Savannah State University has successfully concluded another summer session of Coast Camp, a free Marine Science camp for 2nd -12th graders, with 50 campers participating. Founded in 2007, Coast Camp has been providing hands-on science experiences for kids in the Savannah area that they can use at school and in a future career as a scientist. SSU is located right on the marsh which means campers spent time on the dock spotting dolphins and observing tides, in the marsh looking for fiddler crabs, and in the classroom conducting experiments all based around the Ocean Literacy Principles. Campers even took field trips to Tybee Island Beach and the Okefenokee Swamp to learn about preserved versus developed land. In addition, they took on-campus field trips to the In Search of Earth's Secrets Exhibit at the Asa H. Gordon Library and the Virtual Reality Lab where they got to see the marsh and beach ecosystems in the 360 Halo Room.
Throughout the month campers worked on projects based on what they were learning to present to parents and staff at the end of camp. These projects range from anthropogenic impacts on the marsh and ocean, to how the barrier islands protect the mainland from storms, recycling, and ecosystem dioramas.
The CEAR Hub provided additional support for 3 undergraduate students, who served as camp counselors. Lesa Hagins, Educational Outreach Manager with the CEAR Hub, also provided support operationally and through instruction.
It was a busy full month of marine science, and we are already looking forward to next year!
