Kids and the Sea (KATS), with the support of Unite BVI’s; Unite for the Sea’s programme and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), will be hosting one week boating summer camp programmes for youths of ages 10 through 16 at HLSCC Center for Applied Marine Studies and at various other venues on Tortola. Photo: KATS

The camps are being offered on a complimentary basis, with no fee required from the attendees. Photo: KATS

Afternoon activities at the summer camp will provide further knowledge and exposure to water-based activities including ocean conservation. Photo: KATS

Four programmes will be offered throughout the month of July, with each programme accommodating 28 students.

According to a press release from Programme Coordinator Julie Schneider, the camps are being offered on a complimentary basis, with no fee required from the attendees. It also said applicants for the programme must have competent swimming abilities and be comfortable in the water.

Focus of sessions

The main focus of the camps morning sessions, according to KATS, will be to educate students on basic boating skill sets and safety through an instructional rowing and sea skills programme. Activities such as docking, anchoring, capsizing, crew overboard and recovery, rowing commands, knot tying and basic first aid knowledge will comprise the course content.

Afternoon activities, the press release added, will provide further knowledge and exposure to water-based activities including ocean conservation. Activities include; Mangrove Nursery Tour at HLSCC; Sailing Introduction with The Royal BVI Yacht Club; Mangrove Eco Tour with GroundSea Tour; Surfing and Boogie Board Lessons with BVI Surf School, Snorkel Lessons with BVI Swim School, Discover Scuba Lessons with We Be Divin’ and Unite for the Sea’s conservation theme discussion about Ghost Gear.

Service to the community

Commenting on the launch of the summer camp, the KATS Steering Committee offered: "The KATS legacy in the BVI is now, happily, a generational one. The original founders have raised a generation of current KATS directors, who are now steering KATS into service for the community. KATS alumni within the last 10 years have become this year's KATS instructors; all of whom are HLSCC students with the majority from the Marine Programme. The circle is closed and KATS resiliency will be ensured with Virgin Islanders mentoring our territories youth on water awareness, safety and seamanship."

HLSCC President Dr Richard E. Georges states, “The College is happy to reestablish its relationship with KATS and we're eager to support the local youth learning more about the joy that can be found in the sea.”

KATS is also looking for volunteers to assist in teaching knot tying and helping the team of instructors throughout the programme. Students looking for community service hours towards graduation that are over the age of 16 years old are strongly encouraged to apply. Persons can email admin@bvikats.org to submit their interest.

Registration is open

Registration opened on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at www.bvikats.org. Enrollment of the maximum 112 students into the programme will be final once the student attends a scheduled swim test session with BVI Swim School where they will be tested on basic swimming skills with and without a lifejacket.