activities.

The Bermuda Zoological Society offers an Aqua Tots Camp for children three to five years old and an Aqua Fun Camp and Aqua Zoo Camp for primary school children.

The Aqua Tots Camp meets from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., one afternoon per week for four weeks. A different topic is covered in each of the four two-hour sessions.

The topics are changed each year so children can attend for two successive years and not encounter too much repetition.

The sessions include "hands-on'' activities and arts and crafts.

With the Aqua Fun and Aqua Zoo camps, primary school children are offered a week-long programme for each year between primary one and primary seven.

The camps, which are held in July and August, present stimulating activities related to Bermuda's wildlife and the exhibits at the Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

The activities include investigating creatures on the seashore, use of microscopes, field trips, arts and crafts work, and some snorkelling and animal husbandry for older children.

The programmes are designed so children can attend for seven years and not experience too much repetition.

Mrs. Mary Strong, the Aquarium's education coordinator, said nearly 500 children will participate in the three programmes this summer.

"They have a lot of fun, but they do learn,'' she said. "One of the most important things they learn is respect for living things and the environment.'' Application forms are available at the Aquarium, and the deadline for applications is 4.30 p.m. on April 11.

A non-refundable, $5 application fee must accompany each form.

The camps are only open to members of the Bermuda Zoological Society, and memberships may be taken out at the time of application.

Successful applicants and those placed on the waiting list will receive notification in the mail by May 7.

The cost is $35 for Aqua Tots and $85 for Aqua Fun and Aqua Zoo.

So that cost is not an obstacle, some children are sponsored by PTAs and local businesses each year, Mrs. Strong said.

Many of the activities in Aqua Fun and Aqua Zoo Camps involve swimming or snorkelling, so it is recommended students participating in primary four to seven know how to swim.