Kids 9-12
Our week-long program runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4 p.m. and costs $395 (includes free t-shirt!).
Teacher-Naturalists onboard provide local, relevant marine science enrichment ashore and afloat
View VIDEOS and PHOTOS from 2009 on our Facebook Page Here!
2010 Program Weeks
June 28 (FULL)
July 5 (FULL)
July 12 (FULL)
July 19 (FULL)
July 26 (FULL)
August 2–TEENS only (FULL)
August 9 (FULL)
August 16 (FULL)
BOAT CAMP’s week long program aboard the Erica Lee explores the coastal ecology of Ipswich Bay and the Gulf of Maine through a variety of fun daily activities, all of which are decided upon the day’s best weather predictions and conducted according observed weather, tide and sea states. Above all else, we focus on keeping kids warm (or cool!), safe and happy, and we utilize both the Erica Lee and BOAT CAMP Inc.’s ocean education center to make the best of New England’s changeable weather in order for kids to experience a fun, positive boat-based summer program.
Our inside facility is excellent in inclement weather and unfavorable sea conditions, with a multimedia system, 110-gallon saltwater touch tank, and plenty of room to learn, explore and enjoy our maritime community. We do not stay at sea when the weather turns against us.
During the week, we will haul lobster traps, tow an otter trawl to collect and examine sea life on the ocean bottom, fish for a number of sustainable species using a variety of traditional New England methods, explore tidepools and beaches, tell stories and go swimming. Capt. Rob usually buys everyone an ice cream mid-week, and serves up grilled lunch at the beach on Fridays!
Field lessons include relevant, age-appropriate topics in marine biology, coastal ecology, oceanography, conservation, maritime history, navigation and knot-tying.
In addition, kids aged 12 and older also participate in a safe-boating and navigation class; successful completion results in a Mass. State Safe Boating Certificate issued by the Mass. Environmental Police.
Our crew to child ratio is always at least 6:1, usually 4:1. All of our college-aged crew and teenage CITs have spent at least five summers aboard the Erica Lee and are majoring in either biology, environmental science or the maritime trades. Among the adult educators onboard, there is always at least one certified, working public school teacher (often there are two or even three), each with graduate degrees in marine and science education.
The structure of our days and evolution of our activities is founded on an educational platform that respects and understands a variety of learning styles. No prior boating experience is expected or required.
We are honored to host the Sean Cone Memorial Scholarship each summer. Nominations were due April 15, 2010.
You can read more about this scholarship in the Newburyport Current’s recent story, Parent’s love honors lost son through BOAT CAMP.
