Save Our Seas Shark Centre’s Marine Awareness Camp a Success

The Save Our Seas Shark Centre organised a Marine Awareness Camp from 12-14 December as a social outreach initiative to benefit children from the Schools Environmental Education Project (SEEP). Supported by the South African Shark Conservancy (SASC), the aim of the Camp is to raise awareness and build knowledge about marine environments and to provide an opportunity for learners to experience our magnificent coastline first-hand.

marine camp

Paul Millar, Educator at the Shark Centre, ran the 3-day Marine Awareness Camp at the Soetwater Environmental Education Centre and planned a host of fun learning activities for the group of thirty high school learners from six secondary schools in and around Cape Town.

marine camp beach lecture

The children, who ranged in age between 15 and 17 years, enjoyed taking part in a range of exciting activities. On the first day, the learners set out in groups to create marine creatures from sand on the beach as a fun ice-breaker competition. Later they were treated to a shark anatomy lesson and dissection by volunteers from SASC, a presentation on local Bull Shark research and a documentary on overfishing and its implications.

sand sculptures

On the second day, Paul gave an informative presentation on coastal birds, conservation and threats as an introduction to a coastal birding hike where teams of learners identified the different bird species of the area. Sheltering from the sun under Milkwood trees, Paul explained the important ecological role of coastal forests. It was then off to the Slangkop Lighthouse for a tour and panoramic view from the top – spanning Kommetjie, Hout Bay all the way to Scarborough. Thereafter the learners enjoyed a sweltering hike up the mountain before heading back to the camp for a refreshing swim, a cooking contest and the inevitable campfire concert.

marine camp biring lecture

soetwater environmental camp birding

On the third day the learners explored the rock pools and learned from Paul and the SASC team about their important and interesting ecology and adaptations. The camp ended on a high note with a prize giving ceremony before students had to say good bye.

milkwood forest soetwater

Many thanks to SASC and SEEP for their support and collaboration in making the camp such a success.