The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust

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Summer Safari Camp Teams Up with Sharks 4 Kids A Lit Summer P.O.

1 Volume 15 Issue 7 July 2018 The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust IN THIS ISSUE: Ten Years of EcoCamp BNT in the Shark Tank Summer Safari Camp Teams Up with Sharks 4 Kids A Lit Summer P.O. Box N-4105 Nassau, Bahamas Tel: bnt@bnt.bs n n n

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 July 2018 2 Ten Years of EcoCamp In 2009, The Bahamas National Trust in partnership with the Bahamas Hotel Association, led by Frank Comito, set out on a mission to

2 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 July Ten Years of EcoCamp In 2009, The Bahamas National Trust in partnership with the Bahamas Hotel Association, led by Frank Comito, set out on a mission to empower young Bahamians through immersive outdoor experiences. Inspired by a regional event that only two Bahamian students per year got the opportunity to participate in, BNT EcoCamp was born. This year marked 10 years that EcoCamp has taken approximately 40 young persons from around The Bahamas on an eight-day, expenses-paid expedition to Andros. The experience exposes participants to the Bahamian environment, culture and history through excursions in National Parks and other spaces. Over the years nearly 400 teens have participated! 36 young people from 13 islands attended EcoCamp 2018 from July 6th 13th. This year, campers passed through all 5 of Andros National Parks, exploring 3 of them in depth. Said Steffon Evans, BNT Outreach Officer. From snorkeling the reefs of the North Marine Park, to camping, hiking and cliff diving in Blue Holes National Park and even an excursion filled with birds, plants and friendly wild dolphins in the West Side National Park, EcoCamp was nothing short of amazing! Representatives from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust also lead a presentation followed by a tagging activity where 40 bonefish were tagged and release for ongoing research. Each individual camper had the exciting chance to tag their very own bonefish. Other stops included a tour of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), the Red Bays community, Evans Cave, South Blanket Sound flats and the Androsia factory. In addition to the excursions, EcoCampers groomed their public speaking, leadership and other social and academic skills through engaging class sessions, discussions and the social media hit Aliv Challenge which fostered camaraderie among different island. EcoCamp 2018 s major sponsor was Aliv, who supported the camp for the second year of a three-year commitment. Their generous support along with that of Bahamas Ferries, International Field Studies, Audubon, Cable Bahamas Cares Foundation and Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, enabled for the summer camp of a lifetime! BNT Director of Education Portia Sweeting noted It s said that it takes a village to raise a child, and we thank the many individuals, groups and corporate entities that invested in our youth for this year s EcoCamp. Our hope is that we ve used national parks to inspire these young persons to carry the baton of conservation back to their communities to foster change. Like BNT EcoCamp on Facebook to follow the excitement from this year s camp and be the first to hear about what s next for the journey! Visit to Andros West Side National Park. continued on page 3

3 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July continued from page 2 Hike to camp site at the Blue Hole National Park. Campers during bird watching sessions. Bonefish tagging excercise with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Early morning water saftey instructions and snorkeling techniques. Beachside tent pitching demonstration. Campers learned about shorebirds while visiting Blanket Sound.

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July 2018 4 BNT in the Shark Tank The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is beaming with pride after being selected for a major donation as part of the Discovery Channel s

The Sharks tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons, search to invest in the best businesses and products that America has to offer.

4 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July BNT in the Shark Tank The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is beaming with pride after being selected for a major donation as part of the Discovery Channel s exciting show Shark Tank Meets Shark Week which aired last night on the Discovery Channel. The Sharks tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons, search to invest in the best businesses and products that America has to offer. The Sharks give people from all walks of life the chance to chase the American dream and potentially secure business deals that could make them millionaires. The sharks also have a goal, too to get a return on their investment and own a piece of the next big business idea. When the Sharks hear an idea, worth sinking their teeth into, they re more than ready to declare war and fight each other for a piece of it On last night s show, instead of fighting for a piece of a business idea, the Sharks were all pitching a $50,000 donation for their favorite conservation organization. Each Shark had to convince their fellow Sharks, why their shark-centric non-profit organization, whom they were paired with, deserved to win the $50,000 donation. FUBU tycoon, Daymond John, was teamed with the Bahamas National Trust to pitch the BNT s phenomenal shark conservation success story. Mr. John presented a most convincing argument and brought home the $50,000 prize for the BNT. John later placed the icing on the cake by matching the winnings; bringing the prize money to a total $100,000 for the Bahamas National Trust! Shelley Cant-Woodside, Director of Science and Policy for the BNT is ecstatic about the result. She explained, The Bahamas is a small country that is doing big things in terms of conservation. Through extensive education and outreach, working with PEW Charitable Trusts, the BNT was able to work with Bahamas Government to declare The Bahamas a Shark Sanctuary in We were excited to be selected and recognized for our work, but to be selected as the most deserving conservation organization is amazing. She added that The Bahamas was the first to establish a land and sea park in the Western Hemisphere; and lobbied for the banning of longline fishing which was important in maintaining healthy shark populations. The BNT was very excited to be selected as one of the conservation organizations featured on the Discovery Channels Shark Tank meets Shark Week. Our shark Daymond John was so impressed with the BNT s work in having the Bahamas declared a Shark Sanctuary that he matched the $50,000 conservation grant. We are beyond excited and very proud to have been declared the winner of the competition. Our sharks must have been very convincing when they met Daymond John said, Janet Johnson, BNT President. BNT also extends special thanks to our key partner, The Ministry of Tourism, and Ms. Donna Mackey from the Florida Office. Donna was instrumental in putting the production company in touch with the BNT. Daymond John presents $50,000 donation towards Shark Conservation. Tiger Sharks are one of the thriving species of The Bahamas Shark Sanctuary.

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July 2018 5 Summer Safari Camp Teams Up with Sharks 4 Kids Nassau Summer Safari visits the Atlantis Aquarium.

This year, in addition to the renowned BNT EcoCamp, the BNT also hosted Summer Safari Camp on Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence.

5 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July Summer Safari Camp Teams Up with Sharks 4 Kids Nassau Summer Safari visits the Atlantis Aquarium. Summer is the busiest time of year for Education and Outreach activities with the BNT. This year, in addition to the renowned BNT EcoCamp, the BNT also hosted Summer Safari Camp on Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama and New Providence. Summer Safari aims to keep young kids 6-14 involved in outdoor activities for a week-long adventure exploring different areas of the environment. The main theme of this year s Summer Safari was Sharks of The Bahamas. Campers spent the week learning about the different types of local sharks, the fishery around the world, shark ID, and ways that they can save these important species. Sharks 4 Kids, a Bimini-based non-profit organization partnered with the BNT to provide content and field expertise for the experience. In an address to New Providence campers, Sharks 4 Kids Executive Director Dr. Jillian Morris urged campers to take responsibility for conserving these precious resources that are fully protected within the borders of The Bahamas. Snorkeling, aquarium visits, crafts, song and dance, beach clean-ups and mock shark tagging are just a few of the activities that went on at camp noted BNT Education Officer Gloria Miller This camp was a great follow-up to the Shark campaign that the BNT lead to get these valuable animals protected and we are proud to continue to empower our kids to save their own future. If you d like to learn more about Summer Safari in your community visit and click the Summer Camps tab!

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 July 2018 6 Levy Preserve Camp Safari: Simply Sensational The Leon Levy Native Plant

Thirty campers enjoyed a week of sensory exploration which incorporated crafts, recyclable materials and items found in

The campers, assisted by volunteers, worked in teams for the week and constructed wind chimes, played listening games,

They later put their noses to work identifying mystery scents contained within glass jars.

6 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 July Levy Preserve Camp Safari: Simply Sensational The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve held its annual summer camp July Thirty campers enjoyed a week of sensory exploration which incorporated crafts, recyclable materials and items found in nature with each day dedicated to using one of the five senses. The campers, assisted by volunteers, worked in teams for the week and constructed wind chimes, played listening games, guessed items in a mystery box by touch and created unique, textured art pieces. They later put their noses to work identifying mystery scents contained within glass jars. On the final day they toured the Preserve and were treated to bush tea samples. Of course, camp wouldn t be complete without afternoon swims at the community beach. Beach fun in Governor s Harbour. Exploring the epikarst site at the Preserve. Finding camouflaged items in a photo on Sight Day. Creating textured artwork on Touch Day.

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July 2018 7 Summer Safari at the Rand Nature Centre Campers visit the peacock habitat at the Rand Nature Centre.

This year s campers were led by Education Officer Ann Marie Carroll who kept a watchful eye over the activities assisted by volunteer camp counselors.

7 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July Summer Safari at the Rand Nature Centre Campers visit the peacock habitat at the Rand Nature Centre. The Grand Bahama Summer Safari Camp took place during July 2nd-6th. This year s campers were led by Education Officer Ann Marie Carroll who kept a watchful eye over the activities assisted by volunteer camp counselors. The week began with a beach cleanup at Barbary Beach and a visit to Deadman s Reef for snorkeling. Later in the week the group visited Crabbing Bay Beach for kayaking and blue hole snorkeling followed by a tour of the Rand Nature Centre and Lucayan National Park where they learned about all the vegetative zones, the Lucayan Indians, mangroves and marine life. The week ended with a trip to several natural sites in West Grand Bahama including Mermaid s Pond in Lewis Yard, Josey s Cave Holmes Rock, The Boiling Hole in Hepburn Town and an un-named cave in Bartlett s Hill. Special thanks to the RBDF and Leading Seaman Daryl Jones who provided complimentary bus transportation for the week and to our volunteer counselors Havanah and Savanah Gibson, Candace Woon, Gerard Hollingsworth, Matthew Smith and Kori Thompson along with BNT Grand Bahama staff who ensured that lunch was prepared for the group daily. Rotary Club of Abaco Supports Summer Safari Abaco Summer Safari beach clean up. This year, Summer Safari on Abaco was held at two locations over a two-week period. Youth attending Summer Safari learnt about the behavior and value of sharks to our coral reefs and how harmful plastic pollution is to our marine life. They also conducted scientific research, created cool craft and enjoyed adventurous field trips that included mangrove walks, kayaking, and snorkeling beautiful coral reef systems. BNT is thankful for the number of professionals who made themselves available to share their knowledge of the environment and natural resources with the youths. BNT is extremely grateful for the financial support received from Rotary Club of Abaco that made this enrichment programme possible. continued to page 8

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July 2018 8 continued from page 7 Campers conduct mock shark research. Rotary Club of Abaco donates to the Summer Safari Camp.

It is with their limitless generosity, passion, and support that we survive as an organization.

Traveling aboard the sailing vessel Beacon Won, the team went to work clearing the edges of the site for the new building of rocks and debris. Many hands really made light work!

8 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July continued from page 7 Campers conduct mock shark research. Rotary Club of Abaco donates to the Summer Safari Camp. Boy Scouts Lead a Helping Hand to the National Park Boy Scouts volunteers at Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Young volunteers and their parents play such a BIG part in our conservation efforts. It is with their limitless generosity, passion, and support that we survive as an organization. A team of 18 Boy Scouts and 5 adults with their leader Tim Poole from the Bucomm Street, United Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina troop volunteered at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. Traveling aboard the sailing vessel Beacon Won, the team went to work clearing the edges of the site for the new building of rocks and debris. Many hands really made light work! The most exciting thing about this group of Boy Scouts is that their parents were at the ECLSP over 24 years ago with the same Boy Scout Troup. With over 8 trips made during the last 24 years this Boy Scout and church group has helped to build Peggy Hall doing concrete work, helped with hurricane relief on ECLSP assisting with debris removal, restructuring the docks and trash cleanup on beaches. This group was also a part of assembling and whitewashing the skeleton of whale on Whale Beach. If there is anything we are certain about; it s that this group of men love the ECLSP and Boy Scouts is an enriching experience that helps young men to discover their inner WOW, and set them up to be successful, happy, and healthy, both now and in the future.

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July 2018 9 Bartenders served up drinks with a smile. Good vibes, good friends.

BNT members were welcomed with an exclusive discount price and advance purchase options.

Attendees along with BNT members were entertained by the voice of lead singer Anja Bowe whose soulful voice made for easy listening.

9 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July Bartenders served up drinks with a smile. Good vibes, good friends. A Lit Summer The Lit Summer Series re-introduced themselves to the Retreat Gardens on July 23rd with their Jazz Fest. BNT members were welcomed with an exclusive discount price and advance purchase options. The house band for the series, was made up of the 4tunes Pop and Jazz Band of Indigo Collection and Tingum Dem musicians. Attendees along with BNT members were entertained by the voice of lead singer Anja Bowe whose soulful voice made for easy listening. Songs featured ranged from artists such as Lauryn Hill, Anita Baker, Jill Scott and of course jazz standards from artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O Day and Michael Bublé, as well as some old school inspired 90 s R & B sets. If you enjoy good music this event is for you. The evening line-up of artists includes other local talents making this event exciting for music lovers to enjoy offering a little something for everyone. Come and sit in comfort and have full service from the cash bar or enjoy sweet treats and succulent eats. Don t worry if you feel the music get on the dance floor with a partner and let loose. This year we are more than happy to open this event to the Bahamas National Trust members and a portion of our proceeds will be donated towards the upkeep and preservation of our beautiful national parks. says Anja Bowe. Lit is a 3-part series, the other two dates are scheduled for July 29th and August 18th, you won t want to miss this music event for young and the young at heart. Musicians took the spotlight with melodic tunes.

TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July 2018 10 Members Matter Spotlight We were fortunate to have the Kiwanis Club approach our membership desk with interest in volunteering for the Summerfication

For 27 years, the Kiwanis Club of New Providence has been involved in various projects.

10 TrustNotes - Volume 15 Issue 7 - July Members Matter Spotlight We were fortunate to have the Kiwanis Club approach our membership desk with interest in volunteering for the Summerfication Event. Club members came out in full force lead by their president Ms. Merrilyn Johnson to assist with membership engagements and promote their activities. For 27 years, the Kiwanis Club of New Providence has been involved in various projects. Some well-known projects include, weekly breakfast feeding of over 100 children; weekly readings at various primary schools; the Annual Reading Fair for children in the park; donating time with various charitable organizations such as, Demetrius Centre, Children Emergency Hostel, the Cancer Society, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, Geriatric Ward, The Red Cross and other similar organizations. Several donations by the club include machine and equipment to assist the disabled and autistic at PMH Care Ward and the Bahamas Association of Disable Persons. The Kiwanis Club of New Providence, welcomes interested persons to The Holy Cross Tuesdays at 7:00pm. This dynamic group of individuals are passionate about people, the community and the environment. Thank you for your continued service. Kiwanis Club of New Providence ladies in full force.

The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust

Volume 15 Issue 5 May 2018 The Newsletter of the Bahamas National Trust IN THIS ISSUE: BNT Leads Stakeholder Consultations on Abaco, Andros and Eleuthera BNT Members Get More Rewards P.O. Box N-4105 Nassau,