Little Cayman Sea Camp for students

(CNS): The Little Cayman Research Center will behosting the 10th annual Caribbean Sea Camp this summer. Students 14-18 years of age who are interested in learning about the marine environment, gaining experience for their educational future and having fun in the process are encouraged to apply. The program accepts both national and international students, and scholarship opportunities are provided to local students who are able to show an active interest in coral reef conservation.

The 2009 Sea Camp, a high school marine sciences education program, is hosted by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute at their Little Cayman fracility and will take place 12 through 18 July. The anniversary will be celebrated with the introduction of a newly developed curriculum, activities and counsellors, according to a CCMI release.

This year’s events and activities have been developed to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge in marine ecosystems and conservation. Students will have the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience working with marine scientists, collecting data, mapping habitats, debating issues that concern our reefs and many other fun productive activities.

Students interested in the program must complete an application indicating their own personal ideas about why coral reefs are important and obtain a letter of recommendation as to why they should be considered for placement in this program

For more information on the 2008 Caribbean Sea Camp or for an application e-mail ccmiapplications@reefresearch.org or visit our web site at www.reefresearch.org. Applications are being accepted now and through the months of March and April.

Companies interested in sponsoring a scholarship for a local student can obtain details by emailing reef@reefresearch.org .

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was incorporated in 1998 as a non-profit 501c3 organization. CCMI was established as an international charitable organization after becoming incorporated in the Cayman Islands (2002) and in the UK in 2004.

Since its first years, CCMI has proven a valuable asset to the effort of understanding changing coral reef and tropical marine environments, and its research and education programs have established a solid foundation for future reef education and awareness in the Caribbean and for students and researchers from around the world.

For additional information on the research, education, outreach and conservation initiatives of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, please visit our website at www.reefresearch.org

Photo: Pair of French Angel Fish, courtesy Chris and Joanna Humphries