December 16, 2025
The Port Royal Sound Foundation (PRSF) has been awarded a generous grant from the Bargain Box of Hilton Head in support of field trips, Pluff Mudder summer camp, and public STEAM programming. These funds will support PRSF’s mission to conserve the Port Royal Sound for the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of our area.
PRSF added several new field trip activities for the 2025-26 school year, including pollinators, insects, marsh exploration, and forest exploration. PRSF naturalists work closely with local schools and educators to ensure that field trip offerings meet the educational needs of students and teachers, while still providing a fun, hands-on experience. To learn more about all field trip activities and to book, visit: PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org/field-trips/
“Our previous grant from The Bargain Box gave us the ability to be creative and think big about how we can improve our programming, especially through introducing new field trip activities and STEAM programs. Knowing the positive impact those funds had in 2025, I am really excited for what the next year will bring thanks to the continued support of The Bargain Box.” –Jessica Kochman, Naturalist and Education Coordinator
Pluff Mudder summer camp keeps the PRSF campus and staff busy for the summer. With three weeks of Junior Pluff Mudder Camp (rising 2nd-4th graders), three weeks of Pluff Mudder Camp (rising 5th-7th graders), and a week of new Sound Explorer Kayak Camp (8th grade+), there is no shortage of excitement. Every camper loves the chance to get their feet wet, get their hands muddy, and make the best outdoor summer memories. Registration fills up fast! Keep an eye on PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org/programs/ or PRSF social media to know when sign-up goes live.
Our public STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programs are an important way to engage with families, adults, and the general public. This year, we were excited to introduce new activity offerings at a varied price point to serve our whole community. STEAM Saturdays are a periodic free family drop-in event hosting a variety of mini-experiments, crafts, or animal encounters for Maritime Center visitors throughout the day. New elevated workshops, including owl pellet dissection, paper making, and indigo dye, offer new creative ways to connect people with the environment and teach conservation concepts. Find a full calendar of events at: PortRoyalSoundFoundation.org/calendar/
The Bargain Box has been awarding grants to local nonprofits since 1970, with the mission of supporting local community activities related to education and youth, health and safety, hunger and housing, or recreation. With the support of The Bargain Box, PRSF is able to ensure that all our programming complements ongoing conservation efforts, is informed by new research initiatives, and adapts to the ever-changing needs of students, educators, and the community. PRSF is grateful for the support of organizations like The Bargain Box who are committed to the betterment of our community.
