Typical Day at River Rats Camp:
It is hard to describe a typical day at River Rats Camp, because each day is packed with different activities. On some days we will be setting sail on the Gundalow, while on others we’ll be casting off on a rowing adventure or 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 nature experiences, students learn about the shoreline and our rivers and become the next stewards of our waters. Our Sturgeon campers will spend 2-3 days on the Gundalow and the remainder at Creek Farm in Portsmouth. Pick and and drop off will be at Prescott Park or Creek Farm depending on the day.
Sample Day
8:50-9:05 Arrival, check in and free time at Prescott Park in Portsmouth
9:05–9:15 Ice Breaker game
9:15 – Morning Jobs on the Gundalow – swab the decks, raise the pennant, and get the boat ready to sail
9:45 – Underway on the Gundalow – Kids will set the sail and help the boat head downriver towards the ocean and snack
10:00– Marine Life discovery day – We’ll start with a plankton tow and use our discovery scopes to take a close look at the plankton. Then we’ll look at several other marine animals including mussels and lobster. We’ll drop the fishing line over the side and see what we get.
12:00 – Return to the dock – picnic in Prescott Park and free time
12:45 – Take a ride on our small motorboats to Sagamore Creek and Creek Farm
1:30 – Arrive at Creek Farm – Captain’s Coming Game
1:45 – Afternoon Activity – Create your own plankton – Using the materials at hand, kids will think about how plankton adapt to the water. Kids will work to get their plankton to float just beneath the water.
2:30 – Crab Traps off the Dock – we’ll drop our traps and see what we can find right off the dock in Sagamore Creek.
2:50-3:05 Closing Circle and Pick Up
