Girls in STEM—Summer 2026

Q: Who may attend this program?
A: Bay Eco-Camp: Girls in STEM – Summer 2026 will focus exclusively on the experiences, needs, and empowerment of young women. This program is open to girls ages 13-14. Participant must be 13-14 at time of registration. The all-girls environment is intentional and designed to provide an effective summer learning experience. By creating a dedicated space for girls at this pivotal age range, we aim to provide a unique and powerful environment that research shows can significantly boost confidence and engagement in learning. We appreciate your understanding.

Q: What are the dates? Drop-off and pick-up times?
A: Monday, August 3, 2026–Friday, August 7, 2026
Drop-Off: Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Pick-Up: Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Q: Where is the drop-off and pick-up location?
A: Somers Cove Marina, 715 Broadway in Crisfield, Maryland 21817. We will meet at the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum located inside the marina parking area and depart as a group, via boat, to Port Isobel. We will not have any other means of transport to the education center, so we ask that drop-off and pick-up times are strictly adhered to.

Q: What is the fee?
A: $1,200.00 per student. The cost includes activities, meals, snacks, lodging, and ferry transport. Payment is due at the time of registration. We accept MasterCard, VISA, and American Express payments online.

Q: When is the registration deadline and what is the cancellation policy and waitlist process?
A: Space is limited to 20 students per camp on a first come, first served basis. Our scheduling team will notify parents via email if a space becomes available after the deadline.

Registration closes June 1, 2025. Cancellations on or before June 1 will receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations between June 2-June 30 will receive a 50 percent refund minus a $75 processing fee.

No refunds will be granted after June 30.

Q: What should my student pack for the week?
A: Please use this checklist as a guideline:
❑ 3 pairs of long lightweight pants
❑ 3 long-sleeved lightweight shirts
❑ 2 short-sleeved shirts
❑ 2 pairs of shorts
❑ Bathing suit
❑ Sun hat & Sunglasses
❑ 2 pairs of closed toed shoes/tennis shoes (one for getting very wet and muddy)
❑ 1 pair flip flops for inside the buildings
❑ Pillow, sleeping bag or twin sheets
❑ Refillable water bottle with name clearly printed on the side
❑ Toothbrush, toothpaste, toiletries, & towel
❑ Any prescribed medications – must be listed on CBF Health Form
❑ CBF Health Form printed & signed – provide to educator at drop off

Q: Are students allowed to bring their own food?
A: Meals and snacks will be provided. Students may bring additional snacks; however, the food portion of the fee is set.

Q: What activities will students participate in during the week?
A: We have an action-packed week of canoe trips, fishing, night hikes, boat excursions, beach exploration, and island hopping! This immersive program transforms the Chesapeake Bay into a living laboratory, utilizing canoeing and boating to explore diverse habitats like brackish marshes and open water. Participants will conduct rigorous field testing, measure biotic and abiotic indicators of ecosystem health, and synthesize this data in teams to develop evidence-based restoration recommendations. The experience provides practical, hands-on scientific method application, culminating in final “environmental consultant” presentations and a unique cultural visit to the historic Tangier Island fishing village.

Q: Will the students be outside all day?
A: We will be outside for a good portion of the day however we will also have some indoor activities to take breaks, rest, have meals, participate in group games or individual creative work.

Q: Is there cell service on the island?
A: Cell phone signal is a bit spotty, however, there is a landline, and the voicemail is checked once per day. For urgent issues, please leave a message at Port Isobel’s landline: 757-891-2512

Q: What is the staff to student ratio for the week?
A: There will be a maximum of 20 students and six staff.

Q: What are the accommodations like at Port Isobel, CBF’s island residential center?
A: Climate-controlled dormitory-style housing, with each room sleeping two to six participants; meeting areas and fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms. Showers are somewhat limited due to island living and water conservation however, we have an unlimited supply of dock showers.

Q: What are your staff’s qualifications and safety measures for vessels?
A: We take pride in our history of 50+ years in environmental education. CBF vessels are U.S. Coast Guard inspected, CBF captains hold a U.S. Coast Guard license, all captains and educators hold medical Wilderness First Responder Certification, CPR, First Aid, American Canoe Association Certification, and Boater Safety Certification. CBF requires personal floatation devices (PFDs) for all water activities. All CBF educators are highly trained and operate programs with a set of well-established safety policies. Take a look at our Safety and Educator Certification page.

Q: What happens in the event of bad weather?
A: We operate in rain or shine, as long as it is safe to do so. In the case of dangerous/severe weather, CBF program staff will engage the students indoors with a variety of group activities until the weather clears.

Q: What happens in the case of an emergency? Where is the nearest hospital?
A: Minor injuries are treated on site by our Wilderness First Responder certified field educators. More serious injuries will be referred to McCready Memorial Hospital, 201 Hall Hwy, Crisfield, MD. 21817 or Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Hospital 100 E Carroll St. in Salisbury, MD. 21801. Parents will be notified by CBF staff calls and texts. All participants are required to have a printed & signed copy of the participant health form at drop off on the first day.

Q: I have an older student that is interested in the Chesapeake Bay, can they participate in CBF education programs?
A: High school students interested in year-round or summer opportunities in advocacy, student professional development, and watershed exploration can learn about Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Student Leadership Program.

Q: Thanks for all the information, but I still have questions!
A: That’s okay! For questions, email us at bayecocamp@cbf.org or call 800-445-5572.