Set Sail for School

At Port Discovery, we know that the beginning of the school year sparks a complex mixture of big feelings in children, and we strive to ensure it’s the big positive feelings that get the upper hand. As the school-jitter-storm gathers, consider Port Discovery to be your anchor. Our annual Set Sail for School event brings the Baltimore community together to support this transitional time for children and promote their love of learning and play.

Programming this Saturday, August 24th Includes…

Duct Tape Pencil Cases (Art Cove Workshop Space, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM & 3:30 PM) :The best way to store your school supplies is with a pencil case! Create your very own pencil case that you can take home with you.

Make a Fidget (Art Cove, All Day) : Feeling fidgety? Get ready for school by making your very own bead snake fidget! Make your own fidget in a hands-on activity focusing on creating sensory friendly tools that you can take home.

Peake the Pup-Pet Bedtime Routines (Oasis, 12 PM & 2 PM) : A structured bedtime routine can help you feel relaxed and prepare you for sleep. Join Peake, Port Discovery’s puppet pet dog, in learning about soothing bedtime routines and the importance of a restful sleep. Play some mindful yoga inspired movement games with us!

Adventure Expedition Storytime (Adventure Expeditions, 12:30 PM & 3 PM) : Go back in time with Mr. Chris for a Super Storytime!

Teddy Talk: The First Day of School (Oasis, 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM) : BearTube sensation Ted “Theodore” Bearson presents Teddy Talks! This informative presentation will feature puppets, slideshows, and morale boosting lessons for the first day of school good for little and big kids alike. Teddy is nervous about his first day of school. Let’s help him ease his anxiety.

Seashell the Mermaid (Throughout the Museum, 11 AM & 1 PM & 3 PM) : Join Seashell the Mermaid for a bountiful bubble blowing bonanza.

Due to scheduling, programs are subject to change. Thank you for your understanding.

2024 Special Guests & Partners

• Baltimore City Health Department-COVID Vaccine
  The Baltimore City Health Department – COVID Vaccine initiative is a program dedicated to administering COVID-19 vaccines to residents of Baltimore City. It aims to promote vaccination as a crucial tool in controlling the spread of the virus, protecting public health, and ensuring community resilience. The program provides information, access to vaccination clinics, and outreach efforts to encourage widespread vaccination coverage among all eligible individuals in the city.
• Baltimore City Health Department-Tobacco Education and Cessation
  The Baltimore City Health Department – Tobacco Education and Cessation program focuses on reducing tobacco use and promoting smoking cessation within the Baltimore community. It provides educational resources, support services, and outreach initiatives aimed at preventing tobacco-related diseases and improving public health outcomes. The program collaborates with local partners to implement evidence-based strategies and policies to reduce tobacco use prevalence and exposure among residents of Baltimore City.
• Baltimore City Public Schools-Office of Early Learning
  The Baltimore City Public Schools – Office of Early Learning (OEL) is a division within the Baltimore City Public Schools system dedicated to providing early childhood education and development services. It focuses on preparing young children, typically from birth to age five, for academic success through various programs, initiatives, and partnerships with families and communities. OEL aims to ensure that all children in Baltimore City have access to high-quality early learning experiences that support their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL)
  Baltimore County Public Library is a public library system serving central Maryland, with its headquarters in Towson. The library system offers a wide range of services, including foreign language materials, local history resources, online databases, film screenings, and more. These services are designed to foster community involvement and support diverse needs. BCPL is dedicated to providing opportunities for exploration, learning, creativity, and connection. By empowering and engaging individuals, the library aims to build a more inclusive and connected community across Baltimore County.
• Bedtime In a Box
  Bedtime in a Box is a creative but simple solution that supports the health and educational development of children prior to entering school by providing families with the materials, tools, and training they need to enact a comprehensive bedtime routine, seven days a week.
• Enoch Pratt Free Libraries
  The Enoch Pratt Free Library is a public library system serving Baltimore, Maryland. It was established in 1886 through a bequest from philanthropist Enoch Pratt, who donated funds to create a free public library for the city. The library system consists of several branches throughout Baltimore, offering a wide range of books, digital resources, programs, and services to the community. The Enoch Pratt Free Library is known for its commitment to literacy, education, and community engagement, providing a valuable resource for residents of all ages.
• Giant Food
  Giant Food is a supermarket chain primarily operating in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It offers a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, meats, and household items through its stores and online platform. Giant Food is known for its commitment to quality and customer service, serving communities for decades with a focus on convenience and value.
• Jubilee Arts
  Jubilee Arts is a community arts program based in Baltimore, Maryland, that aims to empower individuals through artistic expression and creative activities. It provides arts education, workshops, and performances to residents of all ages, fostering cultural enrichment and community engagement. Jubilee Arts is committed to promoting social justice and equity through the transformative power of the arts within Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods.
• Maryland Family Network
  Maryland Family Network (MFN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that young children and their families have access to high-quality early care and education services throughout the state of Maryland. MFN works to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of child care and early learning programs. It provides advocacy, resources, training, and technical assistance to child care providers, educators, and families to promote positive outcomes for children’s development and school readiness. MFN also operates a network of Family Support Centers that offer services such as parenting education, health screenings, and referrals to community resources.
• Maryland Public Television-Early Childhood Education Services
  Maryland Public Television (MPT) – Early Childhood Education Services refers to the educational programming and resources provided by Maryland Public Television specifically tailored for young children. MPT offers a variety of television shows, digital content, and outreach activities designed to support early childhood development, including literacy skills, social-emotional learning, and school readiness. These services aim to engage young learners, support families and caregivers, and promote educational equity across Maryland communities.