EcoCampers Return from Andros ready to take on the world

Participants in EcoCamp 2014 were able to visit the Joulter Cays, which is an area the BNT is currently trying to protect. After their visit, campers hosted an Outreach Event to help raise awareness about the Joulter Cays and the need to protect them. Pictured are campers boating to the Joulter Cays. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
Participants in EcoCamp 2014 were able to visit the Joulter Cays, which is an area the BNT is currently trying to protect. After their visit, campers hosted an Outreach Event to help raise awareness about the Joulter Cays and the need to protect them. Pictured are campers boating to the Joulter Cays. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)

The 2014 EcoCampers from throughout The Bahamas recently returned home after participating in an exciting week-long camp for students aged 13 – 16, where they learned about the ecology and culture of Andros Island, and the importance of conserving our natural resources.

EcoCampers Learn About Species in Andros Near the Barrier Reef. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
EcoCampers Learn About Species in Andros Near the Barrier Reef. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)

During the camp, students spent time learning about wildlife in Andros, the importance of conservation, the Andros barrier reef, critically endangered species, blue holes and much more. Campers also visited various areas in Andros including Red Bays, Lowe Sound, Andros North Marine Park and Blue Hole National Park. They were had a special visit by owner/operator of Stafford Creek Lodge, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Council member and President of Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association (BSCA), Captain Prescott Smith who gave a presentation and inspired campers to continue on their journey in learning about the environment.

“The experience afforded to me this past week is one I will never forget,” said Janae, an EcoCamper from Nassau. “I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge from this amazing programme. Attending EcoCamp introduced me to new things, new people and new ideas.”

During a visit to Red Bank, Andros, campers learned about jobs that can be done with natural resources, and spoke to spongers, straw crafters and wood carvers. Pictured are campers checking out some of the sponges. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
During a visit to Red Bank, Andros, campers learned about jobs that can be done with natural resources, and spoke to spongers, straw crafters and wood carvers. Pictured are campers checking out some of the sponges. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)

The campers camped in the wilderness, swam in blue holes, enjoyed music around the camp fire, swam along the barrier reef in Andros, participated in an outreach event, spoke to spongers, straw crafters and wood carvers and even spotted a Bahama Oriole. The Bahama Oriole is a critically endangered bird that is found only on the Island of Andros, and there are fewer than 260 individual birds left on earth. “EcoCamp teaches participants more about Bahamian ecosystems than any book can,” said Scott Johnson, BNT Education Officer. “It allows them to physically interact with the environment, whether it be snorkeling in our cool turquoise waters, hiking in and savouring the sweet, pungent fragrance of the Bahamian pine forest or being serenaded by the melodious birds that inhabit our coppice forest. It pushes students to bring out talents that they didn’t know they had and strengthens their desire to become good stewards of our environment.”

EcoCamp included an outreach event which was both a learning experience and a teaching experience for EcoCampers, as participants were able to take what they learnt about Andros wildlife, the Joulter Cays and conservation to Lowe Sound thanks to National Audubon Society (NAS). Lowe Sound, which is a fishing village of 700 people in North Andros, was chosen for the outreach event because it is the closest community to the Joulter Cays, which the BNT is seeking to get protected.

The outreach event was intended to reach families and it attracted about 150 people. The evening ended with a short ceremony, where the Joulter Cays video was shown and Andros EcoCampers spoke about what the Joulters was like and why they thought it should be protected. Brian Cleare, the new Chief Councilor for North Andros, who is from Lowe Sound also brought remarks during the ceremony.

During one of their expeditions, campers spotted a rare Bahama Oriole. The Bahama Oriole is a critically endangered bird that is found only on the Island of Andros, and there are fewer than 260 individual birds left on earth. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)
During one of their expeditions, campers spotted a rare Bahama Oriole. The Bahama Oriole is a critically endangered bird that is found only on the Island of Andros, and there are fewer than 260 individual birds left on earth. (Photo courtesy of BNT for Barefoot Marketing)

“The BNT operates a suite of great environment educational programmes, like EcoCamp. We could not do what we do for these young people without the support of especially our valued sponsors, and conservation partners,” said Portia Sweeting, BNT Education Director. “Effective conservation is only accomplished through a team effort. Just as the natural systems are connected, conservation efforts must build upon and complement each other.”

Campers were given a take home project to complete on conservation, and now that they’re back home, the BNT hopes that campers will take their lessons on conservation with them. Visit the BNT Facebook page to see more photos from EcoCamp and to learn how you or your children can participate in next year’s EcoCamp.

The Bahamas National Trust was created by an Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of the Bahamas. Possibly the only non-governmental organization in the world charged with such a responsibility the TRUST, as it is commonly known works daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas, through stewardship and education for present and future generations. There are currently 27 National Parks managed by the TRUST with more than 1 million acres of marine and terrestrial areas protected.