All Access & Carson Beach

Tuesday was my first time enjoying All Access! We took a trip to Peddocks Island where I enjoyed a hike round the island followed by a refreshing swim in the water. The ride out was entertaining, I approached three young girls around the age of seven and began asking them questions about the harbor. The responded by asking me twice as many follow up questions as I asked them. Soon their interest in the harbor was replaced by an interest in funny stories and talking about our dogs. Every so often they would ask me random questions like "Are there sharks here?" or "Am I going to get eaten by a whale?". The curiosity and easy distractions made me remember the field trips I would take with the Boys & Girls club when I was younger.

Wednesday I was at Carson Beach. When we thought our kids blew us off because of the heat, the Dorchester Y came through. They brought kids whom I played four square, taps, popcorn, and catch with. When they were swimming I went down to the water with them and was promptly splashed. After the kids left we took advantage of the free time and went kayaking. When we got tired we took a break, held on to each other's kayaks, and put our feet in the water. We regretted that later after we drifted out even further and had to paddle our way back. All in all it was a fun day and I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Until Next Time!

 -Sam

CHV Takes Over AABH

     On Tuesday I went to Peddocks island with the All Access Boston Harbor crew. It was fun to be back on All access for the day. It was also good that it was at Peddocks, which can be debated to be the best island we go to. When we first got to the island we had lunch on the nice chairs near the beach. Then we gathered some kids in order to play kickball. I was making my debut after my self-proclaimed Rookie of the Year season last year. 

     The game started off very hype, with friendly trash talking going on by both sides. I was on the opposite team as David Coffin. In my first at bat I hit a 3 run home run to give my team a 6-0 lead. The game went on for a few more innings before it was last ups for David Coffin's team, who were down 8-4. His team was able to load the bases with 2 outs and a camp counselor was up to bat. There was late inning drama and it made the game fun for us and, most importantly, the kids. The camp counselor proceeded to hit the ball hard and high but we were able to make the catch and secure the win. We then took all the kids and broke it down screaming "Save The Harbor" on 3. There were smiles on all kids faces whether they won or lost. As for David Coffin and Max they were just simply on the wrong team. Then we went to the freezing beach and cooled off from the blazing sun.

Sincerely,

Ivaniel Diaz

Accessing All Access!

Hello again fellow adventurers!

This past week I had the opportunity to spend the week with the All Access Boston Harbor crew on Peddocks Island. Peddocks island is by far my favorite of the harbor islands. With a beach that surpasses that of any other island, a huge open field for intense kickball games, and a fishing area teaming with skates and crabs, this island has it all and then some!

Beating the heat!

Any day I get to spend in the water is a good one. Even though the water was ice cold, it was much better than cooking like an egg in the sweltering sun. Whenever you're on a beach with David Coffin, you always have to keep your head on a swivel. David's favorite thing to do on the beach is throw staff members into the water. Fortunately for me, I avoided his grasp last week, but in the future I'll have to keep my guard up. 

Before I could muster up the confidence to jump in the freezing water, I took part in one of the most intense kickball games of my life. The score was 4-2 in the last inning of the game, and my team was up. Never loosing sight of victory, we strode to the plate with our imaginary rally caps on. Everyone kicked the ball with confidence and pure power, and before I could blink, the winning run had crossed the plate and we won! We celebrated our timely victory with a celebratory jump in the water, and an amazing day at Peddocks came to an end. I'm looking forward to many more adventures to the many harbor islands we visit!

Until next time, keep on exploring

-Luke

David the Goliath

Yesterday was my first time visiting Peddock's Island, one of the Boston Harbor islands in the rotation of the "All Access" team here at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. I had heard that All Access was fun, but I was unprepared for just how fun. After arriving on the island we immediately began a game of kickball, the holy grail of ll recess activities; my inner child was torn out of me, arriving with a hunger that could only be quenched by home-runs. Sadly my team and I were defeated 8-4 with the last four runs of the opponents runs coming in the last inning!

Only one thing could have washed away that heavy stench of defeat and that is the crashing of waves from the Atlantic Ocean; in other words, we went swimming. It was there on the beach that I encountered the infamous David Coffin, known for his expertise in the involuntary depositions of unsuspecting victims into the water. But today, he would no longer be considered a threat to the kind townspeople of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay as on this day the mighty David was smitten, and at the hands of his own craft no less. After years of tormenting the poor village, the warriors were finally able to band together and cast the hardy beast into the ocean. And the village lived happy ever after..

Sincerely,

Maxwilliams Iwuala

Miss Peddocks

Unfortunately this is not a blog about the boat Miss Peddocks, if you were anticipating that my apologies.

Ladies and Gents this is a blog about the wonderful, Peddocks Island.

Personally I have had an amazing time on Peddocks in previous years. I've met Governor Deval Patrick and have hosted thousands of children on our FREE All Access Boston Harbor experience.

Nice to meet again, Tobin Sports Club!

Being our first week out we have accomplished many things on Peddocks. We welcomed our favorite fisherman Sam Schrieber back, landed a few skate, and thrived in a heat wave. Sounds like a lot, right? Wrong. We pride ourselves in our work and once we accomplish one thing we do not like to settle, we dream bigger and work towards the bigger goal. Especially when were catching spider crabs on our rods that are almost a foot in diameter!

Peddocks' beach is also a favorite of many groups. On All Access we cycle islands first Spectacle, George's, Spectacle, then Peddocks. Already we have seen groups like Mission Safe, Revere Rec, and many others return this week for Peddocks. They all enjoy many parts of the island but love the beach the most. Despite being slightly smaller my belief is that they enjoy the slight current that flows through the beach. Or maybe the smooth rocks that can be skipped if the group cannot swim due to their organizations ruling. (We still advise everyone to atleast get their feet wet) Despite spectacle offering equal the amount of opportunity with a shorter commute, Peddocks is still a fan favorite.

Its been a great week, from BCM to AABH, from kickball to swimming, from smiles to excitement. This week could not have went any better.

Talk to you soon,

Ahmed Hassan

First time at Peddocks Island

What an amazing day at Peddocks Island!! It was my first time at Peddocks and it was a lot of fun. We started off the day with a really good game of kickball and a lot of kids came to play, it's a 10 vs 10 game and each and everyone of the kids had fun. It was really hot out so we ended the game early so everyone could go get in the water. It was my first time this summer getting in the water and it was really cold I ended up getting thrown in by David for taking too long while getting in. We all had  had a lot of fun in the water with the kids, and even started a splash war!

 

-Andy

 

Picking teams for kickball

First Time at Peddocks

My first time at Peddocks Island was a pretty cool experience. You can play sports, fish, and unlike George's island, you can go swimming here too. I don't know if it had to do with where Peddocks is positioned or something, but the sun was blazing like no other day I have gone out. I also forgot my hat that day so that may have influenced how much the sun got to me. But, playing kickball in that sun was so tiring because where we played the sun hit us dead on. The sun made the beach look that much more refreshing. I believe that the beach was not as cold as the one on Spectacle Island. I also met Governor Patrick on Peddocks. It was a good experience to see such a well known political figure and now that he is finishing up his term, I'm glad to see that he is taking in Boston treasures like Peddocks. I hope to one day see all of Peddocks as I hear that there is so much more to the island that we have not yet seen. It would be a good adventure to hike there as well.

A Day with The Governor

Have you ever woken up at 7 a.m, went to work and met the Governor of the state of Massachusetts. Honestly, I have met the Governor multiple times, but, every time it is a new experience! He acknowledged us for the work we handle on a day to day basis and he respects our organization, because of the all the positive we bring to the table. He spoke to us, as a unit. A group of intelligent people that knew they had one objective, and we complete it to the best of our ability. It was honestly a blessing to meet Governor Patrick, and be apart of the event on Peddocks. It was also his birthday, that was very interesting!

-Ahmed Hassan

Into the Mist.

During the last week of programming I had the privilege to take a ride on All Access Boston Harbor. Not only was this my first time aboard the Provincetown II this summer, but it would also mark the first time that I have ever traveled to Peddocks Island. Instead of traveling to Spectacle or Georges as it does every week, AABH held programming on this less traveled island to bring a fun, and atypical end to a great summer.

The morning began in a slightly frantic state as I scrambled to navigate my way through Cambridge and Everett to find Solo Produce, the vendor that provides AABH with fresh and delicious fruits. After loading my car I headed back to the World Trade Center Pier and boarded the spectacular Provincetown II. The kids that were already on the boat seemed like a lively group that would take advantage of everything that the island had to offer. I knew it would be a great day so long as the clouds cleared.

As our voyage set off into the Harbor we could see that a thick bank of fog lay just off the shoreline of Long Island, neatly dividing the inner and outer harbor. Navigating our way through this thick soup was entertaining to say the least. The kids loved the mysterious nature of the fog and were curious as to what lay behind it. Screams and giggles erupted from the passengers when the boats captain sounded the booming foghorn to alert ships that lay in the unknown.

The crew of the Provincetown II navigating through the fog

The fog thinned as we approached the town of Hull and our final destination, Peddocks Island. After eating lunch there I brought a large group of kids down to the shore to go fishing. While we didn't catch anything besides crabs, the kids still had a fantastic time and learned a lot about casting and knot tying.

Hung and I helping the kids fish from the shores of Peddock's

Unfortunately our day on the island had to end, and we boarded the boat back to Boston. The ride back however was full of excitement, and the kids, particularly those from the Bird Street Community Center, were a blast. The Save the Harbor crew and I had a wonderful time joking and playing games with those little rascals.

Thi receiving some beautiful hair work from the Bird Street kids

It's sad to say that the summer is coming to an end but this was certainly a wonderful way to put a close to such a fantastic couple of months.

- Missing programming already, Tom Rebula

All Access Peddocks Island

Hi Everyone,

The final two days of All Access we were able to visit another Harbor Island that we hadn't been to  this summer. The Island is Peddocks Island.  Peddocks Island is about seven minutes beyond Georges Island and very close to Hull Massachusetts. These trips started out just like every All Access trip where we met the groups at the Bank American Pavilion. After all groups arrived we headed down to the Provincetown II but unlike other All Access trips we allowed families to take part in the two trips to Peddocks Island.

The soupy thick fog that made it impossible to see while on the boat

One of the kids makes his frisbee in the pin

As we set off to Peddocks Island it was like any other normal boat ride except when we were passing Georges Island you couldn't see in front of you because of the thick and soupy fog.  Due to the fog the Captain had to sound off the horn quite frequently just to make sure there were no other boats in the way. Once we arrived at Peddocks the first thing that caught my eye was the big open field and the three holes for frisbee golf. After eating lunch I played some rounds of frisbee golf with a group of the kids. Most of the kids never had played frisbee golf and some of them didn't know how to properly throw a frisbee.  Before we started playing frisbee golf I taught the kids how to hold and throw a frisbee. Then I explained the rules of frisbee golf, followed by a few rounds of golf. One kid almost made a hole in one.   It was an impressive throw to say the least. After playing frisbee golf the kids wanted to play a game of wiffle ball. Manny A and Mark brought a group of kids over to set up a game of wiffle ball.

During our two days at Peddocks Island I was able to take a swim.  The water was pretty chilly but I just couldn't pass up a chance to swim. My only regret was not being able to explore more of the Island and walk around to see the camp sites or other parts of the Island.  I did enjoy being able to visit another Island. The Frisbee Golf was a blast!

Till Next Summer!

Adios,
Davis

A Day of Firsts

Even though Wednesday was the last day of the summer youth program, it was still a day full of firsts for me. With all the Harbor Explorer programs finished, I got to join the All Access Boston Harbor crew and boarded the Provincetown II (for the first time) and headed out to Peddocks Island (another first!). It was really foggy on the water and it felt like we were traveling through the mist towards the end of the world. Suddenly, out of the clouds appeared a giant wind turbine followed by sightings of land. The fog moving over the island gave it all a very surreal look.

Into the unknown

Upon landing, we had a quick lunch break in the shade and then headed to the grassy field to play some Frisbee golf. I learned that aim is not a strong point of mine. Later, I went with Iris, Juelle and Jennifer to explore the island. We found a great scenic overlook and the yurt campsite. The yurts were adorable and each one was equipped with bunk beds, table and a skylight. A camping trip to Peddocks will definitely be on my to-do list for next summer.

Gettin' their frizz on

After touring the island, I headed down to the shoreline to do some fishing with a few of the families that joined us for our last AABH trip. Unfortunately, we caught mostly rocks and seaweed. But, all our young fishers were in good spirits and had just as much fun flipping rocks to find Asian Shore Crabs. It was a lovely day exploring a new corner of the Boston Harbor with my wonderful coworkers and our AABH participants – all in all, a great way to close out the 2013 summer youth program.

-Sarah C

Save The Harbor Extends the Summer With 3 Free Trips To Peddocks Island For Local Youth And Community Groups

With a new visitor center, miles of walking trails, sandy beaches and a historic fort
and chapel to explore, Peddocks Island is a great place to spend a summer day with
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay will extend the summer season and add 3 free trips to Peddocks Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park for youth and community groups during the last week of August as part of their free All Access Boston Harbor program for area youth, teens and families. If your organization would like to join them on August 27, 28, or 29, email your group size, preferred date and contact information to: info@savetheharbor.org

Peddocks Island, which opened to the public last year, is the newest destination in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. On the island participants can explore the new visitor center and the remains of Fort Andrew, walk the trails around the island, see historic summer cottages and fish shacks from the early 20th century, fish for striped bass and flounder off the dock, or play a round of Frisbee Golf on the Boston Harbor Islands only Frisbee Golf course! 

Take a hike, enjoy the beach, explore the island or even play a
round of Frisbee Golf on Peddocks Island with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

So far this summer Save the Harbor’s free island excursions have connected a record number youth and teens from area community organizations and youth groups to Georges Island and Spectacle Island. By summer’s end the group expects to share the Boston Harbor Islands with more than 6,500 young people from groups from every neighborhood in the city of Boston and many other cities and towns across the region including Lynn, Revere, Everett, Chelsea, and Quincy.

 “We are proud to say that Save the Harbor / Save the Bay has become the “Boston Harbor Connection” for a generation of young people” said Save the Harbor President, Patricia Foley. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this year we will be able to extend the summer season, visit a new island and share the harbor with even more youth and teens.”

Since 2002, Save the Harbor’s free youth environmental education programs have connected more than 75,000 youth and teens to Boston Harbor, the Boston Harbor Islands and the region’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket. Though many of the participants return year after year, for others these trips mark their first time on Boston Harbor and sometimes their first time on a boat.

All Access Boston Harbor starts at Boston’s Bank of America Pavilion, where children learn about Boston Harbor, the harbor islands and the marine environment before embarking on the Provincetown II for a day of recreation, education, and exploration to Georges Island, Spectacle Island and this summer to Peddock’s Island in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.

This summer Save the Harbor/Save the Bay will host 24 free trips
to the Boston Harbor Islands for thousands of local youth and teens
 including this group from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

"These island adventures are a wonderful way for young people to learn about Boston Harbor's unique history and our marine environment," said Bruce Berman, Director of Strategy, Communications and Programs for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. "We are glad to add these three trips to Peddocks Island to the 21 trips we have already scheduled to Georges and Spectacle this summer. They should be tons of fun."

In addition to their All Access Boston Harbor island excursions, Save the Harbor also offers their free Boston Harbor Explorers program at the Courageous Sailing Center in Charlestown, the Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston, the McDonough Sailing Center in South Boston, Community Boating on the Charles River, Blacks Creek Sailing Center in Quincy, the Boston Children’s Museum and Camp Harbor View. To help lead and manage these free programs, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay employs a summer youth environmental education program staff of 32, including six teachers, college students and 18 urban teens from area high schools.

Save the Harbor’s youth environmental education programs are made possible with Leadership Grants from Bay State Cruise Company, Distrigas/GDF SUEZ, The P.I. Garden Fund, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Ludeke Foundation, and Yawkey Foundation II.

Save the Harbor is grateful for Partnership Grants from The Andus Baker & Rowen Murphy Family Fund, Forrest Berkley and Marcie Tyre Berkley, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Jay Cashman Inc., The Chiofaro Company, Circle Furniture, The Dolphin Trust, Fan Pier, a development of the Fallon Company, John Hancock Financial Services, Inc., HYM Investment Group, Lee Kennedy Company, Inc., Massachusetts Bay Lines, Massachusetts Port Authority, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, National Grid Foundation, P&G Gillette, William E. and Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, and The Clinton H. and Wilma T. Shattuck Charitable Trust.

Save the Harbor also appreciates funding support from Arabella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, Inc., Bank of America Pavilion, Boston Centers for Youth Families, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Carnival Foundation, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Lovett-Woodsum Family Charitable Foundation, Inc., The Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, BOMA, Boston Bruins Foundation, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Community-Suffolk Inc., DeMarco Produce, Thomas & Lucinda Foley, Goulston & Storrs, Matthew J. & Gilda F. Strazzula Foundation, Mobile Beacon, Reebok Foundation, South Boston Community Development Foundation, Sovereign Bank Foundation, Stuart Vidockler and Lynda Clare and hundreds of individual donors.

To find out more about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's All Access Boston Harbor trips, visit their website at http://www.savetheharbor.org, their youth blog, “Sea, Sand and Sky”

at http://www.blog.savetheharbor.org, and their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/savetheharbor.