A Summer Camp Like Nothing Else
Thursday is Shark Day at Boatswain's Beach and amid the traffic of visitors bustling in the gift shop, wading in the pool, or visiting exhibits, students are gathered under a shaded trellis in the middle of the park facing the viewing pane of Predators Reef - home to several species of predatory fish.
The youngsters enrolled in Summer Camp are in an outdoor classroom learning about the ecological importance of these fascinating creatures. The class is led by staff marine biologists who effectively engage the students and rouse their interest. "Can you tell me which of these teeth belong to the Nurse shark and which to the Brown shark," asked Marian Vadillo, who gives each student shark teeth from her hand and awaits an answer before moving on to the next summer camp student.
Through the Shark Class, popular misconceptions about sharks are discredited and the students walk away with an appreciation of these species as well as life in general. In addition, they are challenged to take on active roles in helping to preserve the environment. For instance, students learn that Nurse sharks have no special conservation status, although their habit of swimming close to human activities is putting pressure on the species.
"I love to show the kids new things and that it is important that we look after these animals," said Vadillo, who has been a marine biologist for five and a half years and with Boatswains Beach for a year.
Learning about ecological wildlife is a big part of Boatswain's Beach's Summer Camp for students open to young people ages 6-12. Mondays are designated as Turtle Day, Tuesday is Bird Day, Wednesday is Terrestrial Day and Friday is Fun Day where the students let the lead instructor Sasha Appleby, Education Programs Officer, know what they want to do that day.
The Summer Camp ran Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm all summer. In addition to the interactive classes, the students also take daily trips to the exhibits, learn crafts, enjoy lunch at Schooner's Bar and Grill, swim in the pool as well as snorkel in the lagoon.
Through fun activities coupled with learning, an appreciation of the environment and Cayman's unique cultural heritage, Boatswain's Beach Summer camp kids really enjoyed a memorable and meaningful summer.