Last year, Environmental Summer Camp proved to be a popular activity with approximately 166 participants! Campers enjoy interactive classroom lessons with environmental topics, then venture into the great outdoors for a field trip that re-emphasizes the classroom topic. FRIENDS Environmental Camp focuses on Bahamian Biodiversity; important local habitats such as mangrove creeks, coral reefs and pine forests; Conservation and Recycling. The camp teaches skills and provides opportunities for Bahamian youth that may not already be available to them: snorkeling, birdwatching, kayaking and camping to name a few.

The Marsh Harbour chapter of FRIENDS Environmental Camp made a recent visit to Mermaid Reef. Mermaid Reef is easily accessible by boat or land, being just off of Pelican Shores, Marsh Harbour.

Mermaid Reef is the site of FRIENDS Reef Ball Project. Currently there are 19 reef balls on site.

Blue Hole Presentation and a Visit to Sawmill Sink

On July 18th, the Marsh Harbour campers were lucky to have a presentation on blue holes from Mrs. Nancy Albury of the Bahamas' Antiquities Monuments and Museums Corporation. After the presentation, the group visited Sawmill Sink to study the vegetation surrounding it, then to take a swim inside!

Mrs. Albury explains what it's like to dive into a blue hole.

Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Albury visited the Sandy Point Junior and Senior campers to give a presentation on blue holes and caves. Thanks Mrs. Albury!

Here's the Marsh Harbour group in the FRIENDS Classroom doing some activities from the Treasures in the Sea handbook. A creative bunch of kids!