River Rats Camp: Horseshoe Crabs

Our youngest campers join us for a week of discovery and adventure at the water’s edge near Creek Farm in Portsmouth, NH. Each week, our Horseshoe Crab campers gain confidence near the water by meeting marine critters, doing projects, singing songs and most importantly playing in nature along our shorelines. Horseshoe Crab campers will also explore on the water in our sit-atop kayaks and in motorboat rides. Through these activities, campers become budding naturalists and river explorers.

Please note: Our Horseshoe Crab campers do not sail on the Gundalow, but may do a dockside program.

A Typical Day at River Rats Camp

It is hard to describe a typical day at River Rats Camp.  On some days we will  be casting off on a rowing adventure while on other we’ll be playing games and exploring the shoreline.  Our philosophy for all of our camps is to connect kids to nature and the water through experiences and play.  Each day starts with a plan and is adjusted to meet the groups interest and needs, but almost always includes games, arts, mud, and of course water. Through these experiences, students naturally learn about the shoreline and our rivers and become the next stewards of our waters. Our youngest campers will spend most of the week at Creek Farm in Portsmouth and will participate in a dockside program on the Gundalow.

8:50-9:05 Arrival, check in and free time at Creek Farm

9:05–9:20 Morning Ice Breaker Game

9:20 – Daily Activity –Boat Building – build a boat using a variety of open ended materials.  Kids can work in groups or alone to create a boat that should float and have a name.  Kids can test their boats on the calm waters of Sagamore Creek and describe their creative design.

10:30 Snack

10:45 Shoreline Exploration – we will set off on a shoreline walk stopping to tidepool, discover shore-side animals, collect periwinkles and get our feet wet. 

11:45 Closing circle and Game

11:50-12:05 Pick Up