Bay Explorers (Ages 8-15) 

A week in the Bay Explorers program will be filled with kayaking, swimming, sailing, paddling, and exploring Onset Bay! This full-day, week-long session offers the best of what the Onset Bay Center has to offer. The Bay Explorers program allows for discovery, learning, and play in an outdoor setting while promoting teamwork, respect, and environmental awareness. 

Participants are required to be comfortable in open water while wearing a life jacket. 
Bay Explorers Sessions (Full Day Only): 8:30 am – 4:00pm | Program Cost: $250/week   

Sailing Day Camp (Ages 8 – 15) 

Take your summer adventure to the next level as you become more comfortable and knowledgeable about sailing! A great option for beginners and experienced sailors alike, our sailing camps offer group lessons aboard our fleet of sailboats. Learn the basics of sailing or build upon previous experience as you hone your skills on our sailboats, specifically designed for training.  Coaching, delivered by highly qualified instructors, includes sailing skills, parts of the boat, rigging, capsize recovery, basic navigation, knots, and more. 

In addition to nautical skills, the program encourages children to learn teamwork, self-reliance, and responsibility through activities on and off the water. 

Participants are required to be comfortable in open water while wearing a life jacket. 
Full Day Sailing Camps – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Program Cost: $250/week  
Half Day Sailing Camps – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm *or* 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Program Cost: $150/week 

FREE Waterfront Training Academy (Ages 13+) 

Waterfront Training Academy provides the opportunity for older children to become leaders in our programs, working alongside Lead and Junior Instructors, in a structured, camper-focused program. 

This program is designed for children ages 13-16 (As of June 24, 2024) who have previously participated in our programs. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and respectful role model who has a passion for and some experience in activities on the water, and an affinity for working with younger children. 

Academy participants will spend their days assisting groups of younger children in their daily lessons and activities, while receiving waterfront and group management training throughout the session! Activities may include kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing, beach exploration, and more. 

This is a great opportunity to gain skills and experience for those interested in working in a waterfront role in the future! Thousands of summer camps, sailing centers, and community boating centers are looking to hire young instructors with sailing and/or waterfront experience. This program will give participants a head start in their training and certifications to fill those roles! 

Each week, there will be a maximum of 6 spaces available: 2 spots with sailing programs, and 4 spots with Bay Explorers. There is no Waterfront Training Academy over the 4th of July weekend.
Full Day Waterfront Training Academy: 8:30am – 4:00pm | FREE 

Week of July 4th- Explore and Save! 

On July 1, 2, and 3, full-day Sailing Camp and Bay Explorers sessions will be offered as individual, single-day sessions. Sign up for 1 day (or all 3!) for $50/day. 

Summer 2024 Schedule 

Session 1: June 24 – June 28              
Session 2: July 1 – 3 (Single day sessions $50/day, Half day sessions not available)   
Session 3: July 8 – July 12
Session 4: July 15 – July 19                  
Session 5: July 22 – July 26                                                  
Session 6: July 29 – Aug. 2
Session 7: Aug. 5 – Aug. 9                   
Session 8: Aug. 12 – 16                                                            
Session 9: Aug. 19 – 23 

Summer Scholarship & Registration Information 

Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scholarships will cover up to two sessions in the 2024 summer season. All scholarship application forms are kept strictly confidential. You can view our scholarship application here. 

Preference is given first to residents of Onset, Wareham and Buzzards Bay; second, to residents of other Buzzards Bay watershed towns; and third, to residents of any town outside of the watershed.  Households earning between $50,000 and $70,000 per year will receive a 75% discounted rate; households earning <$50,000 per year will receive a 100% discounted rate. 

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please send your completed form to weldon@savebuzzardsbay.org prior to registering for any programs.