Family STEM Day at Cape Henry Lighthouse: Become a Marine Conservation Warrior

Cape Henry Lighthouse sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on the grounds of Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story, and hosts a family-focused STEM Day that trains kids to become Marine Conservation Warriors. The program, called STEM Day at Cape Henry Lighthouse, is a guided 1.5-hour session based at 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459, combining a supervised climb with hands-on lessons about ocean debris, shorebird ID, and practical cleanup techniques. The old brick tower is a visible maritime landmark whose salt-streaked masonry and lantern room tell a history of 19th-century navigation while the exposed shore and sand dunes illustrate the fragile coastal systems volunteers aim to protect. Staff from Preservation Virginia run interactive stations where children test simple science experiments, sort marine debris, learn species identification, and practice actions they can take at home to limit plastic and runoff. Because the lighthouse lies inside an active military base, all visitors aged 18 and older without base access must submit SECNAV Form 5512 between five and thirty days before their scheduled visit, present a valid REAL ID or passport, and use scheduled shuttles from the base gate. Timed tickets are required and drivers who plan to bring a vehicle must show registration and proof of insurance at the gate; pedestrians and bicyclists follow the same background-check timeline but may enter without driving. The visit lasts about 1.5 hours and is ideal for families and school groups; children must be at least 42 inches tall to climb and adults cannot carry children up the tower. Safety rules are enforced: the tower closes during thunderstorms, lightning, and when interior heat reaches a 115°F heat-index threshold, so plan cooler morning or late-afternoon visits in summer. Why it matters: this program anchors conservation education at the place where maritime history meets modern coastal management, giving families concrete skills and a memorable, short-format field lesson. For questions or to arrange access, call 757-422-9421 or email [email protected]; timed tickets and background checks require advance planning. Bring sun protection, refillable water, sturdy shoes for uneven concrete and sand, and a small notebook for observations; binoculars help with shorebird viewing and a simple grabber and gloves let curious kids practice safe debris collection. Parking and shuttle logistics make arrival timing important; reserve early, submit required forms on time, and plan to arrive at the base gate at least 30 minutes before your ticketed shuttle to complete credentials. The site is a meaningful combination of living history, coastal ecology, and hands-on stewardship — an efficient family outing that sparks long-term interest in marine science. STEM Day at Cape Henry Lighthouse channels curiosity into practical action, and for parents it’s a low-cost, high-impact way to teach ocean stewardship.