As we wrap up our 12th season, our second on Linekin Bay, we’re celebrating the steady growth of the Boothbay Sea and Science Center and our commitment to the families and communities of the Boothbay Region and beyond. This summer we offered nine weeks of integrated marine science and sailing to 171 youth ages 5 – 17 on our 1.33-acre campus at 12 Carter Road in East Boothbay. Upholding our mission and keeping our promise that no child will be left sitting on the dock, we awarded more than $13,000 in financial assistance to 12 students.
Our sea and science themes this summer covered a wide range of topics that included weather, climate change, marine debris, shipbuilding/trades, aquaculture, art, technology, and Maine fisheries.
In sailing, we learned basic and advanced skills that included knot tying, weather forecasting, sail trim, navigation and sailing terminology. Students learned how to rig, prepare boats for launch, sail from and return to a mooring as well as negotiating currents and shifting winds. They also spent many enjoyable hours rowing and kayaking.
In science, we explored the underwater world using our fleet of SeaPerch ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Fitted with GoPro cameras, students explored the mystery of what lies between the surface and seafloor. Using microscopes, refractometers, nets, and scientific kits we did water quality testing, seining, plankton tows, and explored the vibrant ecosystems of our tide pools, coming to a better understanding of the creatures that make it their home.
Our new in-classroom touch tank, purchased with a grant from the Maine Community Foundation, allowed our students to create an ecosystem that supported the marine life that lives in Linekin Bay
Hands-on learning experiences took place throughout our campus; from the open waters of the Bay, to the seaweed-filled tidepools, up onto the floats and into our boatshed classroom. Even our lawn served as a learning spot as our students took part in knot tying relays, ocean yoga, and “Summer Olympics” further strengthening teamwork, self-confidence, and wellbeing.
We also expanded our reach into the community with field trips that took us to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and the Boothbay Region Refuse Transfer Station where we learned about the use of submersibles and research vessels in scientific data collection and the gritty details about the disposal, sorting and recycling of the trash we produce in our everyday lives respectively.
At the end of each week, student reports, journal entries and end of topic conversations helped to demonstrate the depth of experience. The responses to our weekly surveys from our BSSC parents were enthusiastic, with comments like this: “BSSC’s thematic programming is one its strongest components. All three of our campers (ages 5, 8 and 13) were enthused by the topics and methods of exploration. They came home curious and eager to learn more ocean science related concepts.”
This summer our request for volunteers was overwhelmingly received. We are grateful for the help from parents and community volunteers who particularly on Fridays, at our Family Cookout, rolled up their sleeves and cooked and served hamburgers and hotdogs to our staff, students and their families.
New this summer was the opportunity for six Stay’s’l students to spend three nights and four days with Captain Rayford Chew and First Mate Carolyn Corbin aboard the Schooner Tyrone. While aboard they engaged in real time sail training, offshore marine science, and the festivities that came with Windjammer Days (i.e. lobster bake on Cabbage Island). This pilot program was made possible by the sponsorships we received from individuals and local businesses.
This summer our staff included a mix of 17 Sailing and Science Instructors and 4 Apprentices. During our 9 weeks of programming we hosted guest speakers from research laboratories, educational institutions and local businesses that included Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Darling Marine Center, Down East Gallery, University of Maine, Hood College, Norembega Oyster Farm and the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
For more images of our 2024 season, please follow this link.