For Paxton Turpin, 8, and Frankie Moran, 5, and more than 100 other campers at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center, August 16 was a day filled with hot dogs, delicious hamburgers and fond memories of another summer of boating on Linekin Bay. It was also the last day of the center’s nine-week sailing and oceanography camp.
Over the past 12 years, the center has had three locations. It has grown from its original location at the Bristol Marine Shipyard, where there were initially a dozen students, one teacher, and two boats, to a camp that now includes nearly two dozen teachers and over 150 students. The expansion of the camp is due to a shared vision of a core group. In 2012, Pauline Dion and Eric Graves discussed creating a different youth camp experience that included sailing, boating, and kayaking, as well as an ocean-based educational format.
This led to the Boothbay Sea and Science Center. Dion, one of the co-founders, was named executive director of the camp. Graves continues as vice president of the board and co-founder.
“We wanted more than just a sailing program for youth. One that taught boating skills but also oceanography,” Graves said.
As the camp grew, it began looking for a larger facility. It moved to the East Boothbay Marina before finding a permanent home at 12 Lobsterman’s Way in East Boothbay in 2022. This allowed for expansion to the current 21 instructors and over 160 campers. Graves thanks board member Jack French for his legal advice in establishing the camp and enabling future expansion. “Jack was my first point of contact when we started the program,” Graves said. “He was a huge help in guiding the program through some tricky situations and making the whole thing possible.”
French, who lives in Edgecomb and practices law in Brunswick, attended the celebration of the camp’s last day. As he looked out over Linekin Bay, French was moved by the scenic surroundings. “This is just incredible,” he said. “The ocean, the seaweed, the people and the opportunity to do all kinds of wonderful things with the ocean.”
French isn’t the only one impressed with the program. Turpin has been there every year since he was old enough to participate. “I just love it. You’re sailing and I love holding the mainsail,” he said.
Another fan is First National Bank. The bank is one of several local sponsors. On August 16, representatives of the bank presented the center with an oversized check. FNB donated $640, which was used to pay for a student to go on the schooner. Tyrone Excursion where students spent three nights and four days aboard the ship. The expedition was led by Captain Rayford Chew and First Officer Carolyn Corbin, who taught campers oceanography while sailing through the Boot Bay region.
“We wanted to contribute to this project, so we sponsored a student, but we were also there from the beginning. FNB is excited to be a part of it,” said Alyssa Allen, commercial loan officer.
In each of its 12 years, the camp has been supported by dedicated sponsors and volunteers. Chris Richardson and Denny Whitten lent their grill master skills by preparing hot dogs and hamburgers for the hungry crowds attending the celebration. Whitten has two children who participate in the program. “It’s a wonderful program and my children, Maisy and Fletcher, both love it,” he said. “You couldn’t ask for a better experience. You’re outside, in nature, learning about the environment and boating.”
Richardson was a seasonal resident for several years before moving permanently to East Boothbay two years ago. He has volunteered his cooking skills at several last-day barbecues. “I watch them every summer in Linekin Bay and they love it. I mean, they really love it!” Richardson said. “They’re out in a boat singing and laughing and talking. I just love watching them have a wonderful time out there.”
The Boothbay Sea Science Center is a nine-week camp for children ages 5 to 17.
