Afterschool Summer Program Set Sail for the Boston Harbor Islands

Over 60 kids from Revere Public School’s Afterschool Summer Program visited the Boston Harbor Islands National Park in July as part of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s free All Access Boston Harbor program. More than 5,000 youth and teens have taken part in the free program so far this summer, which brings area youth groups to Spectacle, Peddocks, and Georges Island for a fun filled day of environmental exploration and healthy outdoor activities, including fishing, crabbing, swimming and art on the shore.

All Access Boston Harbor trips begin at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion where groups learn the history of Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor cleanup from Save the Harbor’s maritime historian David Coffin. The groups then walk to the World Trade Center and board Bay State Cruise Company’s Provincetown II for their trip. On the island they enjoy a picnic lunch and then head off to explore.

“The Boston Harbor Islands are important educational and recreational resources for youth development and community groups from across the city and around the region” said Bruce Berman, who serves as Director of Strategy, Communications and Programs for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “They are also a great place to spend a summer day.”

On Spectacle Island, kids love to explore the shore while looking for sea glass and historic artifacts at “Treasure Beach.” Save the Harbor’s Harbor Educators teach kids to fish for flounder, skates and the occasional striped bass from the pier. There are miles of walking trails with great views of the city, grassy areas for ball sports and a great beach for swimming.

On Peddocks Island, youth and teens can visit the renovated chapel and new visitor center, explore historic Fort Andrews, play Frisbee or soccer, or swim on the sandy beach.

On Georges Island, groups can explore the maze of passageways at Fort Warren, which was used for coastal defense during the Civil War, and maybe catch a glimpse of the famous “Lady in Black”. The parade ground is a great space for sports and games, and the docks on this island are great for fishing.

“At Save the Harbor/Save the Bay we are particularly proud to serve as the Boston Harbor Connection for a generation of young people” said Save the Harbor/Save the Bay President Patricia Foley. “The best way we know to “save the harbor” is to share it with the public.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.