Student Leadership Summer Expeditions
Hike, fish, wade, and paddle in the most inspiring natural areas in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, all while learning how to be an effective advocate for the world around you!
Join us in the field this summer! These multi-day, overnight experiences are open to rising 9th-12th graders who are interested in joining fellow students in their mission to advance advocacy, take action, and raise awareness to help save the Bay. Expeditions primarily take place outdoors where participants investigate different parts of the watershed and engage with CBF staff, field experts, and scientists.
2026 Expeditions
Registration is now open! The following information applies to all five expeditions.
Important Information
Upon successful course completion, participants will earn at least 10 service-learning hours. Participants must provide their school’s required documentation during or after the expedition to receive hours.
A virtual orientation will take place June 3, 2026, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. A summary of the information shared will be made available for those who are unable to attend.
Generous support from CBF donors and grants allow us to offer our weeklong expeditions for $650. The actual cost to run these courses is more than $2,000 per participant. Financial aid is available. Request partial or full financial aid using the financial assistance request form.
All transportation, lodging, and meals are provided during the expeditions. Participants are expected to participate in meal preparation. Overnight accommodations may include camping (tents provided), dorm-style housing, or a combination of the two.
Cancellations made before June 1 will receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be granted after June 1; however, we are happy to transfer registration to another expedition, based on availability. All cancellation requests must be made in writing using this cancellation form.
Expedition registration closes May 22, 2026, or once each expedition reaches capacity. Waitlists will be created based on demand.
Kassie Fenn/CBF StaffMonday, June 22–Friday, June 26
Tributary & Bay Ecosystems Exploration
Open to rising 9th-12th graders in DC, MD, PA, VA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Maryland.
Rivers and streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are home to vibrant and dynamic ecosystems, areas that are essential to the work being done to save the Bay. Join fellow high school students for an action-packed week of exploration on and along major tributaries as well as the Bay itself. We will spend two days canoeing, boating, and hiking along rivers before traveling downstream to the Chesapeake Bay. Participants will learn from experts who are working to restore and improve water quality throughout the watershed, gain hands-on, real-world experience, and further develop their environmental leadership skills. This opportunity is perfect for students interested in environmental science, biology, history, and outdoor recreation.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight, which includes tent camping in MD and PA. CBF provides tents. All other necessary gear will be listed on the packing list.
Starting & Ending Points: Annapolis, MD.
Kassie Fenn/CBF StaffSunday, June 28–Thursday, July 2
Bay Science and Solutions at Washington College 1
Open to rising 10th-12th graders in DC, DE, MD, PA, VA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Maryland.
Join CBF Student Leadership and Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society (CES) for an elevated opportunity to experience and discover how science, innovation, and community-based solutions are being used to save the Bay! Located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s Chester River, Washington College’s CES provides a phenomenal setting for hands-on investigations of the methods scientists and researchers apply to study and restore ecosystems. Participants will have the opportunity to collect data alongside peers while kayaking, boating on a research vessel, exploring the Washington College River and Field Campus, and learning in state-of-the-art science labs. Participants have the option to receive a Washington College Environmental Science and Chesapeake Regional Studies credit that is transferable to other institutions at an additional cost. Due to high demand, this expedition is being offered twice this summer. Please register for the expedition that best suits your schedule – June 28-July 2 or July 13-17.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight, which includes tent camping in DE followed by dormitory-style housing at Washington College. CBF provides tents. All other necessary gear will be listed on the packing list. Please note, this course runs Sunday-Thursday.
Starting & Ending Points: Annapolis, MD
Jocelyn Tuttle/CBF StaffMonday, July 13–Friday, July 17
Bay Science and Solutions at Washington College 2
Open to rising 10th-12th graders in DC, DE, MD, PA, VA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Maryland.
Join CBF Student Leadership and Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society (CES) for an elevated opportunity to experience and discover how science, innovation, and community-based solutions are being used to save the Bay! Located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland’s Chester River, Washington College’s CES provides a phenomenal setting for hands-on investigations of the methods scientists and researchers apply to study and restore ecosystems. Participants will have the opportunity to collect data alongside peers while kayaking, boating on a research vessel, exploring the Washington College River and Field Campus, and learning in state-of-the-art science labs. Participants have the option to receive a Washington College Environmental Science and Chesapeake Regional Studies credit that is transferable to other institutions at an additional cost. Due to high demand, this expedition is being offered twice this summer. Please register for the expedition that best suits your schedule – June 28-July 2 or July 13-17.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight, which includes tent camping in DE followed by dormitory-style housing at Washington College. CBF provides tents. All other necessary gear will be listed on the packing list.
Starting & Ending Point: Annapolis, MD
Kassie Fenn/CBF StaffMonday, July 13–Friday, July 17
Exploring Eastern Virginia
Open to rising 9th -12th graders in DC, MD, VA, PA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Virginia.
The eastern part of Virginia is home to some of the state’s most important tributaries entering the Bay. This summer, join fellow student leaders as we explore the relationship between these low-lying lands and our waters. Participants will get a firsthand look at Virginia’s valuable and vulnerable landscapes as they travel through Virginia’s Coastal Plain, along the Eastern Shore, and culminate their experience at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center across from historic Tangier Island. Through this expedition, students will gain a greater understanding of how land and water are connected and ways they can advocate, raise awareness, and take action for clean water. Participants will camp, paddle, study the cultural importance of Tangier Island, and expand their knowledge of water quality and conservation.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight, which includes tent camping at Kiptopeke State Park followed by dormitory-style housing at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center. CBF provides tents. All other necessary gear will be listed on the packing list.
Starting & Ending Point: Richmond, VA or Virginia Beach, VA.
Sumner Askin/CBF StaffMonday, July 20–Friday, July 24
Chesapeake Connections & Actions
Open to rising 9th -12th graders in DC, MD, VA, PA. Please note, although this course is open to students from across the watershed, this expedition will start and end in Maryland.
Join fellow high school students to connect, learn, and take action as we explore environmental issues in the Bay region. We’ll travel to unique places and discover the magic of the Bay found in its rivers, marshes, farmlands, and within the communities along its shores. This one-of-a-kind expedition will equip participants to become the next generation of environmental leaders, whether they are just beginning their journey or building upon past experiences. Participants will acquire new skills, as well as a deeper knowledge and appreciation for saving the Bay and its tributaries.
Length & Location: This five-day event is in-person and overnight, which includes tent camping in Prince George’s County and dormitory-style housing at CBF’s Port Isobel Island Environmental Education Center. CBF provides tents. All other necessary gear will be listed on the packing list.
Starting & Ending Point: Prince George’s County, MD
Early Bird Registration is now open for Prince George’s County students!
Program Staffing and CBF Educators
There will be at least two CBF educators staffing each summer expedition. Other CBF staff and educators may join the group as captains, hosts at island education centers, or as resources for learning.
CBF educators receive the following certifications:
- Wilderness First Responder
- CPR
- American Canoe Association River Canoe Day Trip Leading
- Boater Safety
Our educators serve as facilitators. They establish a clear learning pathway for the student experience, guiding students’ journey while allowing ample freedom and choice for them to explore and investigate environmental issues that reflect their interest. We believe that allowing students to follow their passion is the best way for them to discover their own leadership capacity. Our professional educators ensure a safe and positive learning environment while respecting students as individuals. Within each group, we seek to cultivate a culture of empowerment, encouraging curiosity and mutual respect.
