Why wait for the summer to get outside and fish? This April
vacation week brought with it the first opportunity for outdoor programming
with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Boston Harbor Explorers program. Hosted by
Atlantic Wharf and Boston Properties, 210 kids from youth groups around Boston
enjoyed a morning of history, art, and science of the Boston Harbor.
Each morning kicked off with a welcome and storytelling with
Tony the Pirate as he told tales of the golden age of piracy in the harbor.
Kids learned tips and tricks on how to tell an engaging story, and soon were
sharing their experiences with their peers.
At the next station, participants created environmental art
by painting water bottles to resemble fish as a part of our Changing Course
program created by Save the Harbor artist in residence Robyn Reed. Fish are
displayed in public places in “schools”, and the multitude of them is
impressive as each one represents a student learning about how to prevent more
plastic in our oceans.
At the touch tank, groups had a chance to meet Frank the six
pound lobster and his friends the two large rock crabs. They were fascinated to
learn about their behaviors, diet, role in the aquatic ecosystem, exoskeletons
and how to determine if the animal is male or female.
The following station had each group gather to sing the
official Save the Harbor sea chantey, “Haul Away Together”, as a reminder that
when we all work together we can accomplish huge feats, whether it be raising
the sails on a ship, or keeping the Boston Harbor clean.
Fishing was the biggest draw of the day, as by the end of
the day the kids were baiting, casting, and reeling like pros.
The day wouldn’t be complete without a lunch of Boloco
burritos, courtesy of Atlantic Wharf.
Save the Harbor would like to thank our amazing partners at
Atlantic Wharf and Boston Properties for hosting our April Break Programming,
James Hook & Co. for lending us our crustacean friends, and of course the
groups from the East Boston YMCA, Wang YMCA, Dorchester YMCA, The Community
Group, Greater Boston YMCA, and Castle Square Tenants Association for coming
out to participate in these fun filled days.
For more information on our Youth Programs and other similar
events, visit savetheharbor.org and check out our blog – blog.savetheharbor.org
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