It’s that time of year again: parents everywhere are thinking about and booking their children’s summer camps. Often we choose the same camp year after year, but sometimes we think about being more adventurous, and offering our kids a totally different experience that could spark a new passion that lasts a lifetime.

San Francisco Maritime Camp

That’s what got us thinking about the unique and educational San Francisco Maritime sailing camp. As a non-profit partner to the Maritime National Parks, Maritime Sailing Camp gives kids an insider look at our bay’s maritime history and the opportunity to explore the Maritime National Park and San Francisco Bay just like a sailor or scientist would.

Campers also get the chance to test water samples, go rowing in whaleboats, and examine the bay’s mud and the creatures who live in it. They’ll also get to check out the World War II submarine Pampanito and go sailing for a day on the historic scow schooner Alma.

A fabulous option for boys and girls alike, San Francisco Maritime camp starts at $250 (aftercare is extra), and sessions run weekly throughout the month of July.