With flasks, stirrers and other laboratory equipment, the students at the V.I. Environmental Resource Station’s Science Camp learned Thursday about sedimentation.
"I’ve given them samples of mangroves, the shore, the bay, and the reef," said Sarah Gray, an associate professor of marine science at the University of San Diego.
Gray was one of a handful of science professionals on hand to help the students understand the environment in the VIERS area at Lameshur Bay on St. John.
As for the students, several said they were having a great time at the five- day camp that ends Friday.
"I make friends, go to the beach and learn about marine life," St. Thomas resident Karen Greaves, 15, said.
Greaves was eating breakfast in the VIERS dining room with two friends from school, Amanda Simpson, and Simfoni Nibbs, both 15.
Simpson had plenty to say about what she’s learned.
"I learned about parasites and fish, and how endangered the coral reefs are. And how to make jewelry out of rocks, and to tie-die T-shirts," she said.
Nibbs echoed the remarks of her friends, but pointed out that they were also learning to swim at Lameshur Bay Beach.
St. John resident Christopher Scatliffe, 14, a student at Antilles School on St. Thomas, said he enjoyed catching fish. Those fish were used to study parasites.
As for St. Thomas resident Glenroy Hodge, 13, a student at Bertha C. Boschulte Junior High School, he liked the fact that he got to go snorkeling.
The students were also enthusiastic about the food.
"The brownies were awesome," Simpson said.
The 16 youths – 13 from St. Thomas and three from St. John – spend mornings studying science at the VIERS seaside laboratory.
"They’re practicing scientific methods and techniques," camp director Hilary Maynard said.
In the afternoons the students are involved in fun activities like hiking and swimming. Evenings are devoted to campfire presentations by scientists spending time at VIERS.
The Science Camp as well as the four Eco-camps that ran all summer are funded by the Friends of V.I. National Park.
"It’s a great way to totally submerse local youths in the environment and have them spend the night out in the national park," Friends program manager Audrey Penn said, referring to VIERS’ location within V.I. National Park.
According to Penn, 100 students attended the Eco-camps, with more than half of them coming from public schools.
"And over 60 percent were new to VIERS," she said.
