Onset Bay Center Outdoor Exploration Programs

Onset Bay Center’s (OBC) 2026 got off to a fun and frigid start. On January 1, hundreds of local families and their camper kids participated in BBC's annual polar plunge to raise funds for OBC and the Onset Bay Association. Over the following months staff spent time organizing partnerships for school based field trips and opened enrollment for the 2026 summer camp season. Within two weeks of open enrollment capacity was nearing 60% and $45,000 in scholarship support was awarded to low-income families. OBC's popularity is increasing year after year and it is expected that this summer will see 100% enrollment at 400 campers. Waterfront Training Academy totaled 31 campers over an eight week period. In 2026 BBC's goal is to hit 48 campers for it Waterfront Training Academy and that 100 unique kids or 30% of all participants receive scholarship support. Looking forward, additional Summer 2026 improvement and plans include:

• Adding Young Bay Explorers Camp for kids ages 6-7 to include half-day morning program and group and beach based activities;
• Expanding the Waterfront Training Academy to a second year program;
• Increasing swim programs for Bay Explorer Camps;
• Updating the Boathouse for rolling racks, paddle storage and changing rooms; and
• Purchasing more and smaller kayaks for younger youth groups.

We are deeply grateful to our GlobalGiving donors for making this possible and for helping us foster a love of the Bay in the next generation.

Onset Bay Center’s summer programs continued attracting campers from Southeastern Massachusetts as a result of the Coalition operating, for the first year, as an official licensed camp, maintaining a diligent commitment to high safety, staffing, and youth programming standards. The Center expanded and diversified its offerings, giving children a wider range of opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with the Bay. Bay Explorers Camp totaled 362 campers over an eight week period. In 2026 BBC's goal is to hit 400 camper capacity. Sailing Camp totaled 156 campers over an eight week period. In 2026 BBC's goal is to hit 160 camper capacity. Waterfront Training Academy totaled 31 campers over an eight week period. In 2026 BBC's goal is to hit 48 camper capacity. Scholarships totaling $50,000 are aimed to be awarded to low-income families, representing 100 unique kids or 30% of all participants in 2026, ensuring broad access for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity. Looking forward, additional Summer 2026 improvement and plans include:

• Adding Young Bay Explorers Camp for kids ages 6-7 to include half-day morning program and group and beach based activities;
• Expanding the Waterfront Training Academy to a second year program;
• Increasing swim programs for Bay Explorer Camps;
• Updating the Boathouse for rolling racks, paddle storage and changing rooms; and
• Purchasing more and smaller kayaks for younger youth groups.

We are deeply grateful to our GlobalGiving donors for making this possible and for helping us foster a love of the Bay in the next generation.

Links:

• OBC Home Page
• Meet the Team
• Explore Our Year-Round Youth Programs