Sail away for the weekend! Board the Lady Maryland for an all-day sail down the Chesapeake Bay and up through the Magothy River Sanctuary to our overnight destination, Camp Whippoorwill, and return sail the next morning. It’s summer camp for adults!
We’ll be exploring both on the water and on the land, and be on the lookout for all the critters who call each area home. While onboard, you’ll have your chance to learn about sailing and engage in hands-on marine science with our friends at the Living Classroom Foundation. Activities will include water quality testing, plankton trawling with microscope exploration, trawl fishing for marine life, oyster dissection, bird morphology and identification, setting sail, and steering the ship. Once at camp, we’ll turn to the woods for our inspiration. We can wander the trails, listen for birds, and enjoy a campfire with yummy s’mores. Plus, there’s a whole nighttime of nocturnal pursuits to explore, from owls, moths, and spiders to zombie fungi.
All meals and snacks will be provided and prepared for us, and most dietary needs can be met. Meals include two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast. A sample menu would include bagels for breakfast, sandwiches and wraps for lunch, and tacos or burritos for dinner. Meat and gluten- and lactose-free alternatives will be available. Snack items could include fruit, granola bars, goldfish, and pretzels. We’ll sleep in rooms with bunk beds in the Big House. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels.
Our leaders: A well-versed crew from Living Classrooms will teach us while onboard about all things marine science. Dave Webb will also be traveling with us as our go-to bird expert while both on board and on land. Dave is an editor with the Maryland Biodiversity Project, an online community of naturalists dedicated to cataloging the flora and fauna of Maryland. A birder for over 35 years, Dave shifted his focus about 10 years ago to include insects (especially moths and other nocturnal arthropods), terrestrial isopods, and the arthropods that exploit cattails.
Our transportation and accommodations: The Lady Maryland is a replica of a pungy schooner, originally built in Maryland and Virginia between 1840 and 1880. Pungies were uniquely adapted for carrying perishable cargo on the Chesapeake Bay with a hull shape similar to the famous Baltimore Clippers, making them extremely fast. She is the only schooner of her kind in existence today. Camp Whippoorwill features 19 acres of woodland along the Magothy River and is operated by the Girl Scouts of America. The property includes a waterfront beach, recreational pier, and several buildings, including a main lodge and the Big House, where we will be sleeping. More information on the camp may be found here: https://www.gscm.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/camp-whippoorwill.html. Restrooms include flush toilets.
Due to the nature of this trip, refunds will not be available after September 13. Refunds will be available minus a 5% processing fee through Sept. 12.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Closed-toe shoes are required on board the boat.
- Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
- Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
- Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details, if you have them.
- Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
- All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.