For Paxton Turpin, 8, and Frankie Moran, 5, and over 100 other Boothbay Sea and Science Center campers, Aug. 16 was a day of hot dogs, delicious hamburgers and sweet memories of another summer of boating on Linekin Bay. It was also the last day of the center’s nine-week sailing and marine education camp. 

In the past 12 years, the center has had three locations. It’s expanded from its original location at Bristol Marine Shipyard starting with a dozen students, one instructor and two boats to a camp, now, with nearly two dozen instructors and 150-plus students. The camp’s expansion is due to a vision shared by a core group. In 2012, Pauline Dion and Eric Graves discussed creating a different youth camp experience, one which included sailing, boating and kayaking plus a marine-based educational format.

This led to Boothbay Sea and Science Center. Dion, a co-founder, became the camp’s executive director. Graves still continues in his role as vice president of the board of directors and co-founder.

“We wanted more than a youth sailing program. One teaching boating skills but also one which taught marine science,” Graves said.

As the camp grew, it began searching for a larger facility. It moved to the East Boothbay marina before finding a permanent home in 2022 at 12 Lobsterman’s Way in East Boothbay. This enabled an expansion to its present 21 instructors and 160-plus campers. Graves credits board member Jack French for his legal advice in forming the camp and making future expansion possible. “Jack was my first call when we started the program,” Graves said. “He was a great asset in guiding the program through a couple tricky situations in making this thing happen.”

French is an Edgecomb resident and practices law in Brunswick. He attended the last day of camp celebration. As he looked upon Linekin Bay, French was moved by the picturesque setting. “This is just incredible,” he said. “The ocean, seaweed, the people and opportunity to do all kinds of wonderful things with the ocean.”

French is not the only one impressed by the program. Turpin has been a camper every year since he’s been old enough to attend. “I just love it. You go sailing, and I love holding the main sheet,” he said.

The First National Bank is another fan. The bank is one of several local sponsors. On Aug. 16, bank representatives presented the center with an oversized check. FNB donated $640 which sponsored one student for the schooner Tyrone excursion where students spent three nights and four days aboard the vessel. The expedition was led by Captain Rayford Chew and First Mate Carolyn Corbin who taught campers marine science while sailing the Boothbay region. 

“We wanted to contribute to this project, so we sponsored a student, but we’ve also been a part of this from the start. FNB is excited to be part of this,” said Alyssa Allen, commercial loan officer. 

In each of its 12 years, the camp has been aided by dedicated sponsors and volunteers. Chris Richardson and Denny Whitten provided their grill master talents in cooking hot dogs and hamburgers to hungry masses attending the celebration. Whitten has two children in the program. “It’s a wonderful program, and my kids, Maisy and Fletcher, both love it,” he said. “You couldn’t ask for a better experience. It’s outdoors, in nature learning about the environment and boating.”

Richardson had been a seasonal resident for several years before moving to East Boothbay permanently two years ago. He has volunteered his culinary skills at several last day barbecues. “I watch them on Linekin Bay every summer and they love it. I mean they really love it!” Richardson said. “They’re out in a boat singing, laughing and talking. I just love watching them out there having a wonderful time.”

Boothbay Sea Science Center is a nine-week camp for children ages 5-17 years old.