In an effort to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world among young students, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has announced its Middle School Bay Eco-Camp. This five-day, overnight summer camp is uniquely designed for students entering the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the environment and learn about the Chesapeake Bay’s diverse ecosystems.
Tom Ackerman, Vice President of Education at CBF, highlighted the significance of the camp in providing middle schoolers with hands-on experiences that are rare to come by. “Bay Eco-Camp offers one of few summer opportunities for middle schoolers to get hands-on, up-close experiences with remote Bay ecosystems,” Ackerman stated. The camp’s activities include canoeing, boating, interacting with local wildlife, and exploring the beaches and historic communities around the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring an adventure-filled summer for the attendees.
Hosted at the Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center, part of the Tangier Island community in Virginia, the camp spans a 250-acre island campus in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay. This setting offers campers a chance to explore underwater grass beds, vibrant oyster reefs, and the beauty of salt marshes, providing a unique learning environment that combines education with exploration.
Callen Moore, an eighth-grade student from Virginia Beach who attended the camp, shared his experience, saying, “I really enjoyed learning about the Chesapeake Bay and the flora and fauna that inhabits it. Every day was filled with fun activities and exploring the environment.” His testimonial reflects the camp’s success in engaging students with the natural world in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
The CBF is offering two sessions for the Bay Eco-Camp: July 15–19 and August 12–16. With limited space available, interested students and their guardians are encouraged to register early, with deadlines set for June 3 for the first session and July 5 for the second. Registration\ and additional information can be found on the CBF’s website. Student pick-up and drop-off will be organized in Crisfield, Maryland, making the camp accessible to students across the region.
For over fifty years, the CBF has been at the forefront of environmental education, touching the lives of more than 1.5 million participants through its various programs. The Middle School Bay Eco-Camp is part of this ongoing effort to foster environmental stewardship and knowledge among the younger generation. Through hands-on learning and outdoor adventures, the camp aims to inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and an appreciation of the Chesapeake Bay’s rich natural heritage.
