Youth from North Andros and New Providence Experienced BAMSI’s 3rd Summer Camp for Teens

BAMSI’s SUMMER EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT DISCOVERY SERIES (SEEDS) attracted teens from North Andros and New Providence. This year the camp focused on the impact of climate change on: agriculture, marine resources and communities. To gain a better understanding of the unique challenges brought about by climate change in the Bahamas, participants visited Miss Marshall’s Yard in Red Bays to understand the impact of forest fires on the community’s straw handcrafts; shorter growing seasons for common crops such as cabbages and tomatoes; as well as the decreasing number of crabs harvested over the past few years. Other field trips included cave exploration at Morgan’s Bluff and open water kayaking at Forfar Field Station, which is part of a non-profit organization providing environmental education, scientific research, and cultural awareness through experiential learning.

On the farm, participants learned about the BAMSI Snapper aka Tilapia which completes the aquaponics operations at the farm, and the resources required to grow fish and crops.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Large Basket – Red Bays residents sew their baskets using a large sail needle. This skill is an integral part of their unique heritage. Red Bays was first settled by the Black Seminoles of South Florida.



2. Learning how to sew a straw basket. These baskets are made with Silver Thatch.



3. Proud campers at the look-out point at Morgan’s Bluff.



4. Open water kayaking, sisters practice synchronized paddling

5. Calculating the gallons of water required to fill an aquaponics raceway.

6. BAMSI Board members meet with SEEDS campers.