Queen of Hearts

Friends of Hudson River Park and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum invited summer day camps, community centers and recreation centers to participate in its 2007 Passport to the Hudson Summer Educational Program.

Passport to the Hudson operated out of Pier 40 at Houston Street and the Hudson River on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the weeks of July 10, July 17, July 24 and July 31. There was a choice of morning or afternoon session, with each session limited to 100 children. In both the morning and afternoon sessions, two 30-minute classes included the history, marine life and ecology of the Hudson River. Students got the chance to see live fish and blue crabs of the Hudson, a hands-on look of the vessels that have traversed these waters, and see how ships have evolved and learn about our important role in the ecology of our environment and the Hudson River.

A one-hour boat ride on the Hudson out to the Statue of Liberty followed the class sessions, during which the children can choose to participate in ecological arts & crafts activities, and enjoy seeing New York City from the water. The program took place on the Queen of Hearts, a Coast Guard certified paddle boat.