Staff Day at Spectacle

Story time

This years staff day was one like none other. We started off with an initial plan that took a change in direction first thing in the morning. Then we attempted to try our back up and we still had to use an alternative plan. Thankfully our boss, Bruce, knows a thing or two about strategy.

Good play boys

We had some of our best laughs, experiences, and summer fulfillment together as a cohesive staff on Spectacle this past Monday. On our harbor trip in the morning we shared some amazing stories. Edward told us about his thrilling kayaking trip with the children at his site, Jahari shared his highs of his summer, and I shared the infamous "Save the Harbor/Save the Boxers" story. I felt like a bit of David, our harbor historian, rubbed off on me the way I'm able to share stories with groups now. I guess thats what a few years of AABH will do to one.

Photographer "A" at your service

Our annual All Access vs. No Access kickball game didn't happen but we still played football and frisbee amongst other activities. It was not a traditional staff day, but, we made the best of it. I also learned that I'm a decent photographer. Joe P. lent me a camera which I used to catch some photos throughout the day. I told him about my recent interest in photography and purchase of a Canon T5i DSLR camera. He gave me some pointers as I hope to start a new hobby, photography!

At the end of the day I walked away with nothing but smiles and a watermelon.

It was a good day.

-Ahmed

She Loves Me for the Underwater Camera!

Abby and I using the underwater camera:)

Every time I arrive at McDonough Sailing Center, the first person I ask for is Abby. She is such an amazing person. She is such a sweetheart. Abby always has a beautiful smile on her face and she puts one on mine also. She's always ready to try new things. Every time she sees me there, she always a smile on her face no matter how bad of a day it is. She always comes up to me asking to use the underwater camera or to go with her to the rocks along with some other campers and Sarah. She is SO IN LOVE with the underwater camera. 

As soon as I get on the dock the first thing she asks for is the camera. I say" Abby we just got here give me a few minutes so I can settle down and get myself together."Then she tells me not to give the camera to anyone else or else she's going to be mad. I told her that since I always use it with her she will be the first to use it, but then must give other people a turn too. I love working with Abby, it just makes me love what I do and I'm looking forward to meeting more kids like Abby! 

Exploration using the underwater camera

Using an underwater camera is a great experience for the kids. We put the camera near our traps to see if we could see any crabs coming our way. Some kids spotted small schools of silversides passing by. We also used the camera to look under the nearby boats. Someone has some scrubbing to do!

In Dorchester, we were able to look under the docks to see the anemones, orange sheath tunicates, mussels, and sea squirts! The best part was looking at the "dancing" skeleton shrimp; they were everywhere! We all enjoyed the opportunity to look beneath the ocean's surface using the underwater camera.

~Aimee