Inclusiveness: We believe that everyone deserves a chance to experience and enjoy the water, regardless of financial means or physical proximity to a harbor, and that increasing these opportunities for more citizens will strengthen our community. The Boothbay Sea and Science Center (BSSC) exists to extend the possibility of that experience to everyone, providing access to the waterfront, both physically and conceptually, for all lifestyles and abilities, through our curriculum and Financial Assistance Program. BSSC will nurture a true sense of community in which the individual is respected and encouraged.
Personal Growth: The combination of excitement and responsibility experienced through wind and human powered boating allows students to truly test themselves as they venture outside of their comfort zones. Self confidence is earned through a structured curriculum that provides opportunities for taking on increasing levels of risk and responsibility under the guidance of experienced mentors. Camaraderie is built through working as members of a team to achieve a common goal. BSSC will foster personal empowerment by providing a welcoming and thrilling environment in which to learn.
Experiential Learning: Learning is enhanced when students can truly experience the subject, rather than reading about it in a book. The Boothbay Sea and Science Center connects sea and science through hands-on learning experiences that engage youth and enhance career opportunities while developing ocean literacy. BSSC will provide guidance and direction for educators seeking to improve their own curricula, lesson plans and programming. We will encourage good stewardship through responsible practices, environmental information and ecological programming that inspire students to become environmental stewards and socially responsible individuals.
From our families
I like the rowing because it is good exercise
Two things I have a lot of fun doing at BSSC are rowing and the touch tank. I like the rowing because it is good exercise, I get to roam around where I want, and sometimes I played tag with a few other friends while rowing. I like the touch tank because I like holding cool creatures that live under the water and especially the scallops because they spray water while you hold them.
Audrey EastwoodStudent
BSSC is the ocean experience we hoped for
In the 2020 summer we’ll be sending our fourth child to BSSC – three of them will be there together at the same time! We’re from away, so our family’s time in Boothbay each summer is precious. BSSC is the exact ocean experience we hoped for our kids. The program integrates learning, hands-on experience and meaningful structure. The programs are modern and multidisciplinary but woven together to be complementary and well-designed across boating, science and sea. The instructors are experienced an… Read more
David EastwoodParent
BSSC has become a second home
BSSC offers something for everyone and the whole camp feels like an extended family by the end of the summer. That says a lot! BSSC has become a second home for us, and my daughter is counting down the days until she gets to go back the next year.
Thank you Pauline and the BSSC staff for everything that you do!
Roxana BranchParent
Coaches are great
Pauline has done a great job selecting all her coaches. They were all very engaging, excited to be a part of the special programming and were great with all the varying ages at camp. With a bunch of kids on the water, they did an amazing job being very attentive, safety was definitely their utmost importance. We were all so excited about our sons experience, he is signed up for another 4 weeks this summer.
Emily GoodwinParent
We are looking forward to many more summers at BSSC
“One of the truly unique things about this program is how “at home” everyone seems to feel once you walk through the doors, from the staff to the parents to the campers themselves. I love chatting and catching up with staff and meeting other families during Friday barbecues, as well as hearing what the counselors do and study during the rest of the year. BSSC is such an easygoing, friendly environment – it’s a place my family feels totally comfortable and encouraged to ask questions and learn. W… Read more
Cara McDonoughParent
We love our time at BSSC
We absolutely love our time at Boothbay Sea and Science Camp. Not only does Gabriel enjoy learning so much about sailing, aquatic life and taking care of our oceans during the weeks he spends at camp, but these lessons from BSSC resonate with him all year long; he’s stopped on many beaches to pick up marine debris! I truly believe these experiences will affect him for a lifetime – he’s talked about working at BSSC when he’s older and has even talked about studying marine biology in college somed… Read more
Cara McDonoughParent
Our daughter absolutely loves BSSC
Our daughter absolutely loves BSSC. This will be her third year this summer. She loves to learn about the ocean and do crafts. She enjoys meeting new kids there and likes all the teachers. Our daughter comes home every night and talks about her whole day. This place has been the best place for summer for our child. We would recommend this place to young kids who enjoying learning about the ocean and doing sailing and the turnabout boats. Also BSSC having a family cookout at the camp is really aw… Read more
Jessica UphamParent
We come back every year for a reason!
My daughter and I love BSSC more and more every year! This will be her fourth summer and I am so happy that we have this incredible resource right here on our peninsula. First, if you are new to this program, you need to come down and see it for yourself. Meet the incredible staff and see how even the most introverted kid, can become a wiz on the water, and be confident in their skills. They might even be able to give a presentation on their findings and blow you away with their new discoveries.… Read more
Roxana BranchParent
We were greeted with open arms
BSSC was the first summer camp for our son. He was only 5 and typically apprehensive about new, unknown situations. On the first day, we were all greeted with open arms and enthusiastic coaches. Coach Heather and Pauline connected with David immediately and made him feel included. At the end of each day, Heather filled us in on how his day went, what they did and what was happening the following day. Each day got easier for him and by the end of his first week, he was excited for more.