For most days last week, the combination of wind and sea kept the sailors at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center skippering their fleet of Sonar and Precision 15 sailboats. The Mizzen(ages 5-8) and Stay’s’l(ages 9-17) sailors enjoyed navigating passages to and from the mouth of Linekin Bay. Due to the small craft advisory on Wednesday sailors spend time onshore homing-in on their knot tying, rigging, and safety at sea skills earning beads for skills mastered. Thanks to Kate Horgan and the Villard Studio BSSC camper’s time ashore also included using the “Art Cart” to create beautiful watercolors that embrace land and sea.  We were thrilled to end our week with a trip to Perch Island aboard Turnabout sailboats, rowboats, and kayaks.  

For marine sciencewe focused on the fascinating world of aquaculture. On Mondaywe learned about “tank enrichment” and “organism stress” and had the task of designing a proper enclosure for green crabs. On Tuesdayusing “passports”we learned about worldwide aquaculture, taking a deep dive into the different culturing methods and organisms farmed around the world! Mid-week we discussed oyster farming, given these industries“growing” significance in Maine. Playing oyster themed games,we learned lots about the life cycle of an oyster. As we approached the end of the week, we had a seaweed taste testing session; sampling seaweed snacks as well as popcornand pizza flavored with seaweed seasoning! Through games and crafts on Friday we covered the importance of “conservation aquaculture”. From designing habitats to tasting ocean veggies, it was an unforgettable week of discovery, experientiallearning and ocean stewardship.