No, knowledge of swimming is helpful but not mandatory. Any time a participant is on or near the water, we wear a life jacket.
Yes, participants are invited to bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jackets, but we have plenty for them to use for the duration of the program.
Yes, depending on timing, if your program starts at noon or later, lunch should be eaten before the start. Always bring a snack to the program. DBMS is a nut-free program, pack a nut-free snack or lunch. If you pack nut-free butter please write a note that lets us know what it is.
All participants must wear closed-toed shoes, shoes must be worn at all times including swimming and at the beach. Examples include Crocs, old sneakers, or water shoes.
Other helpful items:
- Bathing suit (please come with it on if possible)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable water bottleĀ
- Extra sunscreen
- Warm, dry change of clothes
- Towel
- Life jacket – we have plenty on hand if you donāt bring one from home
- Nut-free snackĀ
- Sweatshirt
- Change of clothes
- Extra pair of shoes (flip flops are fine – this is just in case we lose a pair in the mud!)
Programs run rain or shine so please dress accordingly. If wind and water conditions are not ideal for being on the water, we will offer land based activities. It is typically colder here on the water so layers are best. Please send your child in lightweight athletic-type clothing that dries quickly. We have locker rooms if a child needs to change.
Most of our marine science programs do leave campus at some point. All programs use our 24-foot Carolina skiffs to get out on the water. All programs, with the exception of our 4-6-year-old program, will use our 15-passenger van to travel to local beaches and habitats that align with our lesson of the day. Our 9+ programming will be going on field trips to different establishments that align with our program topics.
Our 15-passenger van is a typical passenger vehicle with cross shoulder and lap seat belts that students will be required to buckle into. If your child requires a booster seat please drop one off, labeled with your child’s name to DBMS 1 hour prior to the start of your child’s program. We can hold on to the booster seat for the duration of the program or return it each week.
The program time may change to accommodate the field trip. The time change will be explained in the welcome email and the program description.
Yes, we have expanded our programming to offer classes for 6-9 and 9+ during the same weeks through the summer.
No, their sailing instructor will stay with them and allow them to eat lunch or a snack before their marine science class. The same works in reverse!
No, please sign them up for the 4-6 year old age group. Our 6-9 will be designed for kids who have already been through a year of school.
This new program is a great way to extend your day at DBMS. Pair this new program with one of our kayaking, SUP, or one-week sailing classes! This class will feature a new topic each day, with lessons, hands-on learning, crafts, experiments, and games!
At DBMS, our goal is to make your childās program experience a positive and educational one where they feel supported and included in daily activities. In support of this goal, is there anything we should know about your child that would help them be more successful in their program at DBMS? Please give us a call at (781) 934-7555.