Eleuthera Sea Campers Ride The Wave

Eleuthera, Bahamas - The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) team recently concluded their annual sea camp in Governors Harbour, Eleuthera. Under the theme “Reef Rescue: The Next Wave,” 30 campers convened at the Haynes Library in Governor’s Harbour to learn more about coral reefs and ocean conservation by experiencing the reefs first hand through this immersive experience. 

A highlight of the Eleuthera Sea Camp were daily beach and coral reef snorkel expeditions to French Leave beach, Tippy’s beach, and a mangrove snorkel in Savannah Sound with Nina Sanchez from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. All the camp activities reinforced the importance of marine conservation and the role these young stewards can play in protecting their national heritage.

According to “Pharrell Bethel, age 13,  If I was at home I would be on my video game but while I am snorkeling I don’t even think about my video game. I love it so much and wish I could go snorkeling all the time.”

Hensley Bethel, 9 years old, enjoyed the camp as well, “This my first time coming and I hope I come next year hoping I can get better at swimming and snorkeling. I saw a lemon shark, Nassau grouper and Savannah sound was my favorite snorkeling site.”

Destiny Calixte, 12  years old. “It was great. I saw a lemon shark and we went to a creek with all the jellyfish and it was the best day ever. I feel sad and depressed that camp is ending but my favorite part is seeing the lemon shark at Savannah Sound.”

Judy O’Brien-Chavis (Governor’s Harbour resident volunteer) - “This was my first time volunteering with BREEF and it was a really great experience seeing the young children get rid of their fear of the water and actual snorkel and enjoy it. I had three little boys in my group. By the end they were better snorkelers and they really enjoyed it and were jumping up and down. 

The three young BREEF ladies (Jasmond, Heather and Antonia) I got to meet. I love the fact they were Bahamians of color doing the program which inspires the younger Bahamians of color to get involved.”

During these Sea Camps, participants had the opportunity to explore nature and learn about various animals and habitats that are under threat from climate change and coastal development. Coral reefs are under threat from warming waters and land-based pollution, and over the years many traditional access points to beaches have been blocked off. Campers learned that access to beaches is the birthright of all Bahamians. 

Campers also participated in arts and crafts, games, and educational presentations. They embarked on numerous snorkel adventures, exploring local beaches and the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve where they learned all about the local plants they can find in their communities. 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 Eleuthera Sea Camp has 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. These camps are free to residents of Eleuthera due in large part to generous sponsors, and provides the opportunities for these campers to gain water safety skills and ocean career ideas, as well as information they can use in their everyday lives. 

“Children on Eleuthera are surrounded by water, but often haven’t yet had a chance to experience our coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds. Sea Camp is a chance for them to become fully immersed in the wonders of the ocean with snorkel trips to a different site every day,  and fins-on activities.” said Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, BREEF Executive Director who is from Governor’s Harbour. 

BREEF extends their gratitude to all of their partners who hosted camp including, Haynes Library, The Moore Foundation, Didier and Martine Primat Foundation, Bahamas Botanicals, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, and to all of the BREEF donors and volunteers who assisted with the camp. For more information about BREEF and its educational programmes, please visit breef.org