Youth Programs & Activities

NESS offers a mix of programs throughout the year that include sailing and building SEL skills through experiential learning activities.

Marine Mavens - Women on the Water

Marine Mavens

NESS aims to introduce our “mavens” to different aspects of the maritime industry and STEM through sailing, kayaking, powerboating, safety certifications, and field trips to local ocean-related businesses. All programs are taught by women at NESS to give you an inside look at the maritime industry and highlight women on the water! This program allows students to expand their horizons and explore the marine and seafaring industries through hands-on experiences and certification courses.
MARINE MAVENS
Ecology Exploration Tidepool

School Break Programs

School's Out, STEM's In! NESS's School Break Programs are designed to engage students with fun, educational, and adventurous activities through STEM-based adventures and marine science discoveries in Weather, Anatomy, Marine Art, Watersheds, Aquaponics, and more.
School Break Programs
Crazy Chemistry Elementary School Experiment

NLPS Year-Round Schooling Break Programs

In partnership with New London Public Schools (NLPS), NESS offers experiential learning programs to explore and dive deeper into STEM concepts during school breaks.

Year-Round Schooling Break Programs are available and FREE to students enrolled in the NLPS Year-Round Schooling Program.
NLPS Year-Round Schooling Break Programs

Homeschool Programs

Join NESS as we explore, design, investigate, sail, and go on adventures! Homeschool students meet once a week or once a month to dive deeper into STEM concepts and experience all NESS has to offer.

Homeschool programs focus on implementing hands-on experiential learning, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Ocean Literacy Principles (OLP), and CASEL Social and Emotional Learning Framework (SEL) with NESS experiences and activities.
Homeschool Programs

After-School Programs

Get outside and on the water this fall with NESS’s action-packed after-school programs! Designed for students of all skill levels, our programs offer hands-on learning and outdoor fun through surfing, swimming lessons, kayaking, sailing, and sport fishing.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Summer Camp Programs

NESS Summer Camp Programs offer a unique combination of on-the-water and in-the-classroom lessons to spark curiosity, enhance learning, and encourage students to step out of their comfort zones. This includes sailing, marine science, adventure sports, and powerboating courses.
Summer Camp Programs
NESS school field expedition Sonar Sailing in Stonington Harbor.

Sailing with NESS

At NESS, we aim to get everyone out on the water regardless of age, skill level, or ability. As a US Sailing-recognized Community Sailing Center, we offer the highest standard of quality instruction and facilities. Whether you are a novice looking to try a new sport, an intermediate sailor, an adaptive athlete, or even a seasoned racer, NESS is ready to get you out on the water with our sailing programs.
Community Sailing
NESS student practicing CPR

American Red Cross Safety Training

Designed for individuals, coaches, teachers, lifeguards, and others who work or play on, in, or near water, our classes can not only help you stay safe but also give you the skills to help others during times of crisis.
SAFETY TRAINING

Francis Pandolfi Porgy Fishing Tournament

Thank you for joining NESS on August 9, 2025, for the 8th Annual Francis Pandolfi Porgy Fishing Tournament! 
Porgy Fishing Tournament

Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic & Beach Cleanup

Celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 20, 2025, by getting out on the water and supporting your community! The Annual Catch a Curl Youth Surf Classic is open to beginners through advanced youth surfers and is followed by a community Beach Cleanup open to all. 
CATCH A CURL

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