Riding on Jet Skis, visiting Dolphin Quest and dancing on top of a glass bottom boat sounds like the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon right? I had the pleasure of doing all of the above and more last week Friday.

As a part of National Youth Tourism Day, I participated in the Activity Central track which was filled with fun in the sun activities. The day began at the Bermuda Athletic Association (BAA) field where hundreds of students gathered in blue, yellow, pink and green shirts. I was part of group three of the blue shirts. As soon as the groups were gathered and organised, team leaders Nathan and Adam gathered the kids and moved towards our charter bus.

The first stop of the day was the Sea Venture Water Sports at Waterlot Inn Dock in Southampton. Tom Steinhoff spoke with the group about the various services this destination offered. Mr. Steinhoff along with the other employees conduct guided tours on the western part of the island to shipwrecks and coves. Prices are about $100 an hour for jet ski rides. Originally the students were to participate in a talk, but their persistence paid off as they got to ride the jet skis and go out on a boat.

On the way to our next destination, group leaders had the students participate in a meet and greet to encourage them to get to know one another. The next stop was Dolphin Quest at the Maritime Museum. According to statistics, Dolphin Quest in the number one tourist destination in Bermuda. The staff took out time to explain to the students the various aspects of the destination. Students learned that Dolphin Quest offers junior apprentice programs, volunteer programs, career shadowing, internship programs and summer, full time, and part time work. Dolphin Trainers showed the students how much fun it can be to have a career with animals. Instead of riding the bus back to Hamilton, the students had the opportunity to take a ride on the Looking Glass boat of Fantasea Bermuda. They were able to learn about careers as tour guides and boat operators. As the boat got closer to Albuoy's Point, the kids danced on the top deck to the latest reggae tunes.

Santil-Lah Knotts, a student at CedarBridge Academy, enjoyed the first ever National Youth Tourism Day.

"I love the fun and excitement...it's so interesting". She continued, "I'm having a great time and I will be here next year".

Group leader Nathan Moore spoke about the importance of having young Bermudians interested in tourism.

" I have always been in tourism looking around. My generation and younger don't have a love for tourism and it's disappointing". He continued:"This is a nice way to showcase our Island and get Bermudians more involved". This day was well organised and proved to not only be fun for the students but also educational.