Junior Summer Programs

Our youngest explorers (students entering 1st or 2nd grade) embark on thematic studies of local inhabitants of Oyster Bay. They will collect samples, perform experiments and discover the beach, creek and marsh habitats. Each theme will be reinforced with activities and crafts. "On the Water" activities will include a voyage on the Christeen, rowing, and fishing from the pier. There will also be guest appearances from local wildlife organizations. Enjoy the environment as a Bay Buccaneer! Offered in one week sessions, themes alternate. You may sign up for more than one session. Limited to 16 participants.

This year Bay Buccaneers will be offered more frequently in order to coincide with our other summer programs (Sound Swashbucklers, First Mates and/or Skippers). The one week sessions are designed to offer program variety for those that choose to join us for more than one week.

Those entering 3rd or 4th grades move up the ranks to take on new experiences and learn new skills. Activities, from serving as crew aboard the Christeen to getting their first taste of sailing in Optis and Sonars, foster cooperation and increase self-esteem. Sound Swashbucklers also participate in a variety of other activities such as kayaking, fishing and special visits from outside organizations in addition to environmental exploration. Program focus alternates by session. You may sign up for more than one session. One week options are available for Session 1 only. Limited to 16 participants.

This year Sound Swashbucklers will be offered throughout the summer season. Session 1 will have two 1-week options and the next three sessions are 2 weeks long. All sessions will be designed so that those choosing to participate in consecutive sessions will be exposed to a variety of programming designed to stimulate and engage.

First Mates entering 5th or 6th grade will experience a combination of marine discovery and sailing every day! While sailing in Optis or Sonars the First Mates will be grouped into levels in order to continue building on their skills. Additionally they will learn seamanship, go fishing, develop kayaking skills and learn to appreciate the environment. They will also have the opportunity to meet new animals, set traps for our own "deadliest catch" while aboard the Christeen and explore areas otherwise not visited. Program focus alternates by session. You may sign up for more than one session. One week options are available for Session 1 only. This program is appropriate for all sailing abilities.*

The sessions will be designed so that participants attending consecutive sessions will be exposed to different programmatic themes.

Some of the new activities planned for summer 2010 may include:

• Marlin Spike Seamanship (creative rope and canvas work)
• A tour of Frank M. Flowers Oyster Hatchery
• Introduction to dissection
• Traditional crafts

Session Emphasis
Sessions 1 & 3:   Arts influenced by maritime history and the marine environment
Sessions 2 & 4:   Scientific inquiry and techniques used for scientific research

Each day those entering 7th or 8th grade will sail the waters of Oyster Bay. Instruction will be on Optis, Pixels, Sunfish or Sonars, dependent on the daily weather conditions and the Skipper's individual size and experience. With the naturalists the Skippers will participate in a variety of activities that promote environmental stewardship such as: water quality testing, fishing, kayaking and dredging for local marine life aboard our historic Oyster Sloop. The program culminates when the Skippers work together to sail the Christeen to Cold Spring Harbor and visit Sagamore Hill by sea. Program activities alternate by session. You may sign up for more than one session. This program is appropriate for all sailing abilities.*

Skippers is revamped for the summer of 2010. The program is designed for those entering 7th or 8th grades in September. We invite those entering 9th grade to check out our new High School program offerings.

Some of the new activities that may be included in the Skippers program are:

• Star in a mini documentary
• Explore Mill Neck Creek
• Collect and utilize solar power

Session Emphasis
Sessions 2 & 4:   More emphasis on marine science and field research techniques
Session 3:   Environmental, maritime and outdoor recreation and adventure
Session 1:   Please see the description for the Survivor program and sailing only options

Experience a week-long adventure, with others entering 7th, 8th or 9th grade, as if you were truly stranded on a deserted island! Participants learn skills necessary for survival with activities that foster problem solving and team work. Additionally, participants will learn basic kayaking skills including different paddling and rescue techniques for their excursion across the Bay to camp out Thursday evening under the watchful eye of their Naturalists. The self-sufficiency skills they have learned are put to the test as they build shelters and cook out under the stars. Friday morning they will be "rescued" by the Christeen and returned to the WaterFront Center where they will have the opportunity as a group to reflect on their experiences, their new found self-confidence and the valuable life lessons they have learned.*

This is a program for those entering 9th through 12th grades that includes a combination of sailing and marine education. Sailors will be introduced to our new 420's, the boat used for the High School and College regatta circuits. The naturalists will lead you beyond what you have done before into the realm of marine science research, data collection and analysis. The session will culminate with a Long Island Sound sailing expedition for an overnight cruising experience.*

For students entering 10th to 12th grade. This 2-week program is designed to develop the leadership skills needed to work with groups of children in the areas of marine education and sailing. The skills they learn will be put into practice with our summer program groups. The CIT candidate must have been a summer program participant for a minimum of 3 years and participate in an interview to be approved for the program.*