Schoolchildren started their summer with a splash this month as the Aqua Camp programme continued despite Covid-19.The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo said this year’s camps could not be held at it Flatts headquarters, but young people had been able to take part in activities on the “living classroom” of Harrington Sound’s Trunk Island — with social distancing in place — or online.A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Zoological Society said that campers, aged between 10 and 11, had already rescued fledgeling longtails by bringing them back to Trunk Island, watched snappers be released by the BAMZ rehabilitation team and swam at Gibbets Beach.Aqua Explorers, aged between 12 and 13, have been learning about Bermuda’s fish and the environmental threats they face.Jamie Bacon, the educational officer for BZS, said Trunk Island had been a “magical place” for the youngsters.Dr Bacon added: “The campers get into the spirit of it all with so much to do either on the island itself or in the water.“Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and scavenger hunts, all while learning about the island’s natural history. It doesn’t get much better than that.”The BZS has also launched an “Aqua Squids” hybrid camp that features a mix of in-person and virtual experiences.The programme features a private Facebook page and Zoom calls, along with take-home activity kits.The spokeswoman said: “In addition to the virtual components of the camp, each day students come together in different locations for a guided field trip that coordinates with the day’s topic. “During the physical field trips, campers, parents and instructors are sure to practice physical distancing and wear masks.”Dr Bacon added: “I am thrilled with how well the ‘Aqua Squids’ camp is being received.“Parents and campers are loving the field trips and the activities in their kits for each day are both fun and educational.”