Schooner Camp

Coast Questers: Ages 6-7 and Coastal Explorers: Ages 8-9 Welcome Coast Questers! Join us as we transform into nature ninjas- stalking fiddler crabs and discovering the ancient past of the extinct Giant Sea Scorpion! Navigate the nature preserve during scavenger hunts, make your own maps, play games and have fun, while making new human and nature friends. Mudflat castles, arts & crafts- we’ve got that too! Schooner Camp is located on Long Island Sound, home to an important nursery for the ocean’s food supply. How do we learn about this amazing place? We ask questions, like scientists! We also make observations while we play along the shore, to see who lives there and to learn about why this community is so important. With your counselors, you will explore the unique habitats of Long Wharf Nature Preserve, and create nature collections while you learn about the many animal and plant species that call the Preserve their home. Meet marine scientists and learn about what they do and why!

Land & Sea Camps: Sailing, Science and Adventure! Ages 9-14. Campers in both Skimmers & Osprey spend half their day exploring the diverse habitats of the Long Island Sound from land and the other half is spent on the water learning the fundamentals of basic sailing! Campers learn how to sail a small sailboat, learning basic boat rigging, handling, and safety. They will also learn knots, nomenclature, and how to work and communicate with a crew. Develop courage, focus, and tenacity adventuring on the protected waters of the New Haven Harbor, while engaged in a science-based curriculum, crafts, and coastal exploration. Campers will also engineer and build their own mini recycled material boats or fiddler crab traps, and engage in other fun S.T.E.A.M.( Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) challenges!