Summer BayCamps

Narragansett Bay is what sets our summer camps apart from all the rest.

In fact, it’s our campground. During our week-long, full- and half-day camps, children from kindergarten through high school enjoy hands-on exploration of Rhode Island’s greatest natural resource: Narragansett Bay. From sailing and science to critters and crafts, at multiple locations throughout Rhode Island, there’s a camp for every child who loves the outdoors. Select a BayCamp below to learn more and register!

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Browse all Baycamps

An inside look at Save The Bay's BayCamps

BayCamp Descriptions

Junior BayCamp, Half Day (for Completed Grades K-1)

Save The Bay’s Junior BayCamp is the perfect way to introduce the younger camper to the fun and excitement of learning about our environment and the interesting animals in it. Throughout the week, campers will interact with live animals through our various touch tanks and will learn about the Bay and its inhabitants through fun games and interactive models. Campers will also explore the shoreline, while learning about some of the Bay’s diverse habitats.

For Completed Grades: K-1
Location: Exploration Center & Aquarium, Newport
Time: Half Day / 9:00 a.m.–noon
Cost: $160 for members, $175 for non-members

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Dates & Registration

Junior BayCamp, Full Day (for Completed Grades K-1)

For Completed Grades: K-1
Location: Bay Center, Providence
Time: Full Day / 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cost: $285 for members, $300 for non-members

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Dates & Registration

BayCamp (for Completed Grades 2-4)

Campers will join Save the Bay staff for a fun and educational week exploring one of Rhode Island’s greatest resources, Narragansett Bay! Throughout the week Campers will be traveling to the bay’s most interesting locations aboard a Save the Bay education vessel, and will have fun swimming, snorkeling, exploring, and learning about environment.

For Completed Grades: 2-4
Location: Providence, Wickford, Newport, Westerly
Time: Full Day / 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Cost: $285 for members, $300 for non-members

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Dates & Registration

Shipboard Camp (for Completed Grades 5-7)

Shipboard camps take place aboard one of Save The Bay’s research/educational vessels. During the week, campers will head out on the Bay to explore and research Rhode Island’s shoreline. Campers will learn to use the latest in scientific tools, gather and study live animals, and explore the calmer waters of Narragansett Bay with snorkeling and swimming.

For Completed Grades: 5-7
Location: Providence, Newport, Wickford, Bristol
Time: Full Day / 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cost: $285 for members, $300 for non-members

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Dates & Registration

High School Camp (for Completed Grades 8-12)

This week is perfect for high school students interested in pursuing a college career focused in the environmental sciences. Throughout the week students will travel throughout the Bay on board our flagship research/education vessel, the 46′ M/V Elizabeth Morris. Students will participate in research while learning from Save The Bay experts and guest speakers about environmental issues in our area.

Topics include climate change, water quality, invasive species, fisheries, and exploring college and career options within the environmental field. During the week students will also tour college facilities located on Narragansett Bay, as well as participate in a weeklong service-learning project. Students receive a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the camp.

For Completed Grades: 8-12
Location: Providence
Time: Full Day / 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cost: $285 for members, $300 for non-members

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Dates & Registration

Sailing & Science Camps (for Ages 7-15)

Edgewood Sailing Camps

At Edgewood Sailing School, campers ages learn about sailboats and sail with instructors. In the afternoon, campers take a boat ride to Save The Bay for a fun-filled afternoon of activities and fostering a love of Narragansett Bay through exploration, playing the role of marine scientists, and learning about the creatures of the Bay!

For ages: 7-13 years
Time: Full Day

Dates, prices & registration at edgewoodsailing.org

Community Boating Center

Explore the world of sailing and marine science on Narragansett Bay! Campers split their days between a sailboat and a Save The Bay research vessel. They’ll experience hands-on sailing fun, use scientific technology to measure water quality, and collect live Bay specimens in our custom onboard research tanks.

For ages: 12-15 years
Time: Full Day
Cost: $300

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 7, 2019

Dates & Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch provided?

No, campers attending a full day camp are required to bring lunch every day. Snacks for all camps are highly recommended. Campers need their energy! Also, make sure to bring plenty to drink, especially water. We do provide water on the boats, but each camper will need their own water bottle.

What are the drop-off/pick-up times?

You should drop off your camper between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and pick them up between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.. You may not drop off any earlier than 8:30 a.m.. and you must pick up your camper before 4:30 p.m.

It is important that our staff have sufficient time in both the morning and afternoon to set up and break down the day’s activities in order for your camper to have the best experience possible, and we are unable to do that if we are watching over early or late campers. A fee may be added if you fail to comply.

What ages groups do BayCamps accomodate?

Save The Bay runs camps for K-1, 2-4, 5-7, and 8-12. Each camp is based on “grade completed” levels at the end of the current school year. For example, if your child is entering 2nd grade, they will attend K-1 camp, because their most recent grade completed at the end of the school year was 1st grade.

How will I know what my camper needs for BayCamp?

We will send an email a week before the start date of your camp session informing you of everything your camper will need. There also should be a copy of our “What to Bring to Camp” list on your registration page.

What is the camp-to-counselor ratio?

Typically, our camps run with 2 counselors as well as a counselor-in-training. During our BayCamp sessions, a captain will normally be on-hand as well. The ratio of our camps average 7:1.

Does my camper have to swim while at BayCamp?

Absolutely not! We have all sorts of activities running simultaneously during an average day at BayCamp, so whether or not swimming is on the agenda is completely up to the camper. We do have open-water trained lifeguards on-site during all sessions where campers will be swimming.

Who are the BayCamp staff?

BayCamp staff at Save the Bay comprises both full-time educators and seasonal marine educators. The majority of our summer staff also participate in our school-year programming. Each staff member has a background in marine sciences, as well as either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in their respective fields.

In addition to our educators, we also will have three captains on hand, each with at least a 100 Gross Ton License issued by the United States Coast Guard.

What safety precautions are in place at BayCamp?

All BayCamps have First Aid/CPR-certified staff as well as certified lifeguards (at BayCamps with a swimming option).

_{CANCELLATION POLICY: Because Save the Bay’s BayCamps are so popular, the entire cost of the program is required to confirm your reservation. Cancellations with at least four weeks notice will receive a full refund. Cancellation with less than four weeks notice will not receive a refund. // Please note, that if you register your child for a camp that is outside of our required age range, Save The Bay reserves the right to move them to the appropriate aged camp at any time if space is available. If space is not available in the appropriate camp, your child will not be able to attend camp during your preferred dates and you forfeit your payment.}

Narragansett Bay is what sets our summer camps apart from all the rest.

An inside look at Save The Bay's BayCamps

BayCamp Descriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Save The Bay Center

Exploration Center

South Coast Center