The Tribune

FREEPORT - Sixty students found out about nature and the environment while under canvas when the Grand Bahama Discovery Club held a weekend camping trip at the Rand Nature Centre.

The Discovery Club, part of the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) education programme, has established clubs in four schools on the island and the camping experience was designed to be informative and fun.

“Through camping experiences like this, we are able to creatively introduce our Discovery Club members to the environment and teach them life skills that will benefit them in their future,” said Portia Sweeting, BNT Director of Education.

The students, from Freeport Gospel Chapel School, Bartlett Hill Primary School and Mary, Star of the Sea, were able to learn more about the native plants and animals found at the Rand Nature Centre and enjoyed nighttime games while camping. Additionally they learned responsibility and the importance of teamwork.

The student ‘Guardians’ - ages 11 and 12 - were responsible for preparing all of the meals and the ‘Explorers’ level students, ages eight to ten, helped with the cleanup and washing of dishes.

Cecilia Bodie, Grand Bahama’s BNT Education Officer, said, “The camping experience allows students to get closer to nature while meeting students from different clubs. Students really enjoyed themselves and are already looking forward to next year.”

It was the first camping trip for the students of Freeport Gospel Chapel School and Bartlett Hill Primary School while Catholic High School has a Discovery Club established.

Schools interested in setting up a club in their school can contact the BNT locally at (242) 352-5438 or in Nassau at (242) 393-1317. Parents and teachers can learn more on the BNT website at bnt.bs.