CCMI - Caribbean Sea Camp

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands

Camp Type: Family, International
Age of Campers: 14 - 18
Gender of Campers: Coed
Year Established: 1998

This is a basic camp listing: no contact information is provided.

IMAGINE... the crystal clear Caribbean Sea... unsurpassed water visibility... waking up with the turquoise Caribbean Sea at your doorstep... diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, watching sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and the myriad of the coral reef life of the Cayman Islands...

Join us at the Little Cayman Research Center to learn tropical marine biology and conservation at one of the world's most gorgeous coral reefs. This will be a summer to remember, forever...

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CCMI has operated the Caribbean Sea Camp, a tropical marine biology and conservation program, in the Cayman Islands since 2000. Divers and non-divers are accepted into the program. Students learn marine biology and conservation directly from scientists and graduate students. The program is intended for students who have an interest and some experience in marine science.

ELIGIBILITY
Students (14-18 years old) must be entering or in high school and must be in good academic standing at their school. We only admit students who are interested in marine biology and conservation. Qualified students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited and we encourage you to register early. A maximum of 18 students will be admitted.

WHAT IS THE TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY & CONSERVATION PROGRAM?
The program is CCMI's pre-college study abroad program and is held on the remote island of Little Cayman. The program is both academic and fun. We have operated this program in the Cayman Islands since 2000. The program's mission is to improve our youth's appreciation and understanding of the human connection to the marine environment. Through investigating endangered species such as sea turtles, coral reef communities, and fish populations, students grow to better understand major conservation issues facing the earth today.

WHAT WILL STUDENTS BE DOING?
Students will discover the wonders of coral reefs first-hand from experts working to conserve the diversity of life inhabiting the ocean's largest living creature. Students will have fun every day exploring the marine environment and also the island's other tropical habitats. Little Cayman is home to the largest breeding population of Red Footed Boobies, an endemic iguana that grows to over 3 feet long, and one of the last spawning aggregations of the Nassau grouper. Each day has a full schedule with three great meals, field trips to the reef, discussions with scientists, and fun activities to increase a student's knowledge of the fish, coral, and other life that inhabits a coral reef. By working side-by-side with scientists and marine educators, students take part in ongoing research projects.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

    SCUBA dive and snorkel with scientists and experienced instructors
    Compete in our CCMI Reef Relay - a mini triathlon - with teams of three that swim, bike and kayak to the finish line.
    Discover why our Marine Park is called Bloody Bay and what Christopher Columbus discovered in 1503.
    Our scientists teach you about marine conservation and why coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea.
    Learn what it is like to be a marine scientist working to understand how this fragile environment works and how you can save coral reefs from extinction.

SCUBA CERTIFICATION
SCUBA certification is NOT required. Students planning to dive must arrive already SCUBA certified. Our enrollment specialist can assist you with completing this requirement.

ACCOMODATIONS
The Little Cayman Research Center has bunk dorm rooms with separate facilities for males and females, laboratories, classroom, library, dining area, boats, and more (see About LCRC for details)...

COST
$2300 (US) - For International Participants *
Includes room, 3 meals a day, pick up and return to Little Cayman airport, all field trips and diving.