Waitt Institute Teams up with Aqua Montserrat for First Kids Ocean Club

For the first time on Montserrat, kids had the opportunity to take part in a kids ocean club, Fish ‘N Fins. Over six weeks, 75 kids participated in ocean and conservation-themed activities with the goal of increasing the confidence and awareness of young Montserratians to the ocean and the coastal area of their island.
For the first time on Montserrat, kids had the opportunity to take part in a kids ocean club, Fish ‘N Fins. Over six weeks, 75 kids participated in ocean and conservation-themed activities with the goal of increasing the confidence and awareness of young Montserratians to the ocean and the coastal area of their island.
Showing off their new Blue Halo sunglasses
Showing off their new Blue Halo sunglasses

LITTLE BAY/WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time on Montserrat, kids had the opportunity to take part in an ocean club, Fish ‘N Fins. Over six weeks, 75 kids participated in ocean and conservation-themed activities with the goal of increasing the confidence and awareness of young Montserratians to the ocean and the coastal area of their island.

Fish ‘N Fins was created by Aqua Montserrat Director, Veta Wade, and coordinated with Waitt Institute Program Manager, Stephanie Roach and Blue Halo Montserrat Site Manager, Robin Ramdeen. The camp included daily snorkeling and swimming lessons, a beach cleanup in Carr’s Bay, guest presentations by local fishers and community members, as well as ocean and conservation-themed games, activities, and crafts.

“This summer has been a historic and extremely rewarding experience for me and the Aqua Montserrat team,” said Veta. “Never before in our island’s history has such an ocean camp been held, and we are proud to have created this opportunity for our island’s children.”

With the support of the Waitt Institute and Government of Montserrat, Fish ‘N Fins was offered free of charge to kids ages 7-14. The Waitt Institute sponsored the camp by donating 30 sets of snorkel gear (masks with custom mask straps, fins, snorkels), 30 child-sized wetsuits, 8 sets of adult snorkel gear, catered lunches, and other gear such as shirts, stickers, and sunglasses. The Government of Montserrat also provided funding to support daily activities of the camp.

“The summer programme was well executed in introducing our children to the marine environment so that they can appreciate it’s beauty, usefulness, an participate in its protection and conservation,” said Hon. Claude Hogan, Minister of the Environment. “Our Ministry was honoured to sponsor to underscore the importance we attach to our marine environment.”

For many kids, Fish ‘N Fins was their first time snorkeling or swimming. “The kids were sometimes afraid, but what was amazing is the excitement and enthusiasm they have for the ocean, and how quickly they overcame their fears of the water,” explained Oslyn Butler, Camp Liaison and Child Protection Expert at Aqua Montserrat.

The first session of Fish ‘N Fins was offered in conjunction with the E.S.C.A.P.E. summer program in July, and the second session was offered with a “Back-to-School” theme in late August. Beginning this fall, Aqua Montserrat will offer Saturday sessions of the camp with the occasional guest speaker and other opportunities.

“Fish ‘N Fins is exactly the kind of program the Waitt Institute is eager to support,” said Stephanie. “We’re thrilled to partner with organizations like Aqua Montserrat as part of Blue Halo Montserrat to allow more children to experience the ocean first-hand and inspire the next generation of ocean leaders on Montserrat and throughout the Caribbean.”

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