KILAUEA — The Spring Break Coral Reef Kids Camp made a big splash this week, combining adventure and education to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
Reef Guardians Hawaii began its 9th annual Spring Break ‘Coral Reef Kids Camp,’ a fun and fascinating program taught by a team of marine educators that encourages children to explore and ask questions regarding marine life such as the limu and algae, reptiles, the reefs, and seabirds where students can increase their snorkeling skills, make new friends while learning the values of stewardship.
Jessica Palmer, a hybrid technician with the Division of Aquatic Resources, explained why this is the perfect program for children to participate in while on their Spring and Summer Break and said,
“The children should sign up for the summer camp because it will get them out in nature while also engaging their minds and learning about their environment. It’s a beautiful thing when the community gets together and teaches the next generation. I wish I had done something like this when I was younger. I learned all this in college, so they’re getting a head start.”
Robin Mazor, Executive Director and Educator with Reef Guardians Hawaii, expressed gratitude for the community, the keiki, and partners and explained how confident she is in all of her future ocean stewards.
“It makes me feel so confident that as we go into the future, the younger generation will have the understanding of what it takes to have healthy coral and a healthy environment,” said Mazor.
“Being a Reef Guardian isn’t only at the seashore or in the ocean; it begins in our yards, how you wash your car, what happens in our streams, and what chemicals are put onto the land and being conscious and making good choices.
“We thank our partners, the Department of Aquatic Resources and Surfrider, whom we worked with over the years because all of us working together really strengthens our community. When we teach the kids and they love it and have the enthusiasm and understand the ecology and want to protect it— we can successfully continue to sustain our environment,” she said.
The Reef Camp concluded its Spring Break session on Wednesday, March 19; however, the Summer Coral Camp registration is now open. The Reef Guardians encourage everyone to download the Hawaii SeaLife App and enroll in the Ke Kula Kai online sea school for a family-friendly and interactive school where students can learn more about Hawaii’s oceans, reefs, and marine life.
The camp is for children ages eight to thirteen. Snorkel gear is provided when you register for the camp; children are encouraged to bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and sunscreen.
Parents or guardians interested in signing up their children for the June Summer Coral Reef Camp can visit www.reefguardians.org. For scholarships or fee waivers, email education@reefguardians.org.
