On March 16, 2008, Chesapeake Experience's Director, Jill Bieri, ran the 26.2 mile Shamrock Marathon to support the summer kayak camp scholarship fund. In total, thanks to generous donations from Chesapeake Experience supporters, nearly $1000 was raised! Three students, two from Gloucester and one from Hampton, were selected to attend a week long camp free of charge, based on teacher recommendations and interest in marine science. See their reactions below:

"At kayak camp we spent a week on the Chesapeake Bay in kayaks observing plant and animal species. I especially liked bird watching and identification. We drew animals and labeled them and used maps to identify the tributaries and watersheds. We learned to test water quality and nutrient levels. We compared water quality from different places in the bay. We even got to see a sea horse and a red winged black bird! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that is affiliated with the Chesapeake Bay Experience."

Elisa Miller, 7th grade student at the Mary Peake Center, Hampton

"The Chesapeake Bay Kayak Camp was an exhilarating week of adventures. The combination of short topic lectures, crazy and exciting van rides, to the calm kayak trips made for lots of variation. We were able to go to many different waterways, from fresh to salt water and everywhere in between. The camp as a whole was a remarkable and refreshing experience. Thanks go to Chesapeake Experience for awarding me this scholarship."

Lee Anderson, 10th grade student at Gloucester High School

Towards the end of kayak camp I was asked to sum up my experience in one word. My word was "delicious". I know that sounds a little ridiculous but just hear me out. "D" stands for daring. We went on 3-8 miles kayak trips constantly for a week. But we could go at our own pace. "E" stands for entertaining. They always had us busy doing something. If I didn't go to kayak camp then I would just be sitting at home doing nothing all day, so I'm glad I did it.

Sam Markwith, 8th grade student at Page Middle School