Is prior kayaking experience required?

No, the camp is designed for beginners and those with some experience, as all instruction is provided.

What should my child bring?

Bring appropriate swimwear, sun protection, a water bottle, and a change of clothes.

Yes, nutritious meals are provided each day as part of the program.

Is the camp suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, activities are paced to accommodate both newcomers and more experienced young paddlers.

What safety measures are in place?

Experienced instructors supervise all activities, and safety briefings are mandatory before water contact.

You can sign up directly through the Buzzards Bay Coalition's booking portal linked here.

Water Activities & Family Fun at Buzzards Bay Coalition

Onset Bay, located along the southern coast of Massachusetts, is a lively hub for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Bay Explorers Day Camp, run by Buzzards Bay Coalition, offers an engaging week for kids aged 8-13, packed with kayaking, sailing, and beach adventures. This program excels by combining skill-building with environmental education, giving young adventurers a hands-on experience of the coastal ecosystem.

Set on the scenic shores of Onset Bay, the camp's location boasts calm waters ideal for novice paddlers and sailors. Participants learn core paddling techniques and maritime safety from seasoned instructors, all while exploring the bay’s unique geological features, like the sandy shoreline and colorful tidal pools. The camp encourages teamwork and environmental awareness, making it not just fun but meaningful. Meals are provided, allowing kids to focus entirely on their outdoor pursuits.

What makes this camp stand out is its balanced approach—blending outdoor recreation with knowledge of the local marine environment. It's a superb opportunity for families seeking a safe, educational summer program that fosters confidence on the water. Also, being part of the Buzzards Bay Coalition means that the adventure supports regional conservation efforts, ensuring this coastal treasure remains vibrant for generations.

Whether your child is just starting out or has some paddling experience, this camp offers a memorable, skill-enhancing experience. Onset Bay's natural beauty and the engaging instruction make it a perfect destination for a summer filled with outdoor fun, learning, and connection to nature.

About Buzzards Bay Coalition

Buzzards Bay Coalition offers a catalogue of outdoor education, recreation, and youth programming centered on bays, wetlands, woodlands, and rivers. Programs include summer day camps, afterschool clubs, guided hikes, wildlife explorations, paddling and sailing clubs, and equipment rentals. Key sites named in programming include The Sawmill, Hawes Family Learning Center, Onset Bay, Tinkhamtown Woodlands, Horseshoe Mill, The Bogs, West Falmouth Harbor, Beebe Woods, and the Weweantic River.

Youth offerings span ages 2–13 with options from the Itty‑Bitty Bay Adventure for ages 2–6, Freshwater Fishing (ages 4–7), to the Bay Explorers Day Camp for ages 8–13. The Bay Explorers Day Camp features kayaking, sailing, beach exploration, experienced instructors, and meals provided. Afterschool programs include boating and waterfront skills, boatbuilding, and fall youth sailing clubs.

Adult and community options include adult sailing and paddling clubs, specialty workshops such as a nature photography session with expert Fran Grenon, seasonal paddles including glow‑in‑the‑dark and Halloween events, and guided kayak tours at West Falmouth Harbor. Rentals such as paddleboards are supplied with lifejackets and paddles. Family‑friendly events include amphibian and fungi walks, OutHounds dog hikes at The Bogs, hiking challenges, and shellfishing experiences.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition’s schedule blends skill‑building, environmental exploration, and recreation across land and water. Program descriptions note provided gear and instructor‑led formats where applicable, helping participants choose age‑appropriate activities and prepare for outdoor experiences. Special events listed include Life‑Saving Station Celebration, BirthBay Parties, BaysGiving shellfishing and quahog boil, the Halloween Paddle Parade, and seasonal Sawmill programs. Registration is required where noted.