Local students from Sandy Point on the final night of the camp.

The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation (BMMRO), a research project based in Sandy Point, Abaco hosted the Sandy Point Environmental Camp for 24 local children ages 7-12 this past summer (2005) as part of an ongoing educational outreach program. The Camp was designed to educate children about their local environment and conservation issues through fun, creativity, cooperative games and experiential education.

The Camp was organized by Olivia Patterson, while she was assisting BMMRO's field research during the summer. Diane Claridge, BMMRO Project Director, Sandy Point experts, parents and teens, and Earthwatch volunteers participated in the Camp during the summer.

The camp was broken into two age categories: Junior (age 7-9) and Basic (age 10-12). Each camp lasted approximately three weeks with 3-5 camp sessions per week. Camp lessons were based on topics such as conservation, mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, National Parks, and astronomy. Environmental ideas and concepts were presented in a classroom setting and then the children had a chance to experience nature by kayaking in the mangroves, tide-pooling at the local beach, and by looking for birds and dolphins in the wild. Both camps participated in Sandy Point community clean-ups and the older kids got to camp out overnight on the beach. Favourite activities included sighting Bahama Parrots in the wild and seeing Bottlenose dolphins off Sandy Point.

Local students from Sandy Point.

Each Camp culminated with an Open House held at the J. A. Pinder Primary School in Sandy Point. The children proudly presented their artwork, photos and educational displays created throughout the summer and deservedly received certificates of achievement. Kenneth Miller was awarded the title of "King of Cans" for collecting over 200 aluminum cans for recycling.

SPEC's last activity for the 2005-2006 season was an exciting expedition to Great Inagua in the southern Bahamas. Olivia Patterson took a group of 5 camp kids to Inagua for a weekend of exploration. Traveling along with the group was Claudia Pinder, a mother; and Shawn Roberts, president of J.A. Pinder Primary P.T.A. Colin Ingraham of Great Inagua Tours took the group around the island on fun sightseeing trips. We had a chance to visit the Morton's Salt Factory and learn about the salt making process and how the plant works in cooperation with the environment. We were also lucky to see West Indian Flamingos, Bahama Parrots, Barn Owls, Wild Donkeys and many other interesting species. Other highlights were a day trip to the Union Creek Reserve to see turtles and a visit to the Matthew Town lighthouse. Mr. Roberts described the trip as an "unforgettable experience" and mentioned that the people of Inagua were "friendly and supportive".

The Camp received generous support from many individuals and organizations, including: financial support from The Lyford Cay Foundation, Friends of the Environment, The Disney Corporation, and other private donors.

Stayed tuned for new updates on the 2006-2007 SPEC season which begins on June 26th ! For more information, contact us at: spec4fun@hotmail.com.