Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by Eugene.

Not everything is fun and games at Camp Castaway. Before kayaking to their camping spot at Italian Gardens (a beach a short distance west of Long Point), the teen Castaways made an attempt to learn the fading art of triangulation, a necessary tool of the marine navigator prior to the common use of GPS units. We worked with our teens (and counselors) throughout the morning, showing them a chart of the local area, teaching them how to read landmarks, depth and the “compass rose.” After making their own sounding lines using 40 fathoms of butcher’s twine and 12 oz. fishing sinkers, they set off on kayaks to practice getting compass bearings on landmarks in order to triangulate their position, following a heading and determining the depth in an attempt to get a position fix. Because there was a lot of “math” involved, it wasn’t the most popular workshop of the week, but I believe a little understanding in how things work related to “fun” can be just as rewarding.

If you don’t know what a “fix” is, where one might find a “compass rose,” or the purpose of a “sounding line,” just ask any of them! They may surprise you (and themselves!)

Posted in Camp Director | 1 Comment »

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by Robin White.

Searching the tide pools for new creatures.

Posted in Staff Post | 1 Comment »

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by Robin White.

For studying plankton we set up lights on he pier to attract fish and plankton. A great surprise was seeing a flying fish!

Posted in Staff Post | 1 Comment »