Junior Summer Program Session 1
This past week, June 29th - July 3rd, we kicked off the summer season with the first session of our Junior Summer Program! Campers spent the week exploring the marine environment, sailing on Oyster Bay Harbor, and participating in a variety of educational and recreational activities. Even with the summer heat, campers made the most of every adventure and every moment on the water, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Marine Explorers
Bay Buccaneers
The Bay Buccaneers explored the world of marine life, learning about horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, plankton, and sea turtles. Through hands-on activities, they created horseshoe crab and jellyfish crafts, played a sea turtle nesting game at the beach, and even learned how to conduct a plankton tow.
First Mates
The First Mates learned the fundamentals of sailing the Opti boats, including how to steer, identify the different points of sail, recognize the various parts of the boat, and perform essential sailing maneuvers such as tacking and jibing. In addition to sailing, campers participated in a variety of hands-on water activities, including sniggling for eels, seining, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Throughout the week, they explored marine science topics such as ultraviolet radiation, fish adaptations, water quality, and the local wildlife found in Oyster Bay. The First Mates had a fantastic week developing their sailing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the marine environment through engaging, interactive activities.
Mariners
The Mariners explored water quality by testing several bodies of water and tanks around The WaterFront Center. They also learned about local birds, investigated animal camouflage and other adaptations, and even dissected a squid to gain a hands-on understanding of marine anatomy.
Sound Swashbucklers
The Sound Swashbucklers were introduced to Opti sailing. They learned the parts of the boat, sailing terminology, and the different points of sail before putting their new knowledge to practice on the water. For many campers, this was their very first time sailing an Opti. While some started out feeling nervous, with plenty of practice they quickly gained confidence. In fact, many were able to sail out and return to shore on their own. Campers also participated in fun activities like Follow the Leader, a game that reinforced upwind sailing skills while building confidence and teamwork. It was wonderful to watch our young sailors challenge themselves, develop new skills, and gain independence on the water throughout the week.
Skippers
The Skippers participated in a variety of activities on the water, including dam building, kayaking, and paddle boarding. They went seining to observe local marine life and created field guides for the animals they spotted throughout the week. Campers also went snigging and explored nearby marine life through a touch tank aboard CHRISTEEN. Additionally, they explored marine education topics such as fish adaptations, fish body shapes, marine mammals, ultraviolet radiation, and more information about Oyster Bay’s local wildlife.
Youth Sailing
Discover Sailing
The Discover Sailing group learned the fundamentals of sailing Sonars. They practiced how to steer the boats, control the sails, and work together while exploring Oyster Bay Harbor. They put these new skills into practice and built significant experience on the water.
Adventure Sailing
Adventure Sailing excelled at sailing both Hobie Waves and Hobie Getaways. They practiced essential sailing skills such as tacking, jibing, and sailing upwind. They explored areas like Pirates Cove and enjoyed swimming off the boats.
Beginner Sailing
The Beginner Sailing group began by learning to sail RS Fevas before transitioning to Hobie Catamarans. On both boats, students developed sailing fundamentals by learning how to steer, how sails function, and techniques for sailing upwind.
Opti Sailing
The Opti Sailing group practiced key sailing skills, including tacking, jibing, and sailing upwind. Through plenty of time on the water, they strengthened their Opti handling skills and continued to grow as sailors.
C420 Open
The C420 Open group learned how to rig, de-rig, and sail C420s in a variety of wind and weather conditions. On days with stronger winds, campers either sailed Sonars or rotated through the C420s. Despite more challenging conditions, the group demonstrated great perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork throughout the week. Everyone made great progress and showed significant improvements in both their sailing abilities and confidence on the water.
C420 Race Team
The C420 Race Team focused on developing their racing skills this week by practicing starts, roll tacks, and kiting. They also participated in practice races, applying these techniques on the water while gaining valuable experience and improving their performance. With their session still underway, the team is looking forward to building their skills and spending more time racing.
Reel Explorers Fishing Camp
Bay Masters
The Bay Masters spent the week on the Oyster Dredge IDA MAY exploring the marine ecosystems of Oyster Bay Harbor. More details coming soon!
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