Set Sail for School
Get Ready to ‘Set Sail’ into the New School Year on August 9th!
Ahoy, future scholars and adventurers! On August 9th, as summer winds down, prepare to embark on an unforgettable voyage at Port Discovery for our annual back-to-school event— Set Sail for School!
Join us alongside our incredible Baltimore community partners for a day packed with school-related resources, engaging activities, and fabulous free giveaways. Whether you’re gearing up for the new school year or just looking for a fun-filled day out, we’ve got something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get ready for school in style while having a ton of fun!
WBAL TV 11 News: Port Discovery Children's Museum to welcome kids to 'Set Sail for School' | 2024
2025 Special Programs & Activities
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Duct Tape Pencil Cases
Make your very own pencil case out of a bag and duct tape! Join us for a creative and practical workshop where you’ll transform a simple bag into a stylish and functional pencil case using colorful and patterned duct tape. This activity is perfect for kids who enjoy hands-on projects and want to start the school year with a unique, custom-made pencil case.
- Age Group: Suitable for children aged 6 and up
- Benefits: Encourages creativity, resourcefulness, and provides a personalized, practical school supply
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Teddy Talk: The First Day of School
Join us for Teddy Talks! This informative and engaging special back-to-school themed presentation is perfect for both little and big kids as they prepare for the first day of school. Featuring lively puppets and morale-boosting lessons, this program aims to ease any back-to-school jitters and equip children with the confidence they need for a successful start to the school year.
- Age Group: Suitable for children of all ages
- Benefits: Builds confidence, provides useful tips for the first day of school, and fosters a positive attitude towards learning.
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Adventure Expedition Storytime
Travel back in time with our Learning & Visitor Experience team and listen to exciting adventurous stories based on our Adventure Expedition exhibit! This immersive storytime session will transport children to different eras and far-off places through captivating tales of exploration and adventure. Perfect for young history buffs and budding adventurers, this program combines education and entertainment in an engaging storytelling format.
- Age Group: Suitable for children aged 4 and up
- Benefits: Fosters a love of reading, stimulates imagination, and provides educational insights into historical adventures.
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Peake the Pup(pet) - Bedtime Routine
Join Peake the Pup(pet) for an adorable bedtime-themed presentation! This special hands-on program focuses on the importance of bedtime routines and offers tips for a calming and enjoyable bedtime experience for children. With Peake the Pup leading the way, children will learn about bedtime habits through storytelling, interactive activities, and gentle guidance, making bedtime routines fun and stress-free for the whole family.
- Age Group: Suitable for children aged 2 to 6
- Benefits: Promotes healthy sleep habits, enhances storytelling skills, and fosters a positive bedtime routine.
Set Sail for School at Port Discovery offers kids and their families a great start to going back to school and entering Pre-K! It’s all about supporting success in school—from our partners who are there to offer resources and services to our museum activities that reinforce positive parenting skills for caregivers as they develop healthy routines at home. And of course, we will have plenty of fun on hand too, including jump roping, puppet shows and DIY back-to school art projects!
Dr. Rachel Demma, Vice President of Learning, Visitor Experience & Community Engagement
Port Discovery Children's Museum
2025 Special Guests & Local Partners
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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.
The Baltimore City Public Schools-Office of Early Learning will help emphasize the significance of early childhood education in preparing young children for academic success. Their presence ensures that families understand the resources and programs available to support children’s development and school readiness. By engaging with caregivers and providing information about early learning opportunities, the office enhances community awareness and participation in early education initiatives, ultimately laying a strong foundation for children’s future academic achievements.
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Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL)
Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) 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.
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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.
Bedtime in a Box will highlight the critical role of consistent bedtime routines in promoting children’s health and educational development. By providing families with the materials, tools, and training necessary for a structured bedtime routine, Bedtime in a Box empowers caregivers to create a supportive environment conducive to learning and overall well-being. This initiative underscores the importance of holistic child development, ensuring that children are physically and mentally prepared for their educational journey from an early age.
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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.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library will promote literacy and lifelong learning among children and families. By showcasing their resources, including books, digital materials, and educational programs, the library encourages a love for reading and supports academic success. Their presence fosters community engagement and provides access to valuable learning opportunities that enrich children’s educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
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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.
Giant Food plays a crucial role in educating kids and caregivers about healthy eating habits, particularly as they prepare for the school year ahead. Their commitment to providing nutritious choices empowers families to start the year strong with balanced meals and snacks.
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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.
Jubilee Arts helps to enrich the educational experience of children through creative expression and community engagement. Their programs and workshops in the arts empower young learners, fostering creativity, confidence, and cultural appreciation. By participating in the event, Jubilee Arts promotes holistic development and provides a platform for children to explore their talents, enhancing their overall educational journey and strengthening ties within the community.
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The Mayor's Office of Children & Family Success
The Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success (MOCFS) is an agency dedicated to ensuring Baltimore’s children and families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive—through citywide coordination of services, smart policymaking, data-driven programming, strategic allocation of resources and deep engagement with partners and the community.
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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 Family Network aims to support families with young children by providing resources and guidance on early childhood education and care. Their expertise and advocacy help ensure that children receive quality care and education, setting a strong foundation for future academic success. Maryland Family Network’s presence promotes parental involvement and community support, emphasizing the importance of early learning and family well-being in preparing children for school and beyond.
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Tiny Easel
Tiny Easel was developed by Jennifer Nolley, a mom of three with a masters in interior design with a love for painting on her own and with her kids, looking for approachable art supplies and art activities for her kids. Why Tiny Easel? The name takes on several meanings…creating small, less-intimidating art, for kids of all skill levels, while achieving a small masterpiece with the hope of developing a love and appreciation for art and design!