PORTSMOUTH/RYE—
The Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Teen program is a series of adventure learning experiences designed by teens, for teens. Over the course of the year, participants explore coastal waters by kayak and visit a variety of environmentally and historically important sites throughout the greater seacoast. According to the Center’s School Program Coordinator Henry Burke, the program “offers teens the opportunity to socialize with like-minded teens in a healthy environment: an environment that cultivates a passion for science and the ocean. The team activities and problem-solving skills attained over the course of the series inform the decisions teens make along their path to adulthood.” Burke notes that the program started in 2004, and, with support from Bank of America, has evolved significantly each year. This year, thanks to continued funding from Bank of America, young residents of the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) communities will be joining the program.
According to PHA Resident Services Coordinator Emmanouella Vendouri, “The Marine Teen program is extremely important for the young people of the Gosling and Wamesit Place communities because it will provide them academic, social and recreational opportunities in safe, structured and fun ways. In addition, close observations of the personal, emotional and social development of our young participants have indicated that when we expose them to the natural world around them, they develop a sense of appreciation, self assurance and curiosity which leads each of them to continue the desire to grow in all personal and social levels. This self discovery plays a vital role in their personal growth and understanding her/his individual existence; the connections, similarities and differences as co-existing species on our planet.” Vendouri adds that this important “introduction to the natural world is only possible through meaningful collaborations, such as this one of the Seacoast Science Center.”
Both Burke and Vendouri recognize the importance of creating communities of teens through shared experiences. This year, the existing Marine Teen community will be extended to include youths who would not otherwise recreate together. Both educators are excited about the opportunities that will emerge as the young people gain perspectives from each other while share in the program’s activities.
Burke adds that the Foundation’s support also keeps the program affordable for all. The 2011 Marine Teen series starts with a trip to the New England Aquarium Saturday May 7. Find out more at the Center’s website (www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/programs/day_camp) or contact Henry Burke directly at 603-436-8043 ext. 16; h.burke@seacentr.org.
Photo caption: Seacoast Science Center Marine Teens explore tide pools at night to observe nocturnal creatures’ activity. (Courtesy photo)
The Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Teen program is a series of adventure learning experiences designed by teens, for teens. Over the course of the year, participants explore coastal waters by kayak and visit a variety of environmentally and historically important sites throughout the greater seacoast. According to the Center’s School Program Coordinator Henry Burke, the program “offers teens the opportunity to socialize with like-minded teens in a healthy environment: an environment that cultivates a passion for science and the ocean. The team activities and problem-solving skills attained over the course of the series inform the decisions teens make along their path to adulthood.” Burke notes that the program started in 2004, and, with support from Bank of America, has evolved significantly each year. This year, thanks to continued funding from Bank of America, young residents of the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) communities will be joining the program.
According to PHA Resident Services Coordinator Emmanouella Vendouri, “The Marine Teen program is extremely important for the young people of the Gosling and Wamesit Place communities because it will provide them academic, social and recreational opportunities in safe, structured and fun ways. In addition, close observations of the personal, emotional and social development of our young participants have indicated that when we expose them to the natural world around them, they develop a sense of appreciation, self assurance and curiosity which leads each of them to continue the desire to grow in all personal and social levels. This self discovery plays a vital role in their personal growth and understanding her/his individual existence; the connections, similarities and differences as co-existing species on our planet.” Vendouri adds that this important “introduction to the natural world is only possible through meaningful collaborations, such as this one of the Seacoast Science Center.”
Both Burke and Vendouri recognize the importance of creating communities of teens through shared experiences. This year, the existing Marine Teen community will be extended to include youths who would not otherwise recreate together. Both educators are excited about the opportunities that will emerge as the young people gain perspectives from each other while share in the program’s activities.
Burke adds that the Foundation’s support also keeps the program affordable for all. The 2011 Marine Teen series starts with a trip to the New England Aquarium Saturday May 7. Find out more at the Center’s website (www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/programs/day_camp) or contact Henry Burke directly at 603-436-8043 ext. 16; h.burke@seacentr.org.
Photo caption: Seacoast Science Center Marine Teens explore tide pools at night to observe nocturnal creatures’ activity. (Courtesy photo)
