From new friendships and sunny sails to shoreline discoveries and big smiles, the energy at NESS this summer is unmatched. Take a look at some of the amazing moments from Week 1:

Week 2 brought even more sun, splashes, and smiles! From exploring marine life to mastering the wind on the water AND on land, our students dove into adventure and learning with every wave. Check out some of our favorite moments from Week 2!

Week 3 at NESS brought sunshine, sea breezes, and so many unforgettable experiences! 

Shell-ebration Moment: July 4th Balloon Cleanup by Our Young Ocean Stewards 
While heading out for a program, students spotted and retrieved a July 4th balloon floating in the water. It was a teachable and inspiring reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship, even while celebrating. We're proud of our students for taking action and living out NESS’s mission to protect and care for our marine ecosystems!

It was an action-packed week at NESS! Students earned their CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, reeled in some impressive catches during our all-day fishing program, and enjoyed fast-paced sailing and windsurfing, thanks to windy conditions out on the Sound. We’re proud to see their skills and confidence growing with every day on the water!

Shell-ebration Moment: Shark Awareness Day Surprise!
Students in our Youth Summer All-Day Fishing Program had an unforgettable experience on the water...they accidentally caught a sand tiger shark (safely released, of course!) along with some other impressive catches. They even closed out the week with a pod of dolphins escorting their boat, a perfect ending to an awe-inspiring few days on the water!

Though they may look fierce, sand tiger sharks are slow-moving, have a gentle demeanor, and are vital to ocean health. These sharks are a protected species in many regions, and moments like this give us a chance to learn more about the role they play in marine ecosystems.

Click here to learn more about our Shark Awareness Day Surprise!

Week 4 also brought a special Nature Photography class for our Marine Biologists! Armed with cameras and curiosity, students set out to capture the beauty of the coast. On Friday, they were joined by professional photographer and owner of Ocean Vine, Pat Kirker, who shared tips and techniques for capturing nature through the lens. Here’s a look at some of their incredible photos:

Week 5 was packed with action on land and sea! From exciting sailing adventures with both our Youth Summer Programs and Race Team, to fascinating marine critter discoveries, Week 5 was full of hands-on learning and waterfront fun.

Shell-ebration Moment: Groton Police and their police service dogs stopped by for a lunchtime visit, a big hit with students and staff alike! 

Week 6 brought summer adventures of all kinds — on the water, in the lab, and all around NESS! Students braved the wind for exciting sailing sessions, discovered tons of marine critters, and dove into new experiences like kayaking and windsurfing. Our Marine Biologists also played a vital role in the United Water Study, collecting and testing data that contributes to ocean health efforts.

Shell-ebration Moment: Two surprise guests made a splash last week! Students caught not one, but TWO triggerfish during their fishing excursion — an exciting and rare find in our local waters. Triggerfish are typically found in warmer seas, making this a thrilling discovery for our young anglers.

Week 7 brought the perfect blend of science and splash as students discovered plankton in the lab and on the water, caught waves in Watch Hill, sailed in thrilling winds, and uncovered all kinds of surprising critters along the shore!

Shell-ebration Moment: Thrilling winds this week reached a high of 14 knots, giving our sailors the perfect conditions to hone their skills, build confidence, and gain valuable on-the-water experiences as they cruised, tacked, and zipped around Stonington Harbor and the Long Island Sound!

Week 8 was full of fin-tastic adventures! It was a big week for fishing with exciting catches and plenty of stories to tell, students built and tested their own ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), and set sail in the steady breezes of Stonington Harbor, making the most of every moment on the water and along the shore.

Shell-ebration Moment: We spotted the biggest horseshoe crab we’ve seen in a long time — if not ever! This ancient ocean wanderer was an unforgettable find, sparking curiosity and awe among students and staff alike!

Week 9 was all about getting up close and personal with a variety of marine critters, giving students unforgettable encounters with the incredible biodiversity of our local waters!

Shell-ebration Moment: The highlight of the week was the discovery of a tiny baby pufferfish — a rare and exciting find that had everyone smiling in wonder!