Educational for Both Children and Adults
The Schooner Sultana is a replica of the 1768 Boston-built merchant vessel that served for four years as the smallest schooner ever in the British Royal Navy. Manned by a 25-person crew, the original Sultana patrolled the coastline of colonial North America from 1768 to 1772 enforcing the hated Townsend Acts or “Tea Taxes.” Today, the Sultana Education Foundation offers a diverse variety of history and science-based field programs serving students and teachers throughout Maryland and beyond.
The foundation works closely with partner schools and the Maryland State Department of Education to design and implement programs that stimulate classroom learning and increase student understanding of the Chesapeake Bay. SpinSheet team member Brooke King recently experienced one of these field trips with her third grade daughter and found it to be fun and educational, even for the adults.
Of the sail she says: “The crew was awesome and super engaging. We dropped a net and caught a few different species of fish, including the Hogchoker which can suction to your face! We learned how to test the salinity of the water and learned more about the Chester River. We watched as the crew hoisted the sails and the kids were able to participate. The coolest part for many was to see how the captain and crew lived below-deck. The small spaces and limited food choices (tea, dried peas, hard tack mainly, but oysters were a special treat). It was a great day on the Sultana!”
Now that summer is in full swing, the foundation offers a variety of programs for children of varying ages, from canoe or kayak week-long day programs to five-day overnight trips on the Sultana. If the adults are feeling left out, there are also public sails and paddles available.
The foundation offers two-hour public sails on the Sultana throughout the summer (tickets are generally $30 for adults and $15 for ages 12 and under). There are also public kayak paddles, with themes ranging from a Lotuses, Wetlands, and Waterfowl and Foliage Paddles in October. For the extra adventurous, there are even a few multi-day adventures for adults (after years of requests from jealous parents and grandparents).
So whether you prefer a paddling excursion, a tall ship sail, or a Bay-centric summer camp for your children, there’s plenty of ways to get out on the water with the Sultana Education Foundation. Learn more at sultanaeducation.org.
