Captain Bio | Eco Educator Bio | Southern Route | Northern Route | Program Expectations | Education Overview
Chesapeake Bay Eco Sailing Camp
The Program:
Cape Charles Community Sailing is partnering with Weasel Creek Watershed Expeditions to offer a 6-day expedition exploring the southern Chesapeake Bay.
Capt. Brandon 'Mac' McCrary and Environmental Educator Jody Ullmann have led youth and adult excursions to educate and learn more about local watersheds in Northeast North Carolina and the Chesapeake Bay region.
Youth will embark on a 41ft Morgan Out Island sailboat from Cape Charles, Virginia, and travel to several iconic towns and quiet anchorages around the southern Bay. Along the way; thoughtful discussions, citizen science (i.e. plankton sampling and water quality testing), and conservation topics will aid in beginning to understand our local waters. Youth will participate as a member of the crew and aid in sail handling, sailing, and other aspects of living aboard a sailing vessel.
The expedition is designed to build group and personal skills by encouraging all participants to take an active role in all aspects of their experience. Youth are not required to have any experience in sailing or boating to participate in the expedition. Our expert staff is trained to work with all skill levels to ensure youth have a fulfilling and safe adventure.
Learn more from the links above to find Captain and Educator Bios, Sample Itineraries for Northern and Southern Routes, Program Expectations, and Education Overview.
Dates:
Session 1: June 9-14
Session 2: June 16-21
Minimum of 5 students to operate the program.
Ages: Highschool (rising 9th grade-12th)
Price: $1,500 per student. This covers the cost of lodging, meals, and excursions.
Pick Up/Drop Off Location: Oyster Farm Marina
REGISTER HERE!
CAMPER TESTIMONIALS
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“I had the privilege of sailing with Brandon on an ecological trip down the Albemarle Pamlico watershed. I cannot emphasize enough what a wonderful and educational experience this was because of Brandon's knowledge. He taught us the fundamentals of sailing while also sharing information about the different areas we passed through. His role as an educator and captain is evident, and he made our trip entirely spectacular. I would sail with him again in a heartbeat!”
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“The trip would not have been what it was [amazing] without the leadership of Jody Ullmann, I learned more from her in 6 days than I would have in a semester college course. Her expertise and guiding skills made the trip remarkable. Sailing allowed me to feel 'one with the water' and gave me a greater appreciation for the grandeur of the watershed.
I came aboard as a land mammal and left forever a sea weasel.” -
“Capt. Mac and Jody faced a challenge when gathering five individuals from diverse backgrounds to accomplish a goal, but we became a unit. They created and fostered an amazing culture of support, education, and science. Because of this trip, I have become more aware, have learned through hands-on, and I have come out a changed human.”
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“I was so grateful for the way that Captain Mac empowered us to be active participants throughout the experience. Having never sailed before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but his patience and straightforward determination gave me the confidence to try new things. I learned so much throughout our trip about sailing, science, and myself! Jody's careful planning resulted in engaging hands-on learning experiences that would appeal to learners of all ages.”VB Public Schools
