Last week forty young students from twelve islands returned from an eco-immersion experience on the island of Andros. During the week-long experience the campers swam in blue holes, hiked in the pine forest, explored Jungle Pond, snorkeled the Andros barrier reef, visited the amazing and awe inspiring Andros West Side National Park and camped in the Blue Hole National Park.
“Eco Camp inspires participants to step out of their comfort zone and experience the outdoors both physically and mentally,” said Portia Sweeting, Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Education Director. “Their experiences will definitely stay with them for a lifetime.” Students who attend Eco Camp are fully sponsored by supporting companies but have to apply to be chosen. This year’s applicants had to write an essay on how the BNT can make national parks more enjoyable for Bahamian families and visitors as a part of their application. Over seventy-five students applied and forty were selected for this year’s camp.
Current sponsors of the BNT’s Eco Camp include the U.S. Embassy, Lyford Cay Foundation, Atlantis, Royal Bank of Canada, Blue Water Resort, Outdoor Sportsman, Bahamas Ferries, ForFar Field Station, Broad Shad Cay, Island Scope, Bahamas Hotel Association, Caribbean Bottling and Fun Foods.
During the camp, students received presentations on a number of topics from various presenters. Neda Brown, Public Affairs Officer and spokesperson for the US Embassy spoke the first evening of the camp on Creating Community Level Change, Social Media 101 and opportunities for young people with the U.S. Embassy.
Students were challenged to create one minute public service announcements on sustainable living practices which will be posted on the BNT website and Eco Camp Facebook page. Other presentations covered the intertidal zone, recycling and other sustainable living practices..
The U.S. Embassy also sponsored a special social evening for the campers on their return, held at the BNT Retreat, where they presented their PSAs on Home Gardening, Recyling, Energy Conservation, Plastic Pollution, Upcycling and Composting. Nina Sanchez from Grand Bahama gave a special presentation on why sponsors should consider supporting Eco Camp.
“Throughout the week at Eco Camp we were faced with various challenges, including designing recycle bin lids,” said Nina Sanchez. “With sponsorship more campers will be able to experience this life changing camp and have experiences that will encourage their growth.”
All of the students spoke glowingly of their experience and many indicated that they want to return as counselors in the future. To learn more contact the BNT’s Education Director, Portia Sweeting at psweeting@bnt.bs.
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.
Website: http://www.bnt.bs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahamas-National-Trust/25034035861?ref=hl
Pictured are some of the campers during one of their many adventures.
