Middle school students passionate about nature, science, and the environment can experience a once-in-a-lifetime summer adventure at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)’s Middle School Bay Eco-Camp. The five-day overnight summer camp experience is designed for students entering sixth, seventh, and eighth grade who are interested in spending time outdoors and learning about the unique Chesapeake Bay.
“Bay Eco-Camp offers one of few summer opportunities for middle schoolers to get hands-on, up-close experiences with remote Bay ecosystems,” said Tom Ackerman, Vice President of Education at CBF. “During their adventure, campers will canoe, boat, interact with critters, and explore beaches and historic Chesapeake Bay communities.”
The camp is held at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center. Port Isobel is a 250-acre island campus that is part of the Tangier Island, Virginia, community in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Throughout this ecologically diverse landscape, students will explore underwater grass beds, study vibrant oyster reefs, and discover the beauty of salt marshes surrounding a historic fishing community.
“I really enjoyed learning about the Chesapeake Bay and the flora and fauna that inhabits it,” said Callen Moore, eighth grade student from Virginia Beach. “Every day was filled with fun activities and exploring the environment.”
Campers can choose between two sessions available: July 15–19 or August 12–16. Space is limited and registration closes on June 3 for the first session and July 5 for the second. Student pick-up and drop-off will take place in Crisfield, Maryland. Interested students can learn more and register here.
CBF has been a leader in environmental education for over 50 years. Through student field and leadership programs, as well as professional learning opportunities, CBF educators have offered meaningful watershed experience to more than 1.5 million participants.
