Kids in the summer at the Onset Bay Center.

As the summer nears and people are looking to enjoy the waterfront, we wanted to make you aware of new developments at the Onset Bay Center in 2025 that reflect our commitment to excellence in instruction, safety, and expanded programming for the community.

• Licensed Summer Camp: We are now officially licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Wareham Board of Health. This allows us to expand our summer programming beyond what we do in the other seasons, while demonstrating our commitment to the highest safety standards.
• Red Cross Training Facility: As an official American Red Cross Training Facility, we now offer CPR, AED, and First Aid courses, Lifeguard Certification, and Basic Water Rescue—essential training for our summer team and a vital service for the broader community.
• Health Care Oversight: We’ve hired a Health Care Consultant on our summer team—a Nurse Practitioner from Wareham Elementary School—who is on call for emergencies and onsite every Monday during summer camp. This role also provides training and oversight to our Health Care Supervisors and supports our team of Lifeguards and First Aid staff.
• Elevated Instructor Standards: While our Lead Instructors have always held credentials from US Sailing or the American Canoe Association (ACA), we are raising our standards. Beginning this year, all Lead Instructors must hold either a US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification or ACA Paddlesport Facilitator certification, along with all current CPR, AED, First Aid, and Red Cross Basic Water Rescue credentials.

Do you know someone who might be interested in our Summer Camp offerings? Slots are still available for the following:

• Bay Explorers Day Camp (Full Day 8:30 am – 4:00pm) Ages 8-13
• Sailing Day Camp (Full Day 9:00 am – 4:00 pm) Ages 8 – 15
• Waterfront Training Academy (8:30am-4:00pm, Ages 14-16) Only open to past participants of our day camps in previous years.

Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, covering up to two sessions in the 2024 summer season. You can view our scholarship application here.