A kayak group heads out from the Nature Center of Cape May to explore Cape May Harbor.

Aqua Trails Kayak Tours will sponsor the first annual Paddle for a Purpose Kayak & Canoe Regatta during the 2008 Cape May Harbor Fest, Saturday, June 21.
This two-hour noncompetitive tour of Cape May Harbor and the surrounding salt marsh is being held to benefit the Nature Center of Cape May's Good Neighbor Fund for Coast Guard families.

The Good Neighbor Fund was established six years ago by an anonymous donor to provide free tuition for summer nature classes to children from the nature center’s neighboring U.S. Coast Guard Base.
The center is attempting to rebuild this fund, which has been severely depleted in the last six years, so it can continue to offer educational programs to well-deserving service families.

The regatta begins at 1 p.m. with check-in at 12:30 p.m. The rates to rent kayaks for the regatta are $40 for a single kayak and $70 for a double.
The family discount price for two double kayaks is $100. Those with their own kayaks or canoes may register for $20 each. All participants will receive a free Paddle for a Purpose T-shirt, a water bottle, and refreshments.

Individuals may make a donation to the Good Neighbor Fund without participating in the regatta. Both can be accomplished by requesting a registration form from the nature center at 609-898-8848. Space is limited and based on the number of rental boats available.

Paddle for a Purpose is part of the inaugural 2008 Harbor Fest, a celebration of sea and song that will take place at the nature center and along the shores of Cape May Harbor.
The festivities include a street festival, seafood vendors, a beer garden, live music, arts and craft booths, book signings, educational exhibits, a harbor water taxi, sailing demonstrations, Coast Guard rescue demonstrations, nature walks and animal talks, children's activities and the Great Scallop Challenge – a seafood cook off featuring the finest restaurants in Cape May. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Nature Center of Cape May is located at 1600 Delaware Avenue, in Cape May, right on the shores of scenic Cape May Harbor.