MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Xavier Ateneo Senior High School students participate in a summer camp that aims to develop them as stewards of marine life. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
Nineteen Xavier Ateneo Senior High School students camped out and explored the wonders of marine life in the first-ever Marine Summer Camp organized by the McKeough Marine Center.
The five-day camp, held from April 9 to 13, at the Xavier University Marine Station in Solana, Jasaan was packed with interesting lecture-discussions on the basics of the marine life and environment, the threats and issues, as well as current initiatives to address them, the role of youth in marine conservation, and the concept of sustainability.
The lectures were complemented with actual field exposures, a snorkeling trip to the Agutayan Island of Jasaan, and most importantly, an introduction to project management for the campers to be equipped in order to make concrete actions.
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Xavier Ateneo Senior High School students participate in a summer camp that aims to develop them as stewards of marine life. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
The goal of the camp was mainly to inform and raise awareness among youth on the status of our coastal and marine environments and how they can help in taking action.
The marine campers were able to come up with four project concepts, including bamboo straws and sea glass enterprise, art exhibits, and talent expositions with marine-environmental themes.
On the last day, the marine campers presented their projects in front of esteemed guests from the university and the local government unit of Jasaan, including Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto “Bobby” C Yap SJ.
In his closing remarks, Yap emphasized being “men and women for others” in taking care of the environment and becoming stewards of God’s creation. ∎
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Marine campers pose with Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ and LGU Jasaan members after a lecture. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Group dynamics and post-lecture activities. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Marine campers strike a pose with the representatives of LGU Jasaan, on the Agutayan Island. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Group dynamics and post-lecture activities. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Campers gather for the introduction to the marine camp, orientation, and house rules. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong
MARINE SUMMER CAMP 2018. Marine campers pose with their facilitators before their first field exposure. Photo by MMC/Willes Hong