Ahoy, Me Hearties! Join the Boothbay Harbor Treasure Hunt and ready yerselves to uncover secrets along its shores where mystery, merriment, and history await young and old buccaneers alike!   

The summer-long event is a sea-sprinkled quest for golden knowledge, experiences, and treasures galore. Kicking off Sunday, June 22nd and running through September 30th, this pirate themed hunt will be more than just fun and games - it supports a worthy cause right here at home. 

All loot raised from the pirating adventure goes directly to fund experiential learning for local schoolchildren in the AOS98 school district. Created in partnership with the nonprofit organization Lighthouse Education and Nautical Studies (LENS), its founder Elaine Jones explains that the proceeds will support the district’s bold initiative of place-based learning. 

On the Boothbay Region Elementary School’s website, principal Shawna Kurr and teachers Jen Lassen and Emeila Strainge, describe “Education Boothbay” – a program where the local community and environment are starting points for learning. The film spotlights the school’s summer camp program on Burnt Island, an event that enters its third year using curricula developed by LENS and funding from donors. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=loUj3vLH-dA) 

So, how do adventure-seekers join the Treasure Hunt and support this great cause into the future? They must first register online at: www.lighthouseeducation.org. Upon signing up, an email will arrive with the first clue that points the way to the first stop where participants claim the official Treasure Map and a scroll of instructions to help guide them on their quest for all forms of hidden gold.  

At each stop along the trail, hunters will crack codes, unlock treasure chests, claim token prizes, stamp the map to mark their progress, and enter a drawing for end-of-season grand prizes. The journey features local lore, hands-on activities, and tales of real-life pirates that will surely shiver ye timbers. Along the way, all buccaneers can rest their sea legs and enjoy food, drink, and the sights of the historic harbor - making this not just a hunt, but a full-scale adventure. 

The LENS website also offers tips on how to awaken the pirate spirit from within – a pirate name, pirate lingo, plus how to dress the part of a true buccaneer. Repurpose a Boothbay Register newspaper to make a pirate hat and design your own special pirate flag to take on the hunt. A special pirate T-shirt is also available with printed pirate apparel on the front and a message on the back promoting the Quest for Gold. They can be purchased at treasure hunt stop #2 and at certain hotels around the region. 

So, whether ye be a seasoned seadog or a newbie deckhand, don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable summer adventure. The Boothbay Harbor Treasure Hunt is more than just a good time, it’s a chance to make lasting memories, bring learning to life, support local schools, and grow the local economy.  

Grab your map, summon your crew, and join the hunt for a cause that’s worth its weight in gold. Adventure awaits, but are ye brave enough to claim the treasure?  

(LENS is looking for a crew to help grow this grand adventure that sets Boothbay Harbor atop the map as the premier pirate port of call. Over time, this Treasure Hunt could become a signature event that draws visitors from far and wide. Please send a signal via the contact email on our website as we’d be honored to have ye aboard!)