Zoological Society Aqua Camps In Full Swing
With the success of the virtual Spring Camp, and the move to phase 4 in Bermuda, the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] team were able to organize both in-person and virtual Aqua Camps for 2020.
A spokesperson said, “The coronavirus was an unexpected bump in the road for Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] educators as they prepared for this year’s Aqua Camps. However, with the overwhelming success of the virtual Spring Camp, and the move to phase 4 in Bermuda, the team were able to organize both in-person and virtual Aqua Camps for 2020.
Aqua Squid campers at Botanical Gardens
“Government regulations and the potential for spread of the virus from person-to-animal, and possibly animal-to-animal, the BZS could not hold this year’s in-person camps on the Bermuda Aquarium Museum & Zoo [BAMZ] facility, so instead, they are being held on Trunk Island – the BZS ‘Living Classroom’. All campers and instructors have been maintaining physical distance and wearing masks.
Explorer camper conducting fish survey while snorkelling
“Children attending Aqua Camps are having an awesome time being on Trunk Island. “[My children] loved the outdoor classroom experience,” said one ‘Aqua Zoo’ parent. “They both loved being on and swimming around Trunk Island and think it is the best camp ever!”
“The 10-11-year-old ‘Aqua Zoo’ campers have been rescuing fledgling longtails and bringing them back to Trunk, observing snappers being released by the BAMZ rehabilitation team, and taking rides on Callista over to Gibbets beach for a swim.
Explorer camper jumping off the dock on Trunk Island
“Dr. Alex Amat, the BZS Youth Programme Coordinator, works with the ‘Aqua Explorers’ camp based on Trunk Island for students aged 12-13 years old. Guided by the book ‘a world without fish’ by Mark Kurlansky, the kids are learning all about fish – who they are, where they live and the threats they are facing. The campers are kept busy either in the water snorkelling and identifying fish or on the water kayaking and observing the rocky coastline of Trunk Island. At the end of the week the children present their group projects to parents via ZOOM.
Aqua Squid Campers at Spittal Pond
“Trunk Island has proved to be a magical place for holding Aqua Camps,” said Dr. Jamie Bacon, Education Officer at the BZS. “The campers get into the spirit of it all with so much to do either on the island itself or in the water. Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scavenger hunts; all while learning about the island’s natural history…it doesn’t get much better than that.”
‘Aqua Zoo’ campers taking rescued fledgling to Trunk Island
“Educators and camp instructors Camilla Stringer and Sarrah Hamza teach ‘Aqua Squids’, the BZS hybrid Aqua Camp, which is blend of virtual and in-person learning. This camp is hosted on a private Facebook page and students are kept engaged through the day with ZOOM calls and group activities using the pre-prepared take-home kits provided by the BZS.”
“In addition to the virtual components of the camp, each day students come together in different locations for a guided field trip that coordinates with the day’s topic. During the physical field trips, campers, parents and instructors are sure to practice physical distancing and wear masks.
Explorer campers presenting their final project for parents on Zoom
“This camp has been such a great experience for my son,” said one ‘Aqua Squids’ parent. “The field trips are truly immersive, and the camp instructors are so knowledgeable. I even find that I have been learning from the Zoom calls as well!”
“I am thrilled with how well the ‘Aqua Squids’ camp is being received,” said Dr. Bacon. “Parents and campers are loving the field trips and the activities in their kits for each day are both fun and educational.”
Explorer camper conducting experiment
“The shared mission of BZS and BAMZ is to inspire appreciation and care of island environments, and as the support charity for BAMZ, the BZS is an example of a highly successful non-profit/public partnership.
“Each year the BZS enables over 8,000 public students to receive free educational opportunities through our schools programme and they also support popular community programmes for all ages, development of BAMZ exhibits, and conservation and research programmes. Each year, BZS Volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours of valuable husbandry support to the Aquarium and Zoo with all programmes being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”
Father and Son completing craft taught through Zoom
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