Fall Watersports & Beach Adventures with Buzzards Bay Coalition
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in general good health with basic swimming ability; physical exertion is moderate and paced for children.
Overview
The Buzzards Bay Coalition invites youth ages 8–15 to a dynamic fall afterschool program combining kayaking, crabbing, and beach ecology on Onset Bay. Dive into watersports and outdoor learning this autumn!
Fall Bay Explorers Afterschool Club
Free Program • Open to ages 8-11
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About This Adventure
Join the Onset Bay Center's exciting afterschool program this Fall, where children aged 8-15 can enjoy 9 weeks of thrilling watersports and beach exploration. From kayaking to crabbing, each session fosters teamwork and environmental awareness, all while having fun outdoors. Sign up for Tuesdays or Thursdays and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
About:
Try out all that Onset Bay Center has to offer this Fall! This afterschool program runs 9 weeks, with two opportunities, Tuesdays OR Thursdays.
Tuesday program runs September 23-November 18 Thursday program runs September 25-November 20
Get the best of both worlds as you spend time out on the water (sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding) and beach-side (beach exploration, shellfishing, crabbing, fishing) as the weather turns cooler! This program is FREE and open to all children in second grade through high school (ages 8-15)!
Signing up:
Click on September 23 or 25, depending on which day you'd prefer (the start date), and complete the form! This registers your child(ren) for the whole session of afterschool (Tuesdays OR Thursdays). Please DO NOT sign up for both sessions, as this limits the number of children we're able to serve in our programs. Children will attend either Tuesdays OR Thursdays for the duration of the Fall program.
More about our program:
Schedule: 3:00-3:20: Arrival and snack (arrive anytime during this window) 3:20-4:45: Activities and Games! 4:45-5:00: Cleanup and dismissal
Watersports: Get out on Onset Bay and learn the basics of kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and exploring as you work on key watersport skills. Hone your skills alongside your peers, and discover your new favorite activities out on the water!
Beach and Land-based exploration: Come explore with us! Weekly activities include: fishing and crabbing; beach exploration and play; shell, plant, and animal identification; nature arts & crafts; bay ecology exploration; and environmental action efforts. This program allows for discovery, learning, and play in an outdoor setting while promoting team work, respect, and environmental awareness and stewardship.
Snacks provided each day!
Adventure Tips
Dress for variable fall weather
Layered clothing and quick-dry fabrics help kids stay comfortable during both on-water and beach activities.
Arrive ready for outdoor learning
Bring a water bottle and a small backpack for snacks and gear; staying hydrated is crucial during active sessions.
Encourage kids to listen to instructors
Safety on the water comes first—paying attention helps kids build skills without risk.
Use biodegradable sunscreen
Protect skin while minimizing ecological impact on Buzzards Bay’s sensitive marine environments.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Ospreys hunting over the bay
- Blue crabs common in the tidal waters
History
Buzzards Bay has a rich maritime heritage, historically supporting fishing communities and small-scale shipbuilding dating back to colonial times.
Conservation
The Buzzards Bay Coalition actively works to protect water quality and marine habitats, making this program part of a broader effort to foster local youth environmental stewardship.
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Adventure Hotspots in Providence, Rhode Island
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered synthetic clothing
Helps kids adjust to changing temperatures on the water and shore.
fall specific
Water shoes or closed-toe sandals
Protect feet while paddling and walking on rocky or sandy beaches.
summer|fall specific
Biodegradable sunscreen
Protects skin and the bay environment during sunny outings.
spring|summer|fall specific
Reusable water bottle
Keeps participants hydrated during active afterschool sessions.