Castle Island

A great way to begin our week was with a fishing trip aboard the infamous Belle. Captain Charlie gave us a lesson about how lobster traps work. Aidan and I were lucky enough to help hoist one each onto the boat, check what was inside and send it back. We learned that the lobsters travel backwards so they will climb into the trap and get stuck by the net that blocks them from walking back out. Although there weren't any lobsters in the traps we checked, we were able to catch a few crabs such as green crabs, baby spider crabs, and rock crabs. One of the green crabs were molting, which we were informed is around the same time the female crabs lay their eggs. The shell was very soft and squishy to the touch. Upon release we gathered at the front to enjoy the ride towards hull for fishing.

Team Fatima & Kharliyah

Out in the waters there was lots of fish activity. That morning my entire team was able to catch a fish, plenty of black sea bass, perch, tautog. I caught two fish that morning one black sea bass and one perch, both beautiful creatures with diverse colors and intricate patterns on their scales. The appearance of the sea bass is easily distinguishable, they are black or a dark brown and their dorsal fins have white spots. They are intimidating especially when they flex their fins. Meanwhile the perch's appearance was smaller, with a golden/green-ish tint and dark bands on its sides. I released them both after catching and helped others hook their bait. It took me over 5 years to become comfortable with touching a sea-worm. Just the sight of them makes my skin crawl, they look like water milipedes with tons of legs surrounding their bodies. Not to mention their two sharp teeth that come out when they feel threatened. They certainly are great bait to use because they were gone after fishing all morning, we had to use some squid too. I did not have as much luck catching anything with the squid.

We spent the next few days at Castle Island in South Boston. This was an interesting site to walk around and see the many people who come to exercise or simply enjoy the area for walks with their friends, families, and dogs. So many cute puppies and dogs showed out this week. The weather was perfect for a walk around the ocean and lunch at Sully's. We worked on a mural of the things we saw around the island, including Fort Independence. It is one of the oldest forts of English origin in the US, once used as a confinement for prisoners and training for local soldiers. On a regular day the fort would be open to the public where you can wander freely or go on guided tours. From above the fort has a distinct Pentagon/Star shape. Similar to the Charlestown Navy Yard, there is a Korean War Veteran memorial at the front of the peninsula.

Waiting to see what's next
-Kharliyah
Summer 2020

War Veteran

Castle Island mural

Hot but fun week

Hey everyone so this week has been really really hot, but we have caught so many fish, which is really cool. This week there have been so many kids from different camps and out of towners. This week I met a kid who caught one fish on his hook and then the next thing you know he caught a purple crab on his hook too. I also got to hang out with people who have been coming to the childrens museum everyday since we started. I am in general having so much fun here. Like I always say, if I could do it every summer I would. Everyone have a great week everyone.

Third week and a great week!

Hi everyone. I hope everyone has had a great start to their third week.  I know I have.  So far this summer I've met so many kids and I have really enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them.  For example, at the beginning of this week, it was funny because there were so many kids who were using the fishing rod that has the rubber fish on it and they kept thinking it was a real fish!  There was one kid who -- even though he didn't catch anything multiple times -- still thought the rubber fish was an actual fish each time he pulled it out of the water.  It was so funny and cute when he said to his mother, "Look, Mom! I caught a fish!"

This week was the first week that kids we were working with actually caught fish on the hooks.  Yesterday and the day before, kids caught fish on the hooks within five minutes of trying.  My friend Bella and I were saying, "We've been here three weeks and we can't even catch a fish!"

Thank you all.  Hope you're having a great week.  I look forward to writing my second blog of the week and telling you about all the fun we're having at the Children's Museum. 

Week two comes to a close

Hey everyone,

These last two days of the week have been full of fun and laughs. We finally had a kid catch a fish at the Children's Museum. After a full day of fishing without success a boy came and asked to learn to fish, and as soon as he casted the line he was reeling it back in because he had caught a choagie. It was amazing and showed that sometimes you try your best and you don't succeed, but some people may get it on the first chance. What was even more amazing was that after he caught the perch, everyone grabbed a rod and began fishing, even though they knew it was highly unlikely that they would catch something. They had given hope, and hope is a powerful thing. 

Also we now have coloring and chalk to draw on the pavement with.

At first it seemed like no one really wanted to use it so we began using it to encourage the kids to use it as well. Though it seemed pointless it was fun. We drew each other, the skyline and various other sceneries and animals. Though we are a team, we are often working alone or in pairs on various aspects. Some of us could be one on one fishing, while others are drawing or showing crabs. So today I decided why not have a little fun, so I ran around with a tiny paintbrush tickling everyone to make them think a bug was on them. The reactions were priceless and I think I'm now being targeted for payback , but it's okay because I got a laugh out of everyone and helped wake everyone up from feeling tired after lunch. For now that's all, until next time.

~Jayda 

Ending the week

Hey guys,

It's Bella again and I can't believe we finally caught some fish towards the end of the week! Although we had caught many other different animals I enjoyed this catch. You know how fish are supposed to be caught with a fishing rod, and how your supposed trap a crab in a crab trap? Well.... every single fish we caught ended up getting pulled up through the crab trap.  When I pulled up the crab trap, i rushed them to the touch tank and thats when john said " Its a perch". I was very excited to hold them because i have never seen them in my life. As I held them in my hand it was very still until it sprung out my hand and the fin popped out and it was pretty sharp so I left it alone. Sometime we would catch a crab on the fishing rod, isn't that odd but weird at the same time?

At least our first week working at BCM had a great start!  I can't wait to return and teach all the wonderful children to fish! I remember the first time we caught a jellyfish and found out we were able to hold it. It was the best experience ever! Especially the look on the adults face when they heard it was completely safe. Hopefully we'll catch a bit on the rods soon!