WEST END, Grand Bahama -- The West End Eco-Fishing Camp is pleased to announce the fourth year of their program designed for local kids who are immersed into a number of activities to get them thinking about their role as “caretakers of the earth and living seas.” The camp is held in partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force who saw the need to initiate signature community programs to encourage the children to learn about basic first aid, water safety, and swimming, introduction to boating, ecology, kayaking, hand line fishing, and fly fishing. Led by a group of adult volunteers from the local community and officers from the West End police station the kids are kept busy learning about “Esprit de Corps” or group spirit that encourages a team effort in each of the planned activities.

The first camp program began in the spring of 2009 with a goal to ensure that the children from West End would learn about entrepreneur and career opportunities as marine biologists, scientists, ecology tour guides, environmentalists, small boat engine mechanics, oceanographers, agriculture, and aqua-culture farmers. Kids are also included from throughout West Grand Bahama and Pineridge who join together to accept their role as “future environmentalists and ecologists” The eco-fishing camp is slated to open March 10 through May 26, 2012. The sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 9AM to 2PM.

One of the most exciting elements of the camp is BASRA and their “man overboard” demonstration. Kids are briefed by BASRA’s boat crew before being taken out to sea to experience a simulated rescue and to gain a better perspective of boating safety and emergency procedures. As part of the program BASRA also discuss the invasive species of lionfish in Bahamian seas and cap it off by providing a tasty treat of fried lionfish appetizers … last year’s campers and volunteers found the fish to be quite delicious.

According to PWC Nathalie Knowles, “It is exciting to watch the kids mature through the program as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Living near the ocean allows the instructors to teach the kids about respecting the environment and sea. Each weekend the kids are taught new subjects that are fun and could have a positive impact on their lives.”  The Royal Bahamas Police Force realizes that providing kids with wholesome activities that will stimulate their imagination is a much better alternative to idleness and the temptation to turn to crime and drugs.

This year the camp is offering two new programs to their curriculum – fish identification and care for our natural resources. The Bahamas National Trust has been instrumental in providing education materials and hosting a movie night “Sanctuary” to showcase the declining worldwide shark population.

A second camp is organized in the summer/fall to teach the advanced students sailing, snorkeling skills and introduction to marine life identification along the shoreline. There are up to 20 kids who are selected at the end of the first camp who demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to move onto more challenging programs. In future camps the kids will be introduced to free diving and scuba diving programs.

One of the highlights is the awards program at the closing of the spring camp that recognizes the accomplishments of the distinguished boy and girl campers. Awards are also presented to the top teams in swimming, fishing, and for exemplifying the best overall “group spirit.” Linda Barry-Cooper, Chairman of the West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association states, “We are in our fourth year and the camp has surpassed our expectations. There is a real positive impact on the campers and residents. The future of West End’s waterfront is the responsibility of each generation yet it is up to us to ensure that the kids are reminded that they are being handed the responsibility of ensuring a sustainable future for their children someday. We are delighted to provide the inspiration to motivate the kids with the vital lessons they learn and encourage them to strive to protect the natural resources of their community.”

To learn more about how your child can become a part of the West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association please visit their page on Facebook, website – www.weefca.com or contact Linda Barry-Cooper at 646-6227 for more details.

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Photo: West End Eco-Fishing Camp kids and volunteers - 'Future caretakers of the earth and living seas!'