An Eco-Community Vision
Take a few kids to the ocean and it is not long before they start to find a myriad of things to explore. The West End Eco-Fishing Camp based in West End, Grand Bahama Island is just one of the places where kids from the community are immersed into a number of activities designed to get them thinking about their role as caretakers of the living seas.
"Esprit de Corp"
The Royal Bahamas Police Force saw the need to initiate a signature community programs to encourage the children to learn about basic first aid, water safety, swimming, introduction to boating, hand line fishing, troll fishing and fly fishing. Led by a group of volunteers from the local community and officers from the West End police station the kids are kept busy learning about “Esprit de Corp” or group spirit that encourages a team effort in each of the planned activities.
According to Sergeant Terry Barry, “These kids are amazing. Living near the ocean brings certain challenges and opportunities to teach the kids about respecting the environment and sea. Each weekend the kids look forward to having a great time learning about subjects that could have a positive impact on their lives.” The Royal Bahamas Police Force realizes that by 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.
The Program
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 repair mechanics, oceanographers, agriculture and aqua-culture farmers. The sessions attract more than 70 kids and are held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m. The eco-fishing camp opens the first Saturday in March and runs concurrently through the last Saturday in May.
A second camp is organized in the early fall season to teach the advanced students snorkeling skills and introduction to marine life identification along the shoreline. There are up to 12 kids who are selected at the end of the first camp who demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to move onto more challenging lessons. In future camps the kids will be introduced to scuba diving, free diving and sunfish sail boats.
Awards Ceremony
One of the highlights is the awards recognition programs at the end of the of the spring and fall camps that highlight the accomplishments of the best participants in swimming, fishing, and for exemplifying the best “group spirit”. Linda Barry Cooper, Chairman of the West End Eco-Fishing Camp Association states, “The rich history and traditions of West End’s past lives in each generation. It is up to us to ensure that they are reminded that they are being handed the responsibility of ensuring a sustainable future for their children and for future generations. 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.”
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