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While late August brings thoughts of the upcoming school year for some, it gives the National Parks of Boston’s Harbor Discovery Camps staff a chance to reflect on their 2024 summer season.  This summer, our team of staff engaged with campers representing Great Boston YMCA partners at five different sites: the Charlestown Navy Yard, on the Black Heritage Trail, and three Boston Harbor Islands – Spectacle, Peddocks, and Georges.   

Harbor Discovery Camps staff pose together in the Charlestown Navy Yard. CREDIT: NPS Photo/L. Grande-Ruiz

Harbor Discovery Camps staff, which included seasonal Education Technicians as well as members of the Hill to Harbor Youth Conservation Corps, worked together daily to create a fun and safe camper experience.  This was particularly important at our Boston Harbor Island sites.  To make these island adventures happen, our work began well before campers arrived.  Activity materials were gathered and readied for transport, sunscreen was applied, and lunches were packed up.  Next came a “morning huddle” to discuss the schedule, roles, and safety, and finally we would grab our wagon and head to the CNY ferry. 

Harbor Discovery Camps staff head to the Charlestown Navy Yard ferry to start their day. CREDIT: NPS Photo

After gathering campers and boarding our boat, our first island destination of the summer was Spectacle Island.  Here, campers had the chance to summit either of Spectacle’s two drumlins as well as search for artifacts along the shoreline tied to the island’s history.  We also participated in a search for pollinators, an important part of Spectacle’s ecosystem.  The hike was a challenge for all, but the views were spectacular.   

On Peddocks Island, our schedule featured two recreational activities allowed in this location: fishing and camping.  Thanks to a partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, campers learned to tie fishing line to a hook and how to properly cast a fishing pole.  Both staff and camper alike had a great time practicing their technique.  We also led a tent-building session among the remnants of Fort Andrews, built at the start of the 1900s as a Coastal Artillery Post. 

Youth Conservation Corps member Arianna helps a camper to practice fishing. CREDIT: NPS Photo/L. Owens Lambert

Georges Island, our final island visit of the summer, featured Fort Warren which was opened in 1850 and used as a cautionary protector for the harbor during the American Civil War. Our staff guided campers in fort exploration and taught them to play some of the games that soldiers stationed at the fort would play to entertain themselves. These included Hoops and Graces, Ball in Cup, and Hoop and Stick, which were all huge hits. During exploration, campers were led up to the fort ramparts to see views of the Boston Harbor, were guided through the Dark Arch, and were told the story of The Lady in Black.  

In reflection, our island visits always took a lot of energy and planning and often required adaptability due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.  But, the experiences always impacted campers and staff in a positive manner, and we can’t wait for our next visits.  See you next summer!