Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is offering free kayaking and canoeing lessons on the Presumpscot River. Contributed / Presumpscot Regional Land Trust

Go back in time to the Isles of Shoals

Standish Parks and Rec is offering a day trip to the Isles of Shoals in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Wednesday, Aug. 17. The trip will include a narrated tour navigating 10 miles past the islands and Portsmouth Harbor out to Star Island, where a walking tour will guide visitors through 400 years of history, legend and lore. 

Emma Bennett can be reached at emmabennett923@gmail.com.

Visitors will be taken through the replica of Gosport Village, a 17th-century fishing outpost, and the Stone Chapel, visiting several cottages along the way. They will hear stories of pirates Blackbeard and Capt. Kidd and their excursions through the shoals; legends of buried treasure and the haunting tale of the lady ghost of White Island. They will also get to see the tallest gravestone in New Hampshire, the John Smith Monument, as well as the Caswell Cemetery. The guided tour is optional and individuals can explore the island on their own.  

The recreation bus will leave the Standish Municipal Center for Portsmouth at 10 a.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. The fee is $55 per person. Everyone is encouraged to pack a picnic lunch for the long day ahead. To register or learn more, go to standishme.myrec.com.

Learn to paddle

Among the approaching events as the summer rolls by, the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is co-hosting with the Gorham Recreation Department free kayaking and canoeing lessons on the Presumpscot River. Aside from learning the basics, participants will be able to explore the nature of the river and its surroundings. 

Participants will meet at Shaw Park in Gorham Saturday, Aug. 20 for the event, which will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees can bring their own canoe or kayak, which will also be provided. All Lakes Region locals are welcome. This event is free, but space is limited and registration is required at prlt.org/events.

Presumpscot Regional Land Trust is a community-based organization serving Standish, Westbrook, Gray and the greater Lakes Region area. The nonprofit maintains clean water, locally conserved land and carefully maintained trails open to the public. As a supporter of outdoor leisure, the organization also holds many educational and recreational opportunities for all ages year-round.

Babysitting course

Looking for a great way to earn pocket money or gain work experience? Adult and Community Events coordinator Gail Platts will be teaching a babysitter training course at the Standish Municipal Center in the Sebago Lake Room from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

Participants will learn safety skills, leadership skills, injury prevention, first aid, basic childcare, decision-making, problem-solving, and how to take charge in emergency situations. They are expected to stay the full six hours in order to complete the course and obtain a safe sitter’s certificate at the end. The fee is $60 per person for grades 6 to 8, and participants are encouraged to bring a lunch, snacks and water. To register, go to standishme.myrec.com.