The Biggest Thing in Education Since the #2 Pencil!

Education takes a giant leap forward with the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy's Floating Classroom Science Program at Aqua’s Green Lane Reservoir. Imagine environmental education, kayaking, and a floating science lab rolled into one incredible program geared towards developing real-world field skills in our young learners. Students participate in courses in watershed science, aquatic communities, ornithology, geology, and botany. Moreover, students will discover real-world applications for their newly acquired knowledge through hands-on explorations on Green Lane Reservoir... and all from the cockpit of a kayak. Opportunities are available for custom school programming as well as unique summer camp experiences!

About the Floating Classroom: Dragonfly I is a state-of-the-art science lab constructed on a reimagined 24' pontoon boat. The "classroom" is equipped with microscopes, iPads, Wifi, water quality testing supplies and other equipment that will aid students in their investigations. The boat itself is equipped with a 10 horse electric motor which derives its power from 4 specially-configured solar panels.

School Programs

A truly unique experience students will remember forever

A Floating Classroom school program is a completely customizable experience, allowing teachers to tailor the day to meet teaching goals in environmental education, recreation and team-building, or both! Check out our course offerings and trip templates or contact us to create your own!

Program Location: Walt Road Day-Use Area at Green Lane Park
Time: Available April-June and August-October
Grades: 6-12
Cost: Contact us for more information. Grant funding may be available to assist with transportation expenses.

Curriculum Guide & Experience Template

Summer Camps

Floating Classroom, Kayaking and Fishing camps For Middle & high school students

What could be better than a summer day on the lake?! Multiple summer days on the lake!

This year, we are offering a variety of camps for Middle and High Schoolers. Students will explore Green Lane Reservoir in kayaks, canoes, and Dragonfly I, learning more about ornithology, botany, water quality, aquatic species, watershed dynamics and much, much more! They also gain hands-on science experience with real-world applications, all in the context of water-based adventure. We can’t wait to see you this summer!

Program Location: Walt Road Day-Use Area at Green Lane Park

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Check in begins at 8:45)

2024 Session Dates and Descriptions

Floating Classroom 1.0:

First timers and Middle Schoolers, this is your camp! Join us Monday-Thursday out on the Floating Classroom and in our fleet of Kayaks and Canoes as we explore Green Lane Reservoir, studying aquatic species, water quality, watershed dynamics and of course having tons of fun!

Dates: June 17-20 (Rain Date: Friday, June 21) 9:00am - 4:00pm
Or July 8-11 (Rain Date: Friday, July 12) 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: $300 for the 4 day Camp

Floating Classroom 2.0:

Loved camp last year and want to come back? High School Student? Had a blast at 1.0 earlier this summer? This camp is for you! We will dive a bit deeper into the learning, explorations and the fun. Using our Kayaks, Canoes and of course Dragonfly I, we will explore the reservoir, study aquatic species and watershed dynamics, aquatic concerns

Dates: July 15-18 (Rain Date: Friday, July 19) 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost: $300 for the 4 day Camp

Fishing Camp (3-Day Mini Camp)

We heard your feedback last year and wanted to create a special camp for those who just love to fish! It could be your first time at our Floating Classroom camps or you could be a returner, all we ask is that you are in Middle School or High School and are interested in Fishing! We will of course learn about the fish found in the reservoir, the impacts and threats to the fish, and of course spend plenty of time fishing!

Dates: July 22-24 (Rain Date July 25) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: $250

New this year: ADVENTURE CAMP!

Adventure Camp is like the Floating Classroom's adventurous twin! In Adventure Camp we focus more on paddling skills, wilderness skills, camp craft (like cooking over a fire) and more... Plus... students CAMP OUT for a night at the reservoir. What could be more fun!

Dates: August 5-8 (Rain Date August 9) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: $350

Outline of Typical Daily Schedule (4-day Camp)

8:45 am - Check-In
9:00 am - Team-building and Games
9:30 am - Paddling Skills Session in Kayaks/Canoes
10:30 am - Lesson #1 (On Floating Classroom)
11:00 am - Lesson #1 (Exploration in Kayaks)
11:30 am - Lesson #1 (Investigations using equipment on Floating Classroom; Share Findings)
12:30 pm - Lunch (On Shore)
1:00 pm - Lesson #2 (On Floating Classroom)
1:30 pm - Lesson #2 (Exploration)
2:00 pm - Lesson #2 (Investigate Findings; Share Findings)
3:00 pm - Guided Free Time (Paddling, Games, Fishing, Hiking, etc.)
4:00 pm - Program Ends