Marine Explorers Interact with Bahamian Reefs at BREEF Summer Sea Camps

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Under the theme “Marine Explorers,” the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) held another successful summer of fun and informative sea camps. This year our sea camps were held on the islands of Nassau, Eleuthera and Andros. BREEF’s annual Sea Camps provide empowering, educational, and fun experiences that use the natural environment as a tool to teach campers about the importance of protecting our oceans and their resources. Campers learned about the impacts of warming waters caused by climate change on fragile coral reefs ecosystems. 

Nassau Sea Camp, held at Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre in New Providence, engaged 30 children with a week of hands-on activities fostering a deep connection with the ocean and our marine environment. A highlight of the Nassau Sea Camp was a snorkel in Bonefish Pond and a presentation from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. All the camp activities  highlighted the importance of marine conservation and the role these young stewards can play in protecting their national heritage.

According to Henry McWilliam, age 8, “I enjoyed snorkelling, and learning about bonefish. It was great to see them up close.”

Jonathan Pierre, age 12, said: “What I enjoyed most from camp was snorkelling, making friends, and doing arts and crafts.”

Ava Williamson, age 13, shared her thoughts: “I learned a lot on the snorkels and I also enjoyed answering questions during trivia.”

BREEF’s  second Sea Camp of the season was held in Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera at the Haynes Library. Eleuthera Sea Campers enjoyed daily snorkelling excursions and learned about the significance of key fisheries such as the Queen Conch. Campers were taught how to correctly measure the thickness of a conch lip; during one of their snorkelling trips, they discovered a pile of conch shells near a local conch stand and identified several shells that did not meet fisheries regulations but had still been harvested.

In their reflections many of the campers noted that they would like to continue learning more about the importance of preserving the marine environment.

“I liked playing the trivia games, snorkelling and I want to be able to identify more marine species in the future,” said 12-year-old Eleuthera Sea Camper, Chloe Lightbourne.

Another Eleuthera Sea Camper, 9-year-old Cohen Simmons said that he was thinking about a career in marine biology, “I liked exploring the ocean with the fish ID slates, one day I found a lionfish, after that I just wanted to keep looking for more fish.”

Andros, Kamalame Caythird in our line of 2024 camps, was no less exceptional. Andros Sea campers enjoyed a boat trip to Pigeon Cay in the Andros North Marine Park protected area. A pod of dolphins swam alongside the boat at the beginning of the journey and when campers arrived at their destination, they snorkelled at the site.

“I liked it when the dolphins came up to the boat and swam beside us. I want to come back to see them again.” said 13-year-old camper Alexander Wilson

Another Androsian camper, 12-year-old Makhi Cox explained “I liked the boat ride and exploring the mangroves. I wish I could learn about nature at this camp all summer long.” 

During these Sea Camps, participants had the opportunity to explore nature and learn about various animals and habitats. Campers also participated in arts and crafts, games, and educational presentations. They embarked on numerous snorkel adventures, exploring local beaches and marine protected areas – learning about their cultural significance in The Bahamas and building a deep connection with the marine environment. Equipped with fish ID slates, the young explorers identified various fish and sea creatures, which was an exciting and educational experience for them.

The success of the Nassau, Eleuthera, and Andros Sea Camps have created great anticipation for future sea camps, as students eagerly await upcoming adventures. BREEF is excited to continue this momentum, inspiring more young minds to become passionate stewards of the ocean.

This initiative fosters a sense of appreciation for the Bahamian marine environment, inspiring youth to become environmental stewards while teaching them practical water skills to safely explore Bahamian marine coastal ecosystems.

“Watching the students grow as we progressed through these camps was truly inspiring. Seeing them get comfortable in the marine environment with high hopes and spirits gives us great hope for the future,” said Jasmond Collie, BREEF Outreach & Education Officer and Lead Camp Coordinator.

BREEF extends their gratitude to all of their partners who hosted camp including, Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre, Haynes Library, Kamalame Cay, Didier and Martine Primat Foundation and to all of the BREEF volunteers who assisted during the duration of the camp. For more information about BREEF and its educational programmes, please visit breef.org

About BREEF

The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) is dedicated to promoting the conservation of the Bahamian marine environment that sustains our way of life. Through education and outreach, BREEF works to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and bounty of our oceans.