They're In!! Blue Ocean Society Moves Into Hampton Beach Discovery Center!

I just received the a note from Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Director of the Blue Ocean Socciety with some VERY exciting news:  

"After many weeks of proposals and contract development, we finally got our key for the Hampton Beach North Pavilion space today!  We are very excited that we are finally going to be opening the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, very soon!

We still have lots of prep work, but our plan is to be open regular hours starting Saturday, June 29, and be open from 10 AM-7 PM seven days per week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 AM we’ll do a story time/arts and crafts with kids, and every day at 5 PM we’ll do a tideline nature walk/beach cleanup.  

There will be a minimal admission fee to add value to the space and prevent overcrowding. Children under 5 will be free, and everyone else will pay $1.  We are also hoping to do a call for “Friends of the Blue Ocean Discovery Center” who will receive free admission if they donate $25 or more."

This will be a great addition to the Seacoast and I am very excited that other local leaders such as the Hampton Area Beach Commission and the Hampton Village Precinct got behind this project and that the state approved it.    

It is now up to us to ensure that the Discovery Center is a success, not just this year but for many years to come. 

If you are interested in being involved, here are some ways you can help:

1. Blue Ocean is looking for sponsors – sponsors will be recognized with signage inside the space, as well as on theirweb site, in social media, and in media releases. If you know of anyone, please contact Jen directly at jen@blueoceansociety.org
2. Blue Ocean is also looking for volunteers!  If you know anyone that might be interested in serving as an educator, helping with children’s activities, or just answering questionsabout the area, they can fill out a volunteer application at http://blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/volunteer.html 
3. They have a wish list of items that they are looking for, if you know of anyone who may be able to donate. This list includes: 

• a flat screen TV to display videos, program information, etc. that will run throughout the day
• bookshelves for the children’s activity corner
• a children’s table or picnic table
• a display case that is at least 4’ wide by 3’ tall that can display some maritime items
• a fan to help keep everyone cool
• a mini fridge for food for the animals and staff lunches
• cleaning equipment – a broom and dustpan, and a small vacuum

Congratulations to Jen, the Blue Ocean Society and also to Winnacunnet teacher Cathy Silver who has been the driving force behind bringing this type of center to Hampton for many years.  Well Done!!