West End, Grand Bahama Island – The West End Eco-Fishing Camp (WEEFCA) is pleased to announce its sixth year of environmental education programs designed for local children to immerse them into activities to stimulate thought on their role as “caretakers of the earth and living seas”. Held in partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, course curriculum exposes children to basic first aid, water safety, swimming, boating, ecology, kayaking, hand line fishing, and fly fishing. Led by a group of adult volunteers from the local community and officers from the West End police station, the children are kept busy learning about “Esprit de Corps” or group spirit that encourages a team effort in each of the planned activities.
The first camp program began in the spring of 2009, with a goal to ensure that West End children would learn about entrepreneur and career opportunities as marine biologists, scientists, ecology tour guides, environmentalists, boat engine mechanics, oceanographers, and solar and wind, agriculture, and aqua-culture farmers. Children throughout West Grand Bahama and Freeport who join are also included who accept their role as “future environmentalists and ecologists”.
The eco-fishing camp is open March 1 through May 31, 2014. Sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the 2013 camp, WEEFCA hosted the inaugural junior sailing regatta and festival in partnership with the Grand Bahama Sailing Club. Well received by the community and sponsors, plans are underway to host the second annual West End Jr. Regatta and Festival on April 26, 2014. More details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
WEEFCA curriculum is designed to focus in environmental issues that impact the quality of life in the community. A partnership with other international and community based organizations, foundations and stakeholders in West End have begun a major transformation along the shoreline with the building of four mini-sea parks to showcase the natural environment of the community. The parks are outfitted with a concrete pad, handicap ramp, picnic table, seat benches, landscaping and signage to encourage proper care of the environment and surroundings. Our children are the next generation of caretakers of the earth and living seas.
The WEEFCA Board of Directors realizes that providing children with wholesome activities designed to stimulate their imagination is a much better alternative to idleness and the temptation to turn to a life of crime, alcohol and drug abuse.
Every year at the end of the spring camp program, an awards ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of the distinguished boy and girl campers. Awards are also presented to the top teams in swimming, fishing, and for exemplifying the best overall “esprit de corps” or group spirit.
To learn more about the West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association, visit the group’s page on Facebook or visit www.weefca.com.