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EcoCampers Return from Andros Ready to Take on the World
By Bahamas National Trust
Jul 29, 2014 - 5:38:41 PM

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EcoCampers Return from Andros Ready to Take on the World - EcoCampers from throughout The Bahamas recently returned to their various islands 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 conversing our natural resources. (BNT Photo)

Andros, Bahamas – 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.

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, 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.

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EcoCampers Learn About Natural Resources in Red Bank, Andros - 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. (BNT Photo)

“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.”

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.”

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EcoCampers at Joulter Cays - 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. (BNT Photo)

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.


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Rare Bahama Oriole Spotted by EcoCampers - 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. (BNT Photo)

“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.
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EcoCampers Learn About Species in Andros Near the Barrier Reef (Photo BNT)





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