Something Fishy Camp
Now in its 17th 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 2023-2024 school year. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers. Transportation to and from camp is NOT provided.
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 will be selected through a lottery process. Applications are due by June 10, 2024.
Access the applications here: Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2024 camp. Please check back next year.
Applications should be delivered to: Something Fishy Camp, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, 33 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02470.
Please contact programs@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894 with any questions.
Something Fishy Camp is produced by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center in partnership with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the Whaling History Alliance.
Funding is provided by the New Bedford Day Nursery Fund, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the National Park Foundation, BayCoast Bank, Bristol County Savings Bank, and a Community Funding Grant from the Bristol County District Attorney.
Campers try their hand at fish tagging during a workshop led by fisheries scientists from the UMASS Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology
Visiting ranger Marieke Slovin engages campers in a songwriting workshop.
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 Corson Maritime Learning Center at 33 William Street serves as home base. This location offers easy walking access to most of the field trips.
Campers take a guided tour of New Bedford Harbor with Whaling City Expeditions
Ron Enoksen, Vice President of Eastern Fisheries talks with campers ahead of their dockside tour of a working scallop vessel
