All Access Boston Harbor- July Trip

All Aboard for All Access Boston Harbor!

Last Thursday July 10^th over 150 youths and supervisors from six different Boston area community organizations and youth groups ventured out into the Boston Harbor for a day of fun at Spectacle Island.  For some, this was their first time experiencing the Harbor and Islands.  For others, the All Access Harbor Cruises are an annual summer activity they look forward to all year.

The Harbor trips are all about combining recreation and education. Prior to boarding the Provincetown II for the Island, youth were treated to a discussion of the history of Boston Harbor/Islands and Boston’s water supply by maritime historian David Coffin.  Spectacle Island used to be a landfill and major contributor of pollution to the Harbor, but is now part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park.  Following David’s explanation of how water travels from Quabbin Reservoir to Boston and is then thoroughly treated and cleaned without emitting any pollution, the children and young adults no longer held the misconception the Harbor and its Islands were dirty.  They then had the opportunity to see it for themselves, as they voyaged out to Spectacle Island for a day of fun. 

The youths could participate in various activities led by Save the Harbor staff, such as outdoor sand art, crabbing, fishing, swimming at North Beach, playing kickball and other sports, and hunting for sea glass.  For many, the experience was made all the more enjoyable knowing that just a few decades ago, the very beach they were currently swimming and fishing in was covered in trash.  One young girl from Winthrop said it was “cool that it used to be so gross” and was now such a fun place.  Another young boy from Dorchester said swimming was his favorite activity, because “even though the water’s cold, it’s clean!”  The beach, grassy fields, picnic tables, and docks were filled with the sounds of laughter and exclamations of “wow that’s so cool!” and “can I try?”.  David Coffin made the request that each and every participant try something new that day; it was clear that everyone did so while having a great time in a beautiful part of Boston’s natural world.

These free youth environmental education programs are made possible with Leadership Grants from Bay State Cruise Company, Distrigas/GDF SUEZ, The Coca-Cola Foundation, Ludke Foundation, and the Yawkey Foundation II.

Save the Harbor is grateful for Partnership Grants from Forrest Berkley & Marcie Tyre Berkley, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, The Chiofaro Company, The Fallon Company, Hampshire House Corporation – Cheers for Children, John Hancock Financial Services, Inc., Massachusetts Bay Lines, Massachusetts Port Authority, National Grid Foundation, P&G Gillette, William E & Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, and the Clinton H. & Wilma T. Shattuck Charitable Trust.

Save the Harbor also appreciates funding support from Lawrence J. & Anne Rubenstein Foundation, Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, Blue Hills Bank Foundation, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, Boston Center for Youth and Families, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Carnival Foundation, Circle Furniture, Clippership Foundation, Department of Conversation and Recreation, Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, HYM Investment Group Inc., Lovett Woodsum Family Foundation, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, South Boston Community Development Foundation, Reebok Foundation, Santander Bank Foundation, Boston Bruins Foundation, Thomas & Lucinda Foley, Red Sox Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Goulston & Storrs, Rowan Murphy & Andus Baker, Matthew J. & Gilda F. Strazzula Foundation, BOMA, Community-Suffolk, Inc., Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, and hundreds of individual donors.

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is a non-profit, public interest, environmental advocacy organization working to restore and protect Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay.  Each year Save the Harbor/Save the Bay runs free youth environmental education programs, including the All Access Boston Harbor, that combine recreation and hands-on education to bring the Harbor alive for thousands of Boston area young people.  To find out more about our All Access Boston Harbor trips and other youth activities, visit our website at http://www.savetheharbor.org, our youth blog “Sea, Sand and Sky” at http://www.blog.savetheharbor.org and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/savetheharbor. 

Pictures:

1.     Group- Friends of Adam St. Library:

 

2.     Group- Girls Inc. of Lynn:
 

 

3.     Group- Charlestown B&G Club:

 

4.     Action- Girls Inc., me, and Sam fishing:

 

5.     Action- David with Friends of Adam St. Library:

 

6.     Action- Brookline High School with green crab:

 

7.     Action- Anthony from Kathy’s Place playing kickball:

 

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 a second time!

My second time on all access was even better than the first time. Even though I have already been to George's Island, I had a whole new adventure. It started off as a normal all-access day meeting up at Bank of America Pavilion and taking to the young kids going to the harbor islands with us. At 10:30 we make our way to the Provincetown II. The Provincetown II is a huge boat that can fit a ridiculous number of passengers. There are three floors with two concession stands on the bottom two floors. The Provincetown II is a perfect boat for the number of kids we bring out to the harbor islands and we are always extra careful because we would never want to lose anyone on such a positive trip.

fun on the deck 

We finally make it to the island and all the kids spread around the island eating lunch and enjoying the nice weather. The island has great spots to chill by and relax. I usually go to the center of George's Island in the big open field to play sports. This time I made my way to the dark tunnel. The tunnel was extra hilarious. This group of kids were what I would call half way courageous. They all wanted to step foot in the tunnel but always ended up running back out the way they came. Only about 4 kids actually made it all the way through. The kids were all screaming in fear which hurt my ears in such small space. All access is great because we also got to bring our friend Lionel along and take him to the islands which he has not gone to before. Isn't that what all access is all about?

Running scared (Ahmed and Lionel on the right)

-Andy

Back in Blue at Save the Harbor!

Summer 2013 has officially begun!  This week marks the beginning of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's youth programs, with training around Boston Harbor for both new and returning staffers.

My name is Carolyn Burkett and this will be my fourth summer here at STH/STB -- after an eventful school year, I'm so excited to be back in Boston and am ready for lots of fish, Frisbees and fun!  For newcomers to this blog, I have lived in Swampscott, Massachusetts my whole life but have been traveling back and forth between Beantown and Winston-Salem, North Carolina for the past few years to go to school.  This fall I will start my senior year at Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!).  This past fall semester I was even farther away from home -- I spent four months living and working in Paris for my study abroad and it was incredible!  I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Not a bad view on the way to work every day!

My goal for this summer is to have an absolute blast on All Access.  I'm super excited about working with the crew of the Provincetown II for a second year in a row and can't wait to get out to the Islands again.  Our first trip to Georges Island is July 9th -- hopefully we'll have some more sightings of the Lady in Black while exploring Fort Warren.  Maybe we'll even be able to get a picture...

This summer a new part of my job at Save the Harbor is in the office instead of on one of our eight sites.  I've been helping to book trips for All Access and communicating with the different groups that we partner with to provide thousands of children with a day on the Harbor Islands they will never forget.  It's been really interesting to work with groups before they arrive at the Bank of America Pavilion for their trip, and hopefully we'll be taking even more Boston kids out on the Harbor with us this year!

Looks like summer fun with Save the Harbor and the East Boston YMCA!

Stay tuned to hear more about our great programs and the fantastic kids we'll be exploring the Harbor with this summer!

-- Carolyn

3rd Annual Youth Partners Breakfast on the Provincetown II

Save the Harbor's Youth Program Partners at our
annual breakfast on the Provincetown II

On Tuesday morning, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosted its 3rd annual Youth Partners Breakfast. The event took place on the Provincetown II, docked next to the World Trade Center. People mingled and ate breakfast before Save the Harbor's Bruce Berman introduced himself and talked about our goals for the summer.
This summer we will run our free All Access Boston Harbor trips to the Boston Harbor Islands on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during July and August.  We will also offer our free Boston Harbor Explorers program at 8 program sites on and around the harbor, including the Courageous Sailing Center in Charlestown, Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston, Community Boating on the Charles River, the Mcdonough Sailing Center in South Boston, at Black's Creek in Quincy and at Camp Harbor View on Long Island.

This year we will also be hosting kids programs at Better Beaches events from Nahant to Nantasket, so even more young people can get involved.

Save the Harbor's Board Member and Youth Committee Chair Harold Sparrow of the Greater Boston YMCA stressed the value of free programming and the importance of getting the kids out on the water and exploring the islands. This summer, SHSB hopes to get more families out on the water as well, with free All Access trips for kids and their families, which also take place on the Provincetown II.  "Book early and book often" said Berman, citing the organization's goal to take advantage of our increased capacity to include more kids.

Another reason for the annual breakfast is to hear from the Youth Partners about what they want and need for the summer. The Youth Partners were enthusiastic about the expanded opportunities to explore the harbor during the summer and in the spring and fall as well.

Also in attendance were Save the Harbor President Patty Foley, and board members David Lee and Harold Sparrow, of the Greater Boston YMCA. A special thanks to Julie Doherty and Mike Glassfeld from Bay State Cruise Company for their partnership that allows so many of the region's youth and teens to "share the harbor" with us each summer.

Last year, Save the Harbor's free youth environmental education programs and free family programs connected 13,545 youth and teens from all Boston's neighborhood and from every beachfront community from Nahant to Nantasket to the harbor and the islands we have worked so hard to restore ad protect. We hope to reach even more kids this summer.

--Rachel Frenkil

Communication and Events Summer Intern

My first week on Spectacle...beware the kites!

My first week on AABH was great! The new boat(Provincetown 2) is way more spacious but I'm already used to it. "No running" and "tie your shoes" is what you hear me say a lot. As for stepping foot on the island, it is amazing, it's like my second home. This week I did kite flying up the drummond. While the kites are airborne, they're really cool but once the children are done.....it's a hassle. Tangled, pieces missing and even some end up getting stuck to trees on the edge of the drummond. How? I couldn't  tell you! Just enjoy but beware the kites!!

After a kite flying session, it's nice walk down the Drummond to the beach where going for a swim is the greatest! Its the one time of the day where you can kick your feet up. After untangling 20 kites, all you want to do is jump in the harbor. At the end of the day, you can say that my first week back at AABH has been a success and I'm looking forward to heading to George's island!

Leon

Ahoy! Tall Ships!

Hello! 

My name is Liz Allen from Norfolk, Nebraska interning here in the offices of Save the Harbor Save the Bay as an Event Planner. I am a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and am very excited to be surrounded by the beautiful beaches and harbor of Boston. The events that Save the Harbor are having this summer are going to be a blast and I am very excited to be a part of the brainwork behind them and to celebrate the harbor.

Me aboard the Provincetown II

Let me tell you a little about one the many first experiences I've had here in the harbor...

This past Saturday I boarded the Provincetown II to view the beautiful harbor and its visiting ships that are celebrating the 1812 war. Even though it was a hot sweltering day the breeze on the water was worth the trip to the harbor. As I boarded the ship I immediately found my prized seat on the top deck that sported lots of views from every direction. A few minutes later the Provincetown II sounded her horn and we were off to our adventure!

The U.S.S. Constitution & the U.S. Coast Guard Eagle

Our first destination was the Charlestown Ship Yard. Docked at the pier was the magnificent U.S.S. Constitution and the U.S. Coast Guard Eagle. Both of these ships were huge and a beautiful sight to see! I really liked the crisp white color of the 295 foot Eagle and the rich history that the Constitution. I am very honored to have seen these ships and I thank the courageous soliders who sail them across the seas to defend our country. 

Once we floated out of the Ship Yard, we found our way over to the Fish Pier where tall ships from around the world were docked. Again I found myself in astonishment of how big these ships actually were and their ornate detail. I also tried to imagine being in Boston in the 1800's and how different the harbor would be. There would be these beautiful ships anchored every where in the harbor and all the men would be wearing wigs.

Tall Ship from Columbia

By the end of the boat ride I had taken lots of pictures and had lots of stories about where these boats came from and what they did. I am very thrilled to say that I was able to see all these tall ships visting the city of Boston, because it is truly a once in a lifetime event. So, if you have not travled on over to the Boston harbor you better get moving, because there are many things to see and do that will have you beaming with pride for your country and harbor. 

Back in Boston!

Aboard the Provincetown II for the Youth Partners Brunch!

After finishing up my sophomore year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in upstate New York, located on Seneca Lake, I was awarded the opportunity to work for STH/STB as a Communication Intern. At college, I have worked through the school newspaper to shed light on the various programs and opportunities locals, college students, and youths have to experience the joy of living on the biggest fingerlake in upstate New York. Back in Boston for the summer, I am hoping to inform and even participate in the events offered at STH while I am here-hopefully getting to see what STH programs are all about! I am a Writing and Rhetoric and Development Studies double major with a History minor and am hoping to use my writing, speaking, media, and communication skills to create a way for the STH/STB youths and students to bring to life their own experiences and reflections of events and trips offered in Boston Harbor. As well, I am interested in see how the logistics of events play out and what type of planning goes into the summer activities and programs that I have been intrigued to experience.

It is important to me to get kids out to the ocean to understand what a unique source Boston Harbor really is. I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to grow up in the North Shore Boston area. Long strips of clean, sandy beaches, thick shorelines of tall sea grass, abundant sea critters crawling along the shoreline, and active families and boaters have created an environment where humans and sea life can exist together. My family and I-my sister, brother, mom and dad (and the two dogs of course, Moxie and Bailey)- spend the weekends on our Boston Whaler, our home away from home. Beacon and Gloucester Harbor have brought my family together in a sense, providing us with a source of entertainment, fun, and relaxation that we can all enjoy. We wake up to the piping of seagulls, the hum of the sea breeze, and the hushed splashes of small fish. I usually spend my afternoons knee deep in a book (as of now its The Kite Runner), while my brother and dad fish off the bow of our be-loved sea vessel, named "Worthless Crew"-hence me sitting lazily in a beach chair enjoying my novel!

Through these experiences on the ocean, including boating, water skiing, fishing, tubing, or simply sitting on the beach, I have grown to appreciate the coexistence between humans and sea life, having invested a lot of time on the water to enjoy and experience the ocean that stretches along the coastline of Massachusetts.

However, many people have not had the opportunity to enjoy the ocean like I have that has given me such an appreciation for its conservation. I am excited to say that I have found a place where my interests and inspiration to bring people to the waters of our shoreline can be put into action! At STH/STB I hope to reach out to the youth of Boston through communication outreach, publications, articles, and participating in some of the events offered through Better the Beaches program that aim at restoring and reconnecting people with Boston Harbor and the surrounding Harbor islands such as Spectacle Island and George Island. I'm even more excited to join the fun and get out on the water myself (I've never been to any of the Harbor islands, and am DYING to check that off my list of summer activities!). Its a plus that our office building is located on a fishing pier along Seaport Boulevard-right next to the World Trade Center with a harborside view! Maybe I'll see some seals, who knows?

I attended my first Save the Harbor event this week- a brunch aboard the Provincetown II. I was excited to hear Bruce and Patty speak about what else this summer has in store for the staff and the Boston youths and teens!

All Aboard for The Youth Partners Breakfast!

Save the Harbor's youth partners were welcomed aboard the Provincetown II for our
Youth Partners Breakfast on June 12th to learn about our planned 2012 summer program expansions.

Save the Harbor is back in action for the 2012 season, kicking off the summer with our annual Youth Partners Breakfast on the morning of June 12th, which took place aboard the Provincetown II docked right next to the World Trade Center. Save the Harbor's Bruce Berman and President Patty Foley were pleased to bring all our youth program partners together, and to announce this year's planned youth environmental education and recreation program expansion.

Harold Sparrow, the Senior Vice President of Operations at the YMCA of Greater Boston was on hand to speak about  Save the Harbor and its mission. "Save the Harbor and its recreational programs create lasting memories and give the youths and teens of Boston the opportunity to form lasting relationships," Sparrow said. "I'm proud to be a part of it."

Harold Sparrow, Senior VP at the YMCA Greater Boston speaks to STH staff and youth partners at the 2012 Youth Partners Breakfast.

At the suggestion of our youth partners we announced that our All Access Boston Harbor program will run 4 days a week in July and August, so we can "share the harbor" with even more youth and teens aboard our new boat, The Provincetown II. (Thanks to Mike Glasfeld, owner of Bay Stae Cruise Company for making this possible!

We are particularly excited to announce our newest program, 20 free "Changing Channel" boat tours of the Fort Point Channel, which will run from the Boston Children's Museum on City Water Taxi's Checkeboard Fleet. We can accommodate 25 people per trip. For more information, or to schedule a trip for your group, call us today at 617-451-2860 or email us at imailto:info@savetheharbor.org

Save the Harbor also announced that we will be holding the 2nd Annual Kids Beach Bash and Splash on Friday August 17 at the BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston.

Save the Harbor's Bruce Berman greet our youth partners before boarding the Provincetown II for the annual Youth Partners Breakfast.

We will also be hosting or sponsoring 30 free events on the public beaches of Boston from Nahant to Nantasket. These events include concerts, family beach festivals, sand castle contests, and other fun activities that are expected to bring up to 500,000 families, teens, and youths from Boston and elsewhere to celebrate the region's public beaches.

Hope to see you out there on Boston Harbor enjoying its beaches, islands, and spectacular view-rain or shine!