St. Croix Summer Camp 2022—Day 3
Cane Bay, St. Croix, USVI
Friday, July 29, 2022
Day 3 - Coastal Ecosystem Exploration at Cane Bay Beach
Activity Log: Student's arrived at the WOS office at 8:00 AM. We reviewed the schedule together, and ASA volunteered to share a safety moment with the team. Asa’s safety moment was “What to do if a fire breaks out in the kitchen of a boat!” Asa shared that he learned about boat safety during his experience on the WOS Junior Ambassador Summer Program and wanted to share few steps we should take immediately in the case of a fire onboard: (1). Inform the boat captain of the fire. (2) Contact the U.S. Coast Guard. (3) Shut fuel valve. (4) Shut down the engine. (5). Captain will use extinguisher to put out the fire or a deck crew will be assigned. (6). Evacuate the boat if necessary. Asa also stated that a marine-rated class B fire extinguisher should be on board. Thank you, Asa!
A Local Marine Scientist – Mr. Kemit-Amon Lewis
After our safety moment, we watched a short film on the Travel Channel Real that highlighted St. Croix and a really cool local marine scientist, Kemit-Amon Lewis. From the film, WOS students learned about a Coral Restoration Project started by Mr. Lewis when he worked for The Nature Conservancy and his technique for creating the underwater nurseries of transplanted Elkhorn and Staghorn corals and what it means to be “Reef Responsible.” (If you haven’t seen the Travel Channel Real St. Croix film check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig-c7TETNPA&t=3s.)
The Winding Road: A Journey to Cane Bay
After the film it was time to head out to Cane Bay! Our taxi driver Mr. Alex collected us at 9:30am. As we embarked on our journey to the shores of Cane Bay, student’s marveled at the sites along the way. It had been the first time for the WOS students; they had never experienced the journey of the winding road or swam at the Cane Bay Beach before.
Exploring Da’ Beach
Student’s quickly learned that Cane Bay is a great place for shoreline/tide pool exploration. Student’s spent time looking closely and quietly, and gently touched rocks, shells, living plants and animals found in the tide pools. We discussed the purpose of tide pools, and talked about the frequent change in environment the organisms and creatures deal with like the frequent waves that rush in, exposure to sun, oxygen levels and how the pools are formed. When the tide rolled out we had an opportunity to identify some cool tidal pool treasures! We saw three different species of sea urchins, a few rock gunnel fish, a baby eel, lots of crabs and snails.
Intro to Snorkeling
Cane Bay is a great beach for snorkeling. The beach is about waist-deep for about 30 yards from shore with plenty aquatic life to see.
This was some of the students first time snorkeling so we spent time learning about snorkeling safety, and techniques. Then it was time to get fitted! Students learned how to select their mask, fins, and snorkel and how to prep before entering the water. We spent time learning to breathe in the water, clearing water out of the mask and snorkel, and how to swim with fins. The students spent the rest of the day exploring the beautiful underwater views.
