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 Camp Description
Join Reef Ministries at the Westminster Academy Summer Sports Camp in Fort Lauderdale July 9-14, 2012 for a special Snorkeling Camp adventure.
This 6-day camp is for 3rd through 6th graders who want to learn how to snorkel and explore God's underwater world. Campers recieve presentations on corals, fish and caring for the underwater world. Then its onto the pool to learn snorkeling skills and techniques. On the last day of camp, parents and campers go on a snorkeling boat trip to a shallow coral reef only 1/4 mile offshore in 15 feet of water. Campers will explore and photograph the beautiful reefs of Fort Lauderdale, while showing their parents how skilled they are at snorkeling.
What makes the camp so very unique is the"Discipleship Training" and the "Outreach Training" parts of the curriculum. In the Discipleship Training, campers learn how to care for each other in the water using the buddy system. They learn the many similarities between the buddy system and discipleship during the camp. In the Outreach Training, campers pick scripture verses and write a note of encouragement on cards that they make with their own underwater photo. These cards are sent to a division of the Wounded Warriors program called "Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba" (SUDS) and they thank and encourage the men and women who have come out of combat with amputations or paralysis and want to explore God's underwater world.
Classroom presentations focus on coral reef ecology, fish identification, environmental stewardship, and creation. Pool sessions teach many aspects of snorkeling including mask and snorkel clearing, entries and exits, kicking techniques, surface dives, equalization, and buddy system safety techniques. Campers perform skill-building exercises and the extremely popular underwater hockey.
Itinerary
Snorkeling Camp July 9-14, 2012 (children going into 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th grades)
Monday through Friday:
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Classroom Presentations & Pool Sessions
Saturday:
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Snorkeling Boat Trip
For parents wishing to attend the Snorkeling Boat Trip, see FAQ's below
Locations
Westminster Academy
5601 North Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
click here for map
Sea Experience/ Bahia Mar Resort
801 Seabreeze Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
click here for map
Prices
$150 Per child for the week
Price includes use of snorkeling equipment, classroom presentations, pool instruction, snorkeling charter boat trip, underwater camera, digital developing, greeting card production and mailing.
Packing List
Bathing suit
Long Sleeve Rash Guard
Towel
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Water Bottle
Snacks
FAQs
Who can participate in the snorkeling camp?
To participate in the snorkeling camp, we ask that your child know how to swim and be comfortable in the water. This is an interpretive adventure, which is very physical and water-intensive. The more one is comfortable with swimming, the easier the activity of snorkeling will be. And, the better the snorkeler, the better the experience will be to absorb the beauty of God's underwater marine life. Please call if you have questions regarding your child's ability to snorkel.
My child has her own mask, snorkel and fins. Can she use them for camp?
Absolutely! It is great when a child has his or her own snorkeling gear. We will teach them how to use it well and safely. For parents who would like to purchase their child's own snorkeling gear, feel free to contact us and we will give you advice on making your selections.
What will we see on the reef?
Your child will see many tropical reef fish indigenous to Florida and the Caribbean - parrotfish, snapper, damselfish, angelfish, stingray, wrasse, tang, etc. These include adults and juveniles, individuals and schools. Your child will also see an assortment of hard and soft corals including sea fans and sponges.
What about motion sickness and waves?
The boat will not run snorkeling trips if the seas are even moderately rough. The captain makes the judgment early in the morning to determine if the trip is running or not due to weather. There are some people who are prone to getting motion sickness even in the mildest of conditions - on a boat that is called sea sickness. There are some over-the-counter medications for motion/sea sickness, and it is always best to consult with your physician to see if that medication is right for your child.
Where should we drop off our child?
Monday through Friday you will drop off and pick up your child in front of the Westminster Academy Pool. On Saturday please bring your child to the Bahia Mar Hotel and Resort for the snorkeling trip. You will pick them up at the same location when the boat returns from the trip. See addresses above.
May I join my child for the Snorkeling Boat Trip?
You certainly may. The price for an adult snorkeler is $35 and your snorkeling equipment is included. If you would rather just go along for the ride and see the reef through the glassbottom panels the adult rider price is $28.
Registration
Simply contact Tracy Holland at Westminster Academy at (954) 771-4600 ext. 2508 to register. If you have any questions please call (954) 495-7810.
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