Something Fishy Camp

Applications for this program are now closed

If you are interested in next year's camps, please check this page in the spring of 2023.

 

NPS Photo

Now in its 16th year, Something Fishy is a free summer camp program which has been produced since 2008 by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (formerly Working Waterfront Festival) in collaboration with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the Whaling History Alliance.

In a one week (30 hour) program, campers learn about the Port of New Bedford from whaling days to the present through hands-on activities in marine science and the arts, daily field trips, and guest presenters.

Something Fishy Camp is open to any New Bedford student who will be in 4th grade during the 2022-2023 school year. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers. Transportation to and from camp is NOT provided.

When and where is it?

Check-in for all the programs will start at 8:45 AM with the programs starting promptly at 9:00 AM. We highly encourage arriving on time for the success of the program. The camps will run 3 sessions, each being 1 week long. Below is the primary location of the program for morning drop and for afternoon pick up at the end of the programs:

Sessions	Date:	Location:	Address:
Week 1	TBD	Visitor Center Garden	33 William st., New Bedford MA 02740
Week 2	TBD	Visitor Center Garden	33 William st., New Bedford MA 02740
Week 3	TBD	Visitor Center Garden	33 William st., New Bedford MA 02740

Who can participate?

All current New Bedford 3rd graders/rising 4th graders are welcome to apply. Applications will be distributed through the New Bedford Public Schools in late spring. Campers are selected through a lottery process.

How much does it cost?

This program is 100% FREE to attend! However, anyone who would like to participate must apply and be admitted to the program before participating.

Program Overview:

The camp curriculum is designed to provide New Bedford children with an introduction to the history and culture of the working port from whaling days to the present. Camp activities are largely project-based and include hands-on marine science, arts and crafts, games, chantey singing, daily field trips to local maritime sites (Whaling Museum, Seamen’s Bethel, Buzzards Bay Coalition, Eastern Fisheries, Fisherman’s Wharf, etc.), and guest presenters (fishermen, marine scientists, maritime artists and musicians, etc.). The National Park’s Visitor Center garden and Corson Building at 33 William Street serves as home base. This location offers easy walking access to most of the field trips.

What to Expect:

Check-in & Orientation: Upon arrival on the morning of each camp day, parents and gardiens will need to sign-in at the registration table with a park ranger and pogram managers. During the 1st check-in you will receive a brief welcome and safety talk along with a handout that will have the weekly schedule for the participant.

How do I register?

Applications for this program is now closed.

For next years program, we encourage you to keep an eye out for the opening of registration as early as the spring.

A Special Thank You to Our Partners:

This program is made possible in part with support from the park's friends group, Whaling History Alliance. However, this program would not have been possible without the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center and their generous donors. Big thanks to many community organizations who help to create a fun and memorable program for our participants.