Last week science at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) was chalk full of field trips and guest speakers. On Monday, after introductions were done, the campers learned about Wabanaki Birch Bark canoes, cartography with map making, and about maritime use of lighthouses.  

The fun didn’t slow down. On Tuesday Craig Condon from the Darling Marine Center spoke with us about Maine’s oyster farming and shellfish industry – bringing us to a better understanding of the impact of climate change on this sector.  The Stay’s’ls (ages 9–17) also went to Bristol Marine-Sample’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor, where they assembled models of a Sample’s Shipyard wooden dory and took a tour of the maritime museum, learning the history of the shipyard. Many thanks to project managers, Eric Graves and Ross Branch, who led the charge on these activities. 

Wednesday was dedicated to learning about the history of Maritime music and songs of the sea with Muriel Curtis - founder and director of Station Maine Leadership located in Rockland, Maine.

To close out the week, the campers learned about celestial navigation and compass bearings with an orienteering challenge. The heat was rough at weeks end ... so lots of water was had by all with cool downs in the ocean. 

Last week’s sailing was wet and windy! The start of the week brought showers, keeping us on land knot tying, practicing rigging and derigging on the simulator, and sailing jeopardy. On sunny days, we were able to get both Mizzens and Stay’s’ls out on our big sailboats and Turnabouts. As summer here at BSSC comes to a close, some of our summer long campers who have advanced so much in their sailing skills got the opportunity to solo sail around Linekin Bay. This is our last week of this summer program. We’re looking forward to our annual “Summer Olympics” on Thursday, Aug. 13!