Join us in the field this summer! Student Leadership Summer Expeditions are multi-day, overnight experiences open to rising 9th-12th graders. Join fellow students from across the watershed to advocate, take action, and raise awareness to help save the Bay. Expeditions primarily take place outdoors where participants investigate different parts of the watershed and engage with CBF staff, field experts, and scientists.
2025 Student Leadership Summer Expeditions
Registration now open! The important information below is relevant to each Student Leadership Summer Expedition. Expeditions follow in chronological order.
Important Information
Service-Learning Hours
Upon successful course completion, participants will earn at least 10 service-learning hours.
Orientation
A virtual orientation will take place June 4, 2025, from 4-5 p.m. A summary of the information shared will be made available for those who are unable to attend.
Expedition Cost
Generous support from CBF donors and grants allow us to offer our weeklong expeditions for $500. The actual cost to run these courses is more than $2000 per participant. Financial assistance is available. Request partial or full financial assistance using the financial assistance request form.
Transportation, Lodging, Meals
All transportation, lodging, and meals are provided during the expeditions. Participants are expected to participate in meal preparation. Overnight accommodations may include camping (tents provided), dorm-style housing, or a combination of the two.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made before June 1 will receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be granted after June 1; however, we are happy to transfer registration to another expedition, based on availability. All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Email the Chesapeake Classrooms team to request a cancellation or transfer.
Registration Deadline
Expedition registration closes May 23, 2025.
Monday, July 7, 2025–Friday, July 11, 2025
2025 Chesapeake Bay Watershed 101: Freshwater Ecosystems
Open to rising 9th-10th graders in DC, MD, PA, VA.
WHY are we trying to Save the Bay? Join us on this introductory experience to answer that question by exploring some of the wonders and complex systems of the 64,000 square mile Chesapeake Bay watershed. This course is designed for emerging student leaders and will provide hands-on experiences investigating unique ecosystems and exploring the major issues facing our watershed. Participants will paddle, wade, discuss, experiment, listen, share, and connect about all things Chesapeake Bay watershed with their peer group, CBF staff, and field experts. Through the expedition, participants will begin to build their Bay-saving leadership skills to become stronger Bay advocates and environmental problem solvers.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight (tent camping in Maryland and Virginia).
Starting & Ending Points: Harrisburg, PA, Annapolis, MD, or Richmond, VA.
Register Now
Monday, July 14, 2025–Friday, July 18, 2025
2025 Bay Science and Solutions at Washington College
Open to rising 10th-12th graders in DC, MD, VA, PA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Maryland.
Join CBF Student Leadership and Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society (CES) for an elevated opportunity to experience and discover how science, innovation, and community-based solutions are being used to save the Bay! Located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s Chester River, Washington College’s CES provides a phenomenal setting for hands-on investigations of the methods scientists and researchers apply to study and restore ecosystems. Participants will have the opportunity to collect data alongside peers while kayaking, boating on a research vessel, exploring the Washington College River and Field Campus, and learning in state-of-the-art science labs. Participants have the option to receive a Washington College Environmental Science and Chesapeake Regional Studies credit that is transferable to other institutions at an additional cost.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight (tent camping at a state park in Delaware and dormitory-style housing at Washington College).
Starting & Ending Point: Annapolis, MD.
Register Now
Monday, July 21, 2025–Friday, July 25, 2025
Tributary Connections: Susquehanna River to the Bay
Open to rising 9th-12th graders in DC, MD, VA, PA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Pennsylvania.
The Susquehanna River contributes nearly 50 percent of the freshwater entering the Chesapeake Bay on a daily basis. Known as 'the Mother River,' the Susquehanna is a vital tributary impacting ecosystems and communities further downstream. Join fellow high school students for an action-packed week of exploration on and along the waters of the mighty Susquehanna as well as the Bay itself. We will spend two days canoeing and hiking along the river before traveling to the Karen Noonan Environmental Education Center located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Participants will learn from experts who are working to restore ecosystems throughout the watershed, as well as paddle, wade, discuss, experiment, listen, share, and connect, all while further developing their environmental leadership skills.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight (tent camping in Pennsylvania and dormitory-style housing at CBF’s Karen Noonan Environmental Education Center).
Starting & Ending Points: Harrisburg, PA or Columbia, PA.
Early Bird Registration pricing for Pennsylvania students January 1–February 28!
Register Now
Monday, July 21, 2025–Friday, July 25, 2025
Exploring Eastern Virginia
Open to rising 9th-12th graders in DC, MD, VA, PA.
The eastern part of Virginia is home to some of the state’s most important tributaries entering the Bay. This summer, join fellow student leaders as we explore the relationship between these low-lying lands and our waters. Participants will get a firsthand look at Virginia’s valuable and vulnerable landscapes as they travel through Virginia’s Coastal Plain, along the Eastern Shore, and culminate their experience at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center across from historic Tangier Island. Through this expedition, students will gain a greater understanding of how land and water are connected and ways they can advocate, raise awareness, and take action for clean water. Participants will camp, paddle, study the cultural importance of Tangier Island, and expand their knowledge of water quality and conservation.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight (tent camping at Kiptopeke State Park and dormitory-style housing at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center).
Starting & Ending Point: Northern Virginia, Richmond, VA, or Virginia Beach, VA.
Register Now
Monday, July 28, 2025–Friday, August 1, 2025
Chesapeake Connections and Actions
Open to rising 9th-12th graders in DC, MD, VA, PA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Maryland.
Join fellow high school students to connect, learn, and take action as we explore environmental issues in the Bay region. We’ll travel to unique places and discover the magic of the Bay found in its rivers, marshes, farmlands, and within the communities along its shores. This one-of-a-kind expedition will equip participants to become the next generation of environmental leaders, whether they are just beginning their journey or building upon past experiences. Participants will acquire new skills, as well as a deeper knowledge and appreciation for saving the Bay and its tributaries.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight (tent camping in Prince George’s County and dormitory-style housing at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center)
Starting & Ending Point: Prince George’s County, MD
Early Bird Registration pricing for Prince George’s County students January 1–Feburary 28!
Register Now
Program Staffing and CBF Educators
There will be at least two CBF educators staffing each summer expedition. Other CBF staff and educators may join the group as captains, hosts at island education centers, or as resources for learning.
CBF educators receive the following certifications:
- Wilderness First Responder
- CPR
- American Canoe Association River Canoe Day Trip Leading
- Boater Safety
Our educators serve as facilitators. They establish a clear learning pathway for the student experience, guiding students' journey while allowing ample freedom and choice for them to explore and investigate environmental issues that reflect their interest. We believe that allowing students to follow their passion is the best way for them to discover their own leadership capacity. Our professional educators ensure a safe and positive learning environment while respecting students as individuals. Within each group, we seek to cultivate a culture of empowerment, encouraging curiosity and mutual respect.
