Camp Wright's Bulkhead and Shoreline
Camp Wright's Shoreline on the Chesapeake Bay has been an area of concern since the 1970s. In the 60s camp participants could walk from their cabins out onto sandy beach, launching canoes and having direct access to the Bay. As erosion became apparent, a bulkhead was installed in the early 70s to preserve the shore.
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Since then, the Shoreline has continued to bear the brunt of Southerly winds, Noreasters, erosion, high tides and climate change.
As recently as 1990, a person could walk on sandy shoreline from main camp to the sailing beach. In 1996, riprap was installed south of the bulkhead, leaving a small sandy beach providing water access for boating, wading and exploring our natural world.
In 2010, the Camp Wright Committee began to pursue research and installation of an offshore breakwater system to protect our shoreline, reestablish a natural buffer, create habitat, and provide campers and visitors meaningful connection to the Chesapeake.
in 2012, getotextiles and stone were installed to mitigate soil loss and protect the integrity of the land behind our bulkhead. We knew we were buying time until a more permanent solution could be achieved.
The camp staff and the Camp Wright Committee have known that we were "one storm away" from a crisis point. On Friday, February, 7th, our shoreline was pounded for 24 hours by a strong wind from the southwest and a high tide enhanced by the full moon.
Friday Morning
Friday Wave Action
Friday Afternoon
This was the weather event we knew was coming and the structural integrity of our property has been significantly damaged. While our desire for a natural buffer and a breakwater system are still alive and well, we are working towards an immediate resolution and restoration of our waterfront that will be in place ahead of the 2020 camping season.
