You're invited to visit the river -- or we'll bring the river to you!
WHY THE FLOATING CLASSROOM?
The Floating Classroom is the anchor of our environmental education programs. Through the Floating Classroom, we work to make sure that all youth have access to the Ipswich River.
We want to facilitate a journey to environmental advocacy and care for all kids, teens, and young adults who are connected to the Ipswich River. Sometimes, that journey starts in a boat!
The Floating Classroom is offered to our youth-serving partner organizations for free, because we believe every kid deserves to explore their river.
FIELD TRIPS AND VISITS TO YOU
Whether you visit us or we visit you, we can create a custom program exploring themes like local wildlife and food webs, ecosystem services, native plants, and environmental stewardship with our staff, interns, and volunteers.
Field trips at a glance:
- Kayaks and canoes available May-October
- Up to 15 youth on the water at a time - up to 60 youth per day visit
- Plan for a 2-hour trip (add 1 hour for every additional 15 youth)
- Take a nature walk on 1.5 miles of trails
- Use our Outdoor Classroom as your home base
Visits to you at a glance:
- 30-minute small-group activities
- We don't bring live animals -- except for bugs, if you ask!
- Based on your preferences, we can include themed crafts, movement games, stories, nature walks, or science experiments
- Emphasis on environmental protection and water conservation
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are what make the Floating Classroom a valuable learning and community bonding experience for ALL!
We need help of all kinds. As a Floating Classroom volunteer, you can:
- Get kids and teens in kayaks and canoes -- sometimes, for their first time!
- Lead a nature walk and share your love of the outdoors
- Greet visiting groups and make sure they have what they need
- Prep craft materials or other activity materials
- Bring your own ideas for crafts, activities, or a skill you want to share
- Lead a paddle, if you're up for it!
Join us for a training day in the spring, where you'll learn paddling basics, gather some tips and tricks for outdoor education, and meet like minded folks!
All volunteers who would with children must submit to a CORI background check.
If you are interested in our education programs, please contact our Education Program Manager, Emma Hughen, at [email protected]