Every Monday this summer, the Hull Lifesaving Museum comes alive with the energy and excitement of young campers from Catholic Charities’ Sunset Point Camp. Thanks to a new partnership between the two organizations, children ages five to 16 are taking part in “Maritime Mondays,” a program designed to immerse them in Hull’s rich maritime history through hands-on learning and adventure.

For younger campers, ages five to 11, the museum becomes a space of discovery. Through interactive exhibits and maritime-themed activities, these children are introduced to the legacy of Hull’s historic lifesavers. They explore antique rescue equipment, try their hand at knot tying, and bring history to life through stories, games, and creative projects – all guided by the museum’s mission: Saving Lives Then, Changing Lives Now.

Older campers, ages 12 to 16, head to the water for the museum’s Learn to Row program. With guidance from experienced instructors, these teens learn to row traditional open-water boats, gaining not only technical skills but also teamwork and confidence. Their experience is rounded out with environmental education – harbor mapping, marine life observation, and even island exploration – offering them a deeper understanding of Boston Harbor’s ecosystem.

Sunset Point Camp, operated by Catholic Charities of Boston, has deep roots in Hull. Since 1919, it has provided summer experiences for underserved youth, many of whom may be seeing the ocean for the first time. The camp’s original dining hall, once part of a veterans’ hospital on Bumpkin Island, now serves children on the Hull mainland, continuing a century-old legacy of care and opportunity.

“This partnership is about more than just summer fun,” said Hull Lifesaving Museum Executive Director Mike McGurl. “It’s about creating access – access to the sea, to history, to learning, and to a sense of belonging.”

For many campers, Maritime Mondays offer a rare opportunity to step away from city life and connect with the natural world and local heritage. Whether exploring the museum’s collection or gliding across the harbor in a rowing gig, these young participants are not only making memories, they’re gaining new skills, building confidence, and becoming part of a story that stretches back more than a century.

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