Center for Aquatic Sciences

Octavia Nash was back for more. She had joined a friend for a paddle on the Delaware River with Camden’s Center for Aquatic Sciences once before and returned for a free kayaking session at Pyne Poynt Park in mid-July, this time with her fiancée. “I like the peacefulness,” she says. “Oh my God, it’s like you leave all the hustle and bustle behind, and you just get to be on the water.” Pyne Poynt sits near where the Cooper River meets the Delaware, facing Petty’s Island, whose lush green tree line mostly blocks the view of the Philadelphia waterfront.

Lion James, assistant manager of community programs for the center, briefed the group of paddlers on safety and outlined the plan for their trip. Camden teens taking part in the center’s Community and Urban Science Enrichment (CAUSE) program passed out life vests and checked that they fit properly (if you can lift the vest over your ears, it’s too loose). Three of the more experienced teens waited at the gravel boat ramp to guide the trip.

Luis Colon helped attendees into their boats before joining them on the water. Colon, who will start his second year of college in the fall, has been in the CAUSE program for seven years, starting in high school. He has spent the last three of those years as a paddling guide. Like Nash, he appreciates the peace that comes from leaving the land-based world behind. “We’re always so busy with work and school. It’s all about, oh, let’s get onto Canva. Let’s get onto Outlook. Let’s get onto Gmail. Let’s get onto this and that. It’s really nice to disconnect and really see what’s here in Camden compared to what’s on your phone and computer.”

➡️ Read the full story at https://gridphilly.com/blog-home/2026/08/01/camden-youth-kayaking-program-gets-residents-paddling-the-delaware/

✍️ Bernard Brown
📸 Matthew Bender

Find us at Welsh Fountain in West Fairmount Park on August 21st! Then stay to watch Luca. 💙

🎓 Congratulations to our graduating CAUSE seniors! 🎉

Tuesday night was our CAUSE for Celebration, where we honored the graduating high school seniors from the Community and Urban Science Enrichment (CAUSE) program. We are so proud of everything you've accomplished and can't wait to see where you go next!

A huge thank you to the families and CAUSE alumni who joined us to celebrate, and a special thank you to our wonderful guest speaker, Michael Flores, for sharing such an inspiring message 💙

Congratulations, seniors, the future is yours!

🦇 It was a busy weekend of events, but here are some pretty sights from our Petty's Island Sunset Bat Walk! 🌅

It was a beautiful evening out on the island. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

🌊 This weekend is all about getting out on the water! 🚣‍♀️

📍 Saturday, 7/25: I-Paddle Camden, 11AM–2PM
📍 Sunday, 7/26: Free Kayak Day, 11AM–1:30PM

Come paddle with us on Camden's waterways! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, we've got you covered, no experience or registration necessary.

Bring your friends and family and come enjoy the water with us!

Overnight registration just went live! 🌊🌙 Spend the night at the Adventure Aquarium and give your kids an unforgettable experience! Explore exhibits, get a behind the scenes tour of Ocean Realm, walk the Shark Bridge, and so much more.

🌙 Saturday, September 19 | $80 per person
🌙 Saturday, November 7 | $80 per person
🌙 Saturday, November 14 | $80 per person
🌙 Friday, November 20 | $75 per person

All programs run 6:30 PM to 9:00 AM. Spaces are limited so head to the link in our bio to register today! 🦈