SUMMER DAYS A recap of the 2015 SoundWaters Summer Programs
August 2015
The “Anything That Floats” boat race, with vessels made from found and recycled materials, is a highlight of the summer
Science, Sailing… Opportunity! From June through August, the excitement of 625 children reverberates through the SoundWaters Coastal Education Center and surrounding waters as they challenge themselves in a variety of sailing and academic programs. Thanks to broad community support, 24% of these children attended our summer programs on full scholarship.
learned to sail on Holly Pond and advanced sailors mastered skills on Long Island Sound. Rising 5th and 6th graders boosted math, science and reading skills during intensive academic enrichment in the SoundWaters STEM Academy. Through these varied hands-on activities the children developed a personal connection to, and respect for, the environment.
They paddled canoes, netted crabs for population studies, identified Long Island Sound species, and conducted numerous experiments. Beginning sailors
In the following pages, the children, parents, counselors, and school administrators share their reflections on Summer at SoundWaters.
Another fun-filled day at SoundWaters
“The best part of being with SoundWaters is being here with my friends.” - Jennifer STEM Academy student
A STEM educator leads a studying of animal adaptations
IMPACT STEM ACADEMY
27% increase in math skills
26% increase in reading skills
23% increase in science skills
96.5% attendance throughout the program
CAMP SOUNDWATERS
491 children sailed with Camp SoundWaters
96% parents said Camp SoundWaters met or exceeded expectations
51 boats in the SoundWaters fleet
SCHOLARSHIP
150 children (24%) received full scholarship
Some of our camp counselors
Rigging the boat before the sail
“I started as a camper when I was 7, did land camp, sailing camp and came back as a high school intern, and a counselor for the past three years. I’m a junior in college and the environment will always be a part of my life.” - Carlo, Camp Counselor
“I never sailed before. I learned a lot about how to use the whole sailboat, the rudder and mainsheet. I liked sailing a lot. I want to do it again.” - Karl, Camper
“Camp exceeded our expectations. He loved sailing and being out on the water all day.” - Camp Parent STEM Academy lab experiment
Discovering the catch in the seine net
“Seining was best because we got to experience what kind of fish were in the water.” Learning to canoe on Holly Pond
“She actually said to me, “Dad, I’m a scientist.” The program has made learning interesting and cool.” - STEM Academy Parent
- Wayne STEM Academy Student
STEM Academy field study
“It was amazing to watch the students experience Long Island Sound through math and science hands-on lessons. The lessons meet the specific academic needs of our students. However, the most amazing component of the program was watching students develop confidence, problem solving skills, and collaboration when learning to sail on Long Island Sound. This indeed was an experience these students will truly remember forever.” -Dr. Tamu Lucero, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Stamford Advanced sailors practice maneuvers on Long Island Sound
Summer on the Schooner SoundWaters From Greenwich to Greenport and a dozen ports of call in between, the Schooner SoundWaters sailed the summertime waters of Long Island Sound with adults and children of all ages. Whether aboard for education sails, afternoon and evening public sails or private charters, more than 2,900 passengers left land and experienced the beauty, the breadth and the ecological diversity of the Sound while gaining a better understanding of their role in protecting it.
SoundWaters sailed with over 2,900 people across Long Island Sound this summer
Save the Date - September 30, 2015 SoundWaters Spirit Award honoring Paralympic Sailor Andy Fisher
SoundWaters Guiding Principles EQUITY: All students deserve the same opportunities to learn and grow. ACCESS: Everyone, children and adults, should be able to enjoy the benefits of Long Island Sound. EXPERIENTIAL: Classroom learning amplified by hands-on activities and field studies is far more powerful for students and retained longer than class time alone. STEWARDSHIP: Education and stewardship of the natural world go handin-hand. We appreciate things that we understand, and we protect the things that we appreciate.
Learn more about all of our programs at www.soundwaters.org
Find SoundWaters Online:
1281 Cove Road | Stamford CT 06902 | 203 323 1978 | www.soundwaters.org