JMB Summer Camp: Week 2
Scientist Skye, introduced the older kids to the world of practical biology by showcasing how to dissect marine animals.JMB Campers Make An Impact During Sea Turtle Adventures Week at LMC Summer Camp
As we wave a big goodbye to this week, we want to thank every single one of our amazing Junior Scientists for diving straight into the rich ecosystems we have here in Florida! During our Sea Turtle Adventures Week, your children came through to have fun with new friends and explore their academic and scientific passion.
Since Loggerhead Marinelife Center is both a hospital and a research center, it made us so happy to see everyone getting excited about the wonderful results they found from simple research! Campers had a very keen interest in going out to get hands-on experience with nature. So, they were absolutely delighted when they saw all the fun-filled field excursions that we had in store. We took frequent trips to our very own Juno Beach, located east of our main campus, to examine the wildlife and ocean’s diversity in person!
Jr. Marine Biologist Campers immersed in ocean conservation activities.
For instance, every little scoop of ocean water holds a whole society of marine animals that come together to create the ecosystems we all rely on. Therefore, the kids learned by exploring the waves and taking a trip into the micro-universe by examining field samples under our professional-grade microscopes. On the beach, the kids also collected sargassum – commonly known as the big brown clumps of seaweed we see floating around the beach. Campers took seaweed samples back to the lab to study how everyday seaweed is a precious refuge for many important oceanbound critters.
On the dryer side, campers got to experience marine-based archaeology to excavate sand samples from the beach where they discovered interesting shells, petrified wood, and fossilised shark teeth. Artistry met engineering when the campers were also able to make their own natural wind chimes out of wood and shells they collected from the beach.
Not to neglect any part of science, we made sure that kids could see chemistry unfold by making their own tie-dye tote bags. Here on campus, they spent two days designing, making, and learning how to make playful patterns that pop!
Our older campers were able to take a professional dive into the world of animal science by participating in an instructed dissection. Our counselor, Scientist Skye, introduced kids to the world of practical biology by showcasing how to dissect a ray, a fish, a crab, and a shark! These budding scientists were able to test out the tools and take on examinations similar to that of marine biologists. Offsite, they were also able to take a boat out and explore off-shore, snorkeling, swimming, and the biodiversity that stays hidden from us here on land.
On the flipside, our younger campers went snorkeling at Blowing Rocks to spot the wonders there. At the same time, our younger biologists took a field trip to Dubois Park. There they saw nature living along the trails, as well as in the water, and got the opportunity to learn about a diverse natural wildlife and how they’ve adapted.
Each of our campers did a stellar job of creating a fun, friendly, and welcoming environment for each other. Everyone made new friends and unique connections, and they did their part to make sure that the scientific world isn’t one travelled alone.
We are so glad and grateful that you trusted LMC to let your children. Our team welcomes you to join again next year to continue their blooming passion for the ocean, marine life, and science!
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Education. LMC’s Education programs aim to empower and inspire individuals to engage in the conservation of the world’s ocean by providing STEM-based knowledge and resources to take responsible action. For in-field, in-classroom, and virtual education experiences, please email Guest Services at reservations@marinelife.org.
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One World. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) we strive to be industry leaders in sea turtle and ocean conservation. Our work is focused on four core pillars, each focused on demonstrating measurable impact. Our team researches and rehabilitates sea turtles because sea turtles tell us the health of the ocean, which tells us the health of our planet. These critical indicator species serve as our global ambassadors for ocean conservation. In this blog, we invite you to dive into the depths of ocean conservation and explore our research efforts. Our educator biologists aim to empower and inspire individuals to engage in the conservation of the world’s oceans and ecosystems by providing STEM-based knowledge and resources to take responsible action. Donate to propel our mission and help save sea turtles.