The AYC Foundation Supports Annapolis Maritime Museum's Box of Rain: Bay Discovery Club

With the continued support of the AYC Foundation, the Annapolis Maritime Museum has had another successful year of inspiring students to explore and connect with the Chesapeake Bay through the Box of Rain: Bay Discovery Club.

Through hands-on exploration, field experiences, and environmental stewardship, students have built meaningful connections to the Bay while developing a deeper understanding of the ecosystems and communities that make it such a special place.

The Annapolis Maritime Museum's Box of Rain program connects under-resourced youth with the Chesapeake Bay and its maritime heritage through fun, educational, and hands-on experiences in nature. Serving hundreds of children ages 8–14 each year, the program fosters confidence, teamwork, and essential life skills while inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and broader community.

This year, Bay Discovery Club students explored kayaking, fishing, crabbing, outdoor cooking, water safety, and navigation, building resilience, independence, and lasting memories along the way.

One of the highlights of the year was the club’s exciting field trip to the Calvert Marine Museum, where the students explored interactive exhibits, discovered the rich maritime history and diverse ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay. The students also had the opportunity to see firsthand many of the species and habitats they had been studying throughout the year. The visit brought their learning to life in a fun and engaging way, making it a memorable experience for everyone. 

The Bay Discovery Club also continued its oyster restoration efforts by monitoring oyster cages, collecting water quality data, and learning how healthy oyster populations play a vital role in supporting the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. To cap off the experience, students had the opportunity to plant the oysters they had been caring for in a local sanctuary reef, leaving a meaningful, hands-on contribution to the Bay's restoration.

“Thank you to AYCF for their support of Box of Rain, it truly would not be possible without our sponsors.”