Week one of NESS has already come to a close! Our students got out on the water to enjoy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while also learning about wind, watersheds, and the unique environment of Stonington Harbor.

The first week of camp wasn’t the only milestone at NESS this week. Wednesday marked NESS’s birthday and the end of an incredible 25-day fundraiser! Together, we unlocked two matching gifts and showed what’s possible when a community comes together for our students.

What an incredible Week 2! From discovering marine life to learning how to harness the wind on the water and on land, our students packed every day with adventure, fun, and new skills. Thursday was a huge success for our Junior Fishing group—they reeled in an incredible 32 fish in just 2 hours! Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week.

Week 3 was filled with adventure, teamwork, and new skills! Students spent the week out on Stonington Harbor sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, all while building confidence and having fun on the water. We were especially proud of our morning Junior Guards, who spent the week learning valuable lifesaving skills that help make our waters safer for everyone. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week!

Week 4 was packed with adventure on and off the water! Our campers enjoyed sailing and a variety of adventure sports while building confidence and trying new activities. On Thursday, we welcomed the U.S. Navy Child and Youth Program for a fun day at Ocean Beach, where campers explored the local beach marine biology and spent time kayaking. We wrapped up the week with New London Recreation, who put their engineering skills to the test by discovering which materials float before designing and building their own boats to launch on the water. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week!

Week 5 was full of adventure, exploration, and hands-on learning at NESS! Although smoky skies from the Canadian wildfires drifted into Stonington this week, our campers continued making the most of their time on the water while building new skills, exploring the marine environment, and creating lasting memories. From sailing to hands-on science activities, the fun never slowed down.

This week, we also welcomed The Foote School from New Haven at Ocean Beach. Students tested water quality, explored aquatic life, and discovered the incredible adaptations that allow these animals to thrive in their habitats. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week!

Week 6 was filled with sunshine, adventure, and plenty of fun on the water! Our campers made the most of the beautiful weather through sailing and other exciting water activities all week long.

We also welcomed New London Recreation to Ocean Beach, where students explored the wonders of deep-sea life and discovered some of the ocean's most fascinating creatures and adaptations. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week!

Week 7 was full of adventure, exploration, and fun on the water! Our campers made the most of another exciting week at NESS through sailing, kayaking, and other water activities while enjoying all that Stonington Harbor has to offer.

Our marine biologists had an exciting discovery at Sandy Point this week, finding lots of baby horseshoe crabs while exploring the shoreline. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week!

Week 8 brought another exciting week of adventure on the water! Our campers spent their days sailing around Stonington Harbor and exploring the Long Island Sound, making the most of the beautiful summer weather.

Along the way, marine biologists discovered a variety of fascinating marine species and gained a closer look at the incredible ecosystems that make our local waters so unique. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the week!

From epic mornings fishing and sailing to new discoveries tidepooling and snorkeling, Week 09 was full of adventure, discovery, and stories from the sea! Our afternoon Mixed Adventure Sports campers even enjoyed a special private tour of the Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum, led by one of NESS’s Safety Committee members. With this week’s shipwreck theme, campers explored the history of local wrecks, including the Onondaga, and even had the chance to hold a real artifact from the shipwreck!