for the Department of Conservation and Recreation at Sandy Point on Plum Island where he studied and taught coastal ecology and cultural history. Garry currently works as the Field Educator for The Trustees of Reservations at The Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA. Previous to this position, he worked as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Clean Air-Cool Planet. Since 2004 Garry has also worked as a freelance environmental journalist.
Garry holds a Master of Arts degree in environmental education from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental journalism from Roger Williams University. He has lived by the sea for the better part of his life and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to teach the thing he knows best in the place he loves most.
Kerry Lagueux, Board of Directors
Kerry is a researcher for the New England Aquarium, where his research interests include using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to: help understand the potential conflicts between the North Atlantic right whale and human use in the ocean, analyze the space-use conflicts of potential offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Maine, spatial distributions of satellite tagged released animals, biologic monitoring of LNG port facilities, and understand animal distributions through satellite-derived oceanographic cues. In addition to Kerry’s research activities, he is helping to integrate geospatial technologies in the Aquarium’s summer camp program, creating maps for exhibits, and conservation initiatives. Kerry also teaches Marine GIS for Boston University’s Marine Program.
Debbie Lyons
Debbie is a seasoned outdoor educator excited to start her first summer at BOAT CAMP! She has been a seasonal park ranger for the US Army Corps of Engineers for three summers, most recently at the Merrimack River Basin at Hopkinton-Everett Lakes. There, she led outreach programs centered on both water safety and the natural world as found along the upper Merrimack River. She has a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology and has done scientific research on the effects of serotonin on the locomotion of sea slugs. Debbie is now working towards her masters in Environmental Education at UNH.
Debbie fell in love with the ocean on her recent 22-day kayaking trip along the Sea of Cortez in Mexico as part of a course at the National Outdoor Leadership School. She believes that outdoor education is essential in everyone’s life, and that all kids should have a chance to explore the deep blue sea. She is ready to move from the forest end of the Merrimack River to the ocean end, and we are excited to have her onboard with us!
Sally Milliken, Board of Directors
As the parent of young children, Sally is deeply committed to helping her own and other young people connect to and enjoy the natural world so that they realize their day to day actions can make a real difference. She is an active participant in her children’s schools, including co-founding and co-chairing the Newbury Elementary School Reycling Committee. She also is a Co-Chair of the Newburyport Montessori School Parent Association. She has worked for several nonprofit environmental organizations, most recently at the Quebec-Labrador Foundation in Ipswich, Massachusetts. She has an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in environmental studies. She is thrilled about becoming a board member of BOAT CAMP and looks forward to helping link more members of the community with the amazing efforts of the organization.
Jill Moran
Jill grew up on the coast of southern Maine and loved tide pooling and beach combing from a very young age. Her love of nature lead to a career as an educator of Biology. She has a B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education (’97) from Northern Arizona University and an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science from UMASS Lowell (’03). She has taught Biology and Integrated Science for over 6 years. Before entering the field of education she was a member of Americorps. Her position at Americorps allowed her to lead extensive community outreach programs and environmental improvement projects with at-risk adolescents. Jill loves to share her knowledge of the ocean and to motivate students of all ages to learn science concepts.
Kerri Sheeran Perry, Board of Directors
Kerri grew up in Connecticut and spent her summers fishing for snappers and blues on the shores of Long Island Sound. After attending college in Massachusetts and law school in Vermont, she and her husband Tim were drawn to the North Shore to raise their three children. They moved to Newbury in 2003. Kerri is an attorney who is of counsel to the firm Perry, Krumsiek & Jack in Boston. She is an active member of local boards and her children are BOAT CAMPers who love learning about their connection to the ocean and the waters around them through programs offered at BOAT CAMP.
Francee Quinlan, Board of Directors
Francee lives in Newbury with her husband, Michael and children, Madison and Tucker, who both work at BOAT CAMP. Francee has dedicated much of her time to area charitable causes, including serving her second term on the board of directors of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center. In 2009, she was honored with the 2009 Board Leadership Award for her many contributions during nearly a decade of volunteer service, including twice serving as a host of the Dare to Dream Breakfast, overseeing the children’s activities at the Walk Against Violence for several years as a family project; serving as co-chair of the 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration, and working on the events and auction committees for both The Party: Jeans & Jewels occasions. Francee is also the designated board member involved in the partnership of Girls Inc., of the Seacoast (a program of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center). She was co-chair of the first Girls Inc. luncheon in 2010 and is gearing up to co-chair the now annual event in November 2011.
In addition, Francee is currently a board member of Berwick Academy’s Parent Association and instrumental in their annual auction fundraising efforts. She is also a parent participant on the Governor’s Academy Annual Fund Steering Committee. A graduate of Endicott College with a Communicatons degree, Francee enjoyed a 15 year-career in Boston as a personnel consultant and contract recruiter. She is grateful for the opportunities that BOAT CAMP has provided both her children with starting at age 9. Her 16-year-old son, Tucker, is now in his third season of being a deckhand and program counselor for BOAT CAMP (and loving every minute of being on the water with the kids) and Madison (14yrs old) is looking forward to being involved with the kids on shore this season.
Michael Quinlan, Board of Directors
Mike is a founding partner of a Boston-based independent merchant banking firm that specializes in institutional financial advisory, principal investments and asset management services in the renewable energy as well as other industries. Mike grew up and went to school in New England and has accumulated more than 20 years of financial and marketing experience in and around the Boston area. He and his wife, Francee, moved to Newburyport in the late 1980’s, and he has enjoyed raising their family in this beautiful area. Mike is active in the community and has volunteered for numerous local organizations over the years. Mike is excited to be a part of BOAT CAMP and is looking forward to helping the organization reach its full potential.
Jen Wright, Board of Directors
Jen is a graphic artist and owner of Jen Wright Signs, which has created many storefront signs in town. Jen is passionate about recycled art and working with kids, including guest appearances as an art teacher at Newbury Elementary School. Jen is a native of Hamilton, Mass., and attended the White Mountain School in New Hampshire, and the Butera School of Art. She has been involved in many community groups, including serving as a selectman for the town of Newbury. Her son has attended our programs for the past two years, and Jen brings a parent’s perspective to our board of directors. Jen lives in Newbury.
F/V Erica Lee Crew
“All of the staff are great. The show enthusiasm, energy and are very professional. Everyone did a fabulous job.”–A parent
Jack Barry
Jack Barry was a student in Capt. Rob’s marine biology class at NHS, where he graduated in 2010. He was raised on boats starting at the age of six, and now takes his father’s boat to Gloucester, Rockport, Isles of Shoals, and Jeffreys Ledge. He has taken three boating safety courses offered by the USCG. Jacks also a certified lifeguard, and swims often at the YWCA. When not at sea or at school, Jack is also a talented musician. He plays piano at Copley Plaza and at Newburyport’s Joseph’s Winter St. Cafe. He has also played at Michaels Harborside and Sea Glass.
Jack is in US Coast Guard Reserves while attending college at UMass Boston. Jack loves the beach, listening/writing/playing music, food and laughing. And he’s completely fascinated with the ocean.
Lauren Batterton
Lauren Batterton joined us in 2009 as our birthday party leader and younger programs’ crew with rave reviews! Lauren works both ashore and afloat. She is an honor roll student at Triton Regional High School, where she is active in sports including basketball, gymnastics and cheerleading.
Abigail Clavin
Abbie Clavin was a camper aboard the Erica Lee for several years before she began working with our birthday parties, younger kids camps and a crew member on the Erica Lee. Abbie grew up fishing and boating on local waters with her family. She also enjoys sailing. An honor roll student at Governor’s Academy, Abbie is active in field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse and local community activities including the Special Olympics.
Dylan Corbett
Dylan Corbett joins us this year for fourth year as crew, and this is his eighth year aboard the Erica Lee. Dylan attended St. John’s Prep, in Danvers, MA, where he was a drummer in the Jazz Combo and played lacrosse. Along with boating, he enjoys sailing, surfing, snowboarding, and crew. Currently he is rowing and studying biology at Hobart College in New York, while spending his summers at home in Newburyport working at BOAT CAMP.
Eliza Purinton
Eliza Purinton, 16, will be a junior at Governor’s Academy and has participated in programs aboard the Erica Lee since age 8. Eliza has always loved the sea and working with children, so she is very excited to have an opportunity to work at BOAT CAMP. Last year was her first year working on the boat and she really enjoyed getting to know the kids. Eliza plays field hockey, softball and skis as much as possible in the winter. When not working with us, Eliza spends time in the summer in Chatham on Cape Cod where she spends time with her family and friends waterskiing, fishing, sailing and heading out to sea on her grandfather’s boat searching for seals and sharks!
Tucker Quinlan
Tucker first joined Boat Camp at age 9 and will be entering his 8th year aboard the Eric Lee, his 4th as a crew member. Tucker has a passion for boating and exploring the sea and enjoys sharing his enthusiasm with kids of all ages. Tucker is also an avid skier and spends his winter weekends in the glades and bumps of Cannon Mountain in Franconia, NH. and plans to join the Junior Ski Patrol Program next season. When not working on the Erica Lee or skiing, Tucker is an honor student and president of his freshman class at The Governor’s Academy.
BOAT CAMP Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit marine and environmental educational organization. Our Board of Directors are:
Steve Bloom
Kerry Lagueux
Sally Milliken
Kerri Perry
Francee Quinlan
Michael Quinlan
Jen Wright
Kate Yeomans
Rob Yeomans
