Somerville takes Spectacle

Some of my Somerville friends pulling in the crab trap. 

This week we returned once again to Spectacle Island! It was a lot of fun with so many excited kids as always. On this trip though, there was one group that I knew particularly well. As I mentioned in my introductory blog post, I volunteer at the Somerville Public Schools’ After School Program at the Argenziano School.  Different Somerville Community Schools groups have come out with us on AABH earlier this summer, but this week a group from the Argenziano school came for the first time.

I have been hoping these familiar faces might make an appearance at some point this summer, and I was beyond thrilled when I saw the kids and some of the after school employees get off the bus.  It was so fun spending time with the kids and catching up with my co-workers. Once on the island, they had a great time fishing, hiking, and enjoying the beach. They loved the trip out to spectacle Island, and  can’t wait to return next year.

Isaac, Myself, Sheamus, Beckett, and Jackson (from left) on the boat ride out to Spectacle. 

I loved seeing how these kids get to enjoy the program. It was an absolutely amazing day and without a doubt one of the best highlights of my summer so far.

-Hallie Fox

First time at Spectacle

This week at all access we went to Spectacle Island. It was my first time at Spectacle island this summer. While there we had an intense football game with one of the youth programs that had joined us on the island. After the game, we played another, followed by another. We played about four games of football when it was all said and don..both teams brought their A game and everyone had a blast!




We also had the opportunity to do some sand art on the beach. We took rakes and made sea animals in the sand, this activity was more for the younger kids but I really enjoyed it! I don't think that any of the kids had ever done sand art before, but they had a natural artistic talent. Pictured below the kids helped Sam construct a striped bass in the sand. They really loved it, and later this week we will take our sand art to George's Island!

See you next time, Preston

Staff Day 2014 - The Lost Footage

On Monday July 28th, the Save the Harbor/Save the Bay staff was brought to Spectacle Island to enjoy what we thought would be a fun day at the beach.  The footage found below is all that could be recovered from that day...

                                     

Just kidding! Staff day was a blast, and I couldn't have been prouder of my AABH kickball team for winning the game against the "No Access" Boston Harbor team composed of all of the kids from the other sites!  This day was definitely one of the biggest highlights of my summer!! Fun for all on Spectacle Island.

**Filmed by Lindsay Phenix (Me)

**Music: Imagine Dragons - On Top of the World

Blue Cross Visits Save The Harbor

This week has been a really busy week with Staff day, the Blue Cross Blue Sheild day, and the beach bash and splash on friday. I was really excited for the Blue Cross visit because most of my friends are working for Blue Cross so when they came in it was really cool because I had an opportunity to show them a part of Save the Harbor. The day started of well, I had a chance to play with some of the kids who were going to Spectacle with us and I had a chance to learn what the all access crew did. The kids were all coloring and they were all really excited to go on the boat and visit the island because some of them had never been before.

The Blue Cross Crew

The day on Spectacle was well spent, we had an opportunity to help the community by cleaning the trash of the beaches and cleaning the dock which was filled with sea shells. After we had finished our duties we had the rest of the day off to go and explore the island or go play kick ball with kids. A few people went on the kayak tour which I thought was really awesome. My friends and I took a long walk to the beach and explored the island. Towards the end of the day it drizzled a bit but no one was complaining and they were pretty excited because they had to run for cover and everyone was just laughing and having a blast. My friends' review of the Save the Harbor was a 5 out 5, they said that they all had a really amazing day and that they had a lot of fun.

Me and Andrea Sweeping Away 

Jazeel Mendes- Chao

Save the Harbor Staff Day on Spectacle Island

I thought you might enjoy these two photographs from Save the Harbor/Save the Bays annual Staff Day on Spectacle Island as much as we enjoyed the hotdogs, veggie burgers, watermelon and grilled striped bass served dockside on the Verandah.

 

 Thanks to all the outstanding educators, lead Boston Harbor Explorers, junior program assistants and of course our senior staff and interns for their help in sharing Boston Harbor with thousands of youth and teens this summer.  See you on the Harbor!

The Pains and Gains of Kickball

Public Service Announcement: When you chose to engage in kickball with David Coffin please make sure you are wearing proper attire. This includes helmet, mouth guard, knee pads and elbow pads.

Thank you

Hello all,

Respect the Kickball
Take it seriously

Today was interesting to say the least. Naturally with Spectacle Island comes kickball. Apparently with kickball comes David Coffin and with David Coffin comes a tide of unintentional airborne girls and boys, mainly myself. I recommend that if you are not Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali or Achilles you should not try to stop David. He has the hilarious affect of sending me and a couple other Save the Harbor/Save the Bay staff flying in his wake. The effect can be best described as bowling pins. I wasn't expecting to fly that day but nevertheless it was nice to levitate for a few seconds. It's not everyday you get to feel weightless. Although I'd prefer zero gravity to being thrown, it's still a good way to feel as though you weigh literally nothing. The landing is not as pleasant but what can you do but roll over, laugh and get up again. Even though today's experience was not kept to Earth, it was just as grounded in Save the Harbor/Save the Bay rules as the trees on Spectacle Island. It was cloudy today but that didn't stop me from swimming. Even though Spectacle Island has a fantastic beach that I would recommend to the president it was not as as pleasant without any sun to warm you up. I've never known water to burn but as of today I have experience. I should probably extend my public service announcement to include ideal swimming conditions. Although I didn't stay on Earth for a little today and have felt the true feeling of numb toes, I still recommend Spectacle Island as one of my favorite harbor islands. Though I might just take up fishing, I think it has a higher rate of keeping all participates on the ground.

Swimming Anyone?

Be careful and stay safe,

Ruth Scott

Always, ALWAYS Bring your Swimsuit

Hello all,

Welcome to Spectacle

Spectacle Island Beach

This week in the All Access Chapter we were reunited with the beloved Spectacle Island. As anyone who could not enjoy air conditioning knows: Tuesday was HOT! And because our week at George's Island was cut short by a storm and then the Fan Pier Fishing Tournament, it was a little disorienting going back to Spectacle. Due to confusion, I forgot my swimsuit and I regret it immensely! Just as a reminder to the general public: when visiting Spectacle Island always bring your swimsuit. This is the end of July and things are just roasting in Boston. Nothing could be more cooling then a dip in the water, especially after a hike to the top of the hill, fishing on the pier or sports in the meadow. I also recommend that you bring flip flops on your trip. Unless you have the strength of Hercules, it's recommended that you get a good night sleep and eat a well-balanced breakfast before coming out to visit us on the islands. We also recommend that you always have water on you. No one wants to be a victim of the sun. Even though we welcome the suns presence, it can be dangerous. When you visit us please bring water, sunscreen and a hat. Nevertheless it's always a blast when you visit the Spectacle Island and the boat ride to it is quite short. Come soak about all the Vitamin D you need. You are welcome to Spectacle Island and any other of the Harbor islands at any time.
Come out and find me,
Ruth Scott

The ART of Fishing

Last Wednesday I took my first trip of the summer out to Spectacle Island with the All Access Boston Harbor crew!  We couldn't have asked for a nicer day, especially when you happen to also be celebrating your birthday!  After cupcakes, David Coffin’s sing-a-longs, and seeing old students as lifeguards, I was ready to tackle to fishing and art team with Sam.

After lunch I joined Team Sam on the pier for some fishing and crabbing.  Sam had brought paint and rice paper with him in case we caught a fish and could make a print for our future mural.  Shortly after baiting the crab trap and getting the rods ready, about 30 second graders from the East Boston YMCA joined us on the pier.  Some were eager to fish while others were in awe of the frozen herring we used as bait!

We pulled the crab trap up multiple times and ended catching five green crabs which amazed the seven year olds.  The girls were brave and opted to hold the crabs while a couple of boys backed away and returned to there fishing rods.  As a way to include art into fishing 101 at Spectacle, Sam dipped the crabs' legs in red paint and we watched them walk (or attempt) all over the paper.  Sam was curious to see if there was a pattern to the wear crabs moved.  Unfortunately, the crabs were not very cooperative and instead of a cool design we ended up with smudged, stray mark.  But have no fear, our real art project for the day was just arriving.

One of the little boys yelled for Sam that he had caught a fish.  Little did we know, he had actually caught a skate -  a fish in the Ray family, often mistaken for a stingray.  As they reeled the skate in the East Boston second graders kept cheering and couldn't wait to see what was caught!  Most had never seen a skate, nor understand what type of fish it was.  Sam explained what they had caught and allowed some kids to touch the skate.  Minutes later the skate was covered in red paint and we carefully put the rice paper over its skin.  What prevailed was a marvelous image of a skate.

If we continue taking prints of different marine life found in the Harbor, we are going to have one awesome mural but the end of the summer!  I cannot wait to see what prints will be taken this week!

See you on the harbor!

Bridget

Familiar Faces in Interesting Spaces

It's Thi here!
Last week, we had a loyal returning group come out from East Boston. These kids and their staff have been coming on All Access Boston Harbor with Save The Harbor/Save The Bay for as long as I remember. I want to do a shout-out to the kids!! They are always so fun and passionate about everything around them, bubbling with questions.
We went to Spectacle Island last week and had the pleasure of taking out this group as long as a few others. On the twenty minute boat ride, I caught myself up with how things have been going with them and it felt so good to be approached and being told "Hey! I remember you!"

Sam taking the hook out of the skate

 After getting re-acquaintanced, we set off for a little competition to see who would catch the biggest fish. Alas, only one skate was caught along with the many green crabs that seem to have gotten more plentiful since last year (uh-oh!).

Daniel!!

Before heading back to the boat, everyone made sure to run into the waves, getting their knees wet as we had all promised David we would do.

What a great day that was!
All the best and stay wavy,
Thi Tran

Crazy Day at Spectacle Island

      On Thursday and Friday we met at the pavilion to wait for the kids to go out on All Access Boston Harbor. I helped  pull up the lobster pot and crab trap just as the kids started coming to meet up for the boat to Spectacle Island.  There were so many of them!  In the traps, we caught some green crabs, a lobster, and a starfish to show the kids.  The kids loved all of the sea animals we showed them, and they all wanted to hold them.
   

That day on the island, lots of kids wanted to fish and go swimming because it was so hot out.  The beach was full of kids swimming and standing just at the waters edge, trying to stay cool. On Friday we caught a skate using a piece of herring as bait, and it pulled hard!  We took it out of the water and made a print of it with paint and rice paper. We then used the skate for the lobster traps so it would be put to good use for the kids. 
I had fun that day on Spectacle Island where kids could have fun and hang out, and play some sports. But my favorite activities on the island was playing sports and swimming. On Friday the kids were hilarious because when we played soccer they pretended to be their favorite soccer team like Argentina and Brazil.


Carlos Garcia
      

Green Monsters on Spectacle Island

For our successful first week at our beloved Spectacle Island, Sam and I led the fishing program where we brought kids to the end of the dock and baited the hooks with yummy clams. By the end of the day, we caught a 13" striped bass along with a skate. The kids absolutely loved the skate, accidentally calling it a sting ray beforehand. Along with the fishing poles, we had a crab trap which we all collectively threw out into the harbor...

Lo and behold, green crabs turned out to be the most plentiful with spider crabs coming behind to a far second. Three girls from a group we had brought out with us helped Sam and I pull up the last cast of the day, having been left out while we went swimming. After the lugging and tugging on the rope, the line was finally brought up and there were at least 20 green crabs!! Most were still scrambling to eat parts of the mackerel and pieces of cod fish, not a care that they were surrounded by curious eyes which only saw alien-like creatures with aggressive pincers, climbing over one another.

We all had so much fun counting the crabs and figuring out their genders. Soon, the girls became the experts - quickly grabbing the crabs and enthusiastically showing their friends and just about anyone around them. I am really glad to have been able to show them what crabs were and told them more about these marine species for them to share the knowledge with others.

Stay wavy,
Thi Tran

Starting with Spectacle

We have had a great first week on Spectacle Island! I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to go out to Spectacle Island with All Access Boston Harbor this past week.  We went out on the harbor on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and I am excited to experience more of the program in the weeks to come.

Some girls from the Saugus YMCA enjoying the boat ride to Spectacle

It has been great being with all of the kids and seeing how much they enjoy the trips out to the island. All of the groups have been so excited to begin the day. For many it is their first time out on the harbor and even on a boat so they are filled with questions and curiosity. Some boys from the Holland Community Center even told me it was the best day of their lives on the boat ride to Spectacle.  

Sam showing some kids the skate

In my role as the photographer I have been able to experience many of the great activities happening with All Access. Sports with Lindsay and fishing with Sam have both been a blast. With Sam, we caught some Skates, a fish I had never seen before, and made prints with one. It was a really great thing to experience for my first time, and the kids loved it too! I have been trying to capture all of the fun with my camera, which has been so much fun. I have been learning a lot from the other staff as well as the kids, which has been really great.

It has been a great start with All Access, but I am excited to experience other sites in the coming weeks! I feel really fortunate to be able to be apart of this program, and I can’t wait for the rest of summer to unfold!

A team huddle before a game of soccer

-Hallie 

All Access Week One: Off to a Great Start!

As the first full week of the 2014 summer youth program comes to an end, I am looking forward to all that is still to come in the next seven weeks!  This week I was able to participate in the All Access Boston Harbor trips on Tuesday and Thursday, and I had a really great time.  It was amazing to see all of this spring’s hard work and preparation come together to produce a great program.  Groups from Dorchester, Lynn, Saugus, Roxbury, Roslindale, East Boston, South Boston, Winthrop, Brookline, and Charlestown joined us on three different trips to Spectacle Island this week.  The weather was hot and sunny, perfect for fishing, playing kickball, and taking a swim at the beach—which is exactly what I did on Tuesday and Thursday!

Playing kickball on Spectacle Island

On the first morning of the program, I asked a group of kids from the South Boston Boys & Girls Club if they were excited to get out on the harbor, and one boy replied, “what’s the harbor?”—this exchange proved to me once again how important it is that we bring children from Boston’s neighborhoods and surrounding towns to experience the harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands firsthand.  The enthusiasm with which so many children participated in fishing, crabbing, and kickball this week was a great reassurance that All Access Boston Harbor is doing exactly what we hope it does—getting kids to explore and enjoy the marine environment, and to learn and experience new things outdoors and on Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands.

Releasing a lobster back into the water

Next week All Access will be heading to Georges Island with many groups from a new array of neighborhoods, introducing more children to the harbor and the history of the islands. 

See you on the harbor,

Amy 

Dive in at Spectacle

Hey Everyone,
An average day on All Access Boston Harbor includes coloring pages of the animals in the harbor, a short boat ride, games and fishing and finally a dip in the Harbor with David Coffin. Taking the kids out to the Harbor was a great way to start at Save The Harbor/Save The Bay. Working with children from all over Boston was not only funny but also educational and a good work out. I learned that crabs claws will grow back and most of them lose limbs in fights with other crabs. I also learned that herring is fantastic bait especially the head. Another fun fact is that Spectacle Island water is quite "refreshing." The island is not only beautiful but a great place to play kickball, soccer and fish for crabs and fish. This round on Spectacle I didn't fish with Sam on the pier, but I worked on sports and activities with Lindsay. Kickball is a very popular game with the kids. It doesn't matter the age as long as theres a team and a passion.

Kickball in the Meadow

Lastly a dip in the Harbor is good way to cool down after a hot day. Most days on the islands are hot and it's nice to float around in the water. It's safe, clean and child friendly. Working on the islands was a fantastic way to start off the summer and my very first place of work.

Beach On Spectacle

All the senior staff and educators have been nothing but helpful, funny and polite. It was nice to interact with college students and graduates that are interested in the same topics as me. I am super excited to soak in all the sun and waves at Spectacle and later on in the month Georges Island etc.

Hope to see you out there,
~Ruth Scott

A Striper Kind of Day

Striped Bass are one of the most well known saltwater gamefish that frequent our waters in Boston. The striped bass is an apex predator with the capability to function in freshwater as it breeds there. Stripers are constantly on the prowl and consume many crustaceans and bait fish a like.  Spectacle Island has proved a great place to get kids fishing and catching. Today we got a small bass on a piece of clam. The kids had a blast reeling it in. Although this striper is small, it has the potential to grow up to be over 50 pounds! Getting kids excited about fishing is a great way to spread the knowledge and potential preservation of one of our greatest recourses!!

Our waters are full of bass, but sometimes they seem illusive. Here are some tips to tackle some:

Match the Hatch: learn about where you are fishing, and what kinds of bait frequent that area. For example if you are fishing a small cove or inlet, smaller bait might be key to success as there might be small baitfish in the cove. Open water calls for bigger bait, as it provides more of an area for schools of fish to pass through.  Urban areas might call for some junk food ( hotdogs, bread) as the bass might have come accustomed to eating the scraps of tourists food.

Try to Target Deep Channels: During the summer bass like to hang out in cooler water through out the day. Try to gauge how deep the water is by looking at colors. Darker water generally means their is a drop off, while lighter water indicates shallows. Try to aim your casts towards deeper water.

Look For Birds: If on the off chance you see birds crashing into the water and splashes beneath them this indicates a "blitz". A Blitz is a wild surface feed in which bass and birds work together to attack a pod of fish.  Cast a lure and reel in slowly in the general area of the feed and almost always a fish will hit immediately.

And Finally, THE FILLETING

A striped bass needs to be 28 inches in order for it to be legal. Filleting a fish essentially means you are cutting the sides away as they are where the meat primarily sits. Here are some images of Tom harvesting a fish, and some ideal fillets from Camp Harbor View.