5-Day/4-Night Summer Science + Nature Camps

Delve Deep into the Wonders of Penikese Island

Penikese Island Summer Programs bring selected, female students outside to learn about and explore the natural world through the island's 75-acre preserve. 

In six sessions each lasting 5-days/4-nights, our summer programs encourage the spirit of discovery!

In late June 2019 PIS hosted a highly lauded 4-day 3-night mini-science camp for middle school girls representing all the middle schools on Martha’s Vineyard.  The program was enhanced by visiting women scientists who provided hands-on laboratories and nature-based explorations on a rotating basis.  Drawing on the rich environment of Penikese and talents within the local scientific community, workshops included marine biology, avian biology nesting habitat and behaviors, electronics and robotics, underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), molecular structures and surface tension, and microbiology.  Time was allocated for team meal preparations, group arts & crafts, singing, and journaling. 

The group leaders produced a spectacular video, available below or online at YouTube. 

The main living quarters are modeled on a 19th century New England farm house and built, in large part, using salvaged beams found on and around Penikese Island. The house uses solar panels for nominal electrical needs and wood for heating and cooking. It has hot and cold running water, indoor and outdoor showers, and a clean composting Clivus Multrum toilet facility. It can be used in any season of the year. There is additionally a one-room “schoolhouse” building and a spacious workshop or studio building. Educational programs are run in the various Penikese buildings and at stations spread across Penikese Island.

PIS has long experience making sure that its programs and facilities are as safe as possible. For many years licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early & Secondary Education (DESE), PIS has safely transported hundreds of people to and from the island over our 45 plus year history. DESE has even commended PIS on our health, safety and emergency protocols. In case of medical emergencies, the US Coast Guard Station at Menemsha (Martha’s Vineyard) and Boston MedFlight helicopters are prepared to respond.