What ages is the camp designed for?

The camp is specifically designed for children in grades 4 through 6, typically ages 9 to 12.

Are meals provided during the camp?

Participants should bring their own lunch and snacks; water stations are available throughout the day.

Is prior outdoor experience necessary?

No prior experience is required. The camp is beginner-friendly and guides children through all activities.

What safety measures are in place?

All activities are supervised by trained staff with first aid available onsite and strict safety protocols followed.

Can parents visit or observe the camp?

For safety and focus, parent visits during camp sessions are limited, but there are scheduled meet-and-greet events.

Are there any physical restrictions?

Children should have basic mobility to walk moderate distances and participate in light physical activities.

Week #5 Bayshore Discovery Camp in Commercial Township, NJ | Workshop | Eco Tour

Week #5 - Bayshore Discovery Camp 2025 offers an exciting hands-on science adventure for young explorers in grades 4-6 at the Bayshore Center in Commercial Township, New Jersey. This unique camp invites participants to become "Bayshore Guardians" by engaging directly in habitat restoration projects, stewardship games, and creative environmental activities designed to nurture leadership in sustainability. Throughout the week, kids will explore local ecosystems, learn about the diverse wildlife of the New Jersey Bayshore, and develop a deeper understanding of how human actions impact natural habitats. Beyond science, the camp fosters teamwork, responsibility, and community spirit by encouraging campers to make a real difference in protecting the environment. This experience combines education with fun, allowing children to enjoy nature while building lifelong skills and friendships. Set against the backdrop of scenic wetlands and bayside trails, the program inspires curiosity and respect for the environment, creating young champions for conservation who can actively contribute to their communities. Perfect for families near New York City seeking an enriching outdoor camp experience, this adventure provides a safe, nurturing space where kids grow as stewards of nature who learn by doing.

About Bayshore Center

Bayshore Center at Bivalve, located in Commercial Township, New Jersey, connects visitors with the Delaware Bay’s maritime history, coastal ecosystems, and hands‑on education programs. The center operates a range of public sails, community fundraisers, evening education events, and youth camps that emphasize conservation and experiential learning. Camp programs — branded as Bayshore Discovery Camp — invite students in grades 4–6 to participate in dockside science, nature walks, habitat restoration, wildlife tracking, model‑building, and conservation projects that reinforce stewardship.

Public sails aboard the AJ Meerwald, a 115′ oyster schooner built in 1928, offer two‑hour excursions from ports including Trenton, Cape May, and Philadelphia. Sail passengers may assist the crew or relax while bringing their own food and drinks. The Delaware Bayshore Boat Ride cruises the Maurice River to the Delaware Bay for views of the East Point Lighthouse, with proceeds benefitting the Bayshore Center at Bivalve.

Community events include the Spirit of the Sail fundraiser at Mission Spirits and Suds and Science evenings at AJ’s Pub, where education partners present regional conservation work. These programs blend storytelling, maritime tradition, and environmental research to engage local residents and visitors. The center’s mixed offering of educational camps, historic-vessel sails, and community fundraisers supports public awareness of the Bayshore’s natural and cultural resources while providing accessible outdoor experiences for families and learners.

Programming often emphasizes hands-on science, citizen science participation, and partnerships with local researchers, creating measurable conservation outcomes and fostering lifelong interest in maritime ecology among young learners and adult volunteers and educators.