BZS nature class thrives online
A nature camp that went online as a way around coronavirus lockdown has been hailed as a success.
The Bermuda Zoological Society said using remote learning for its popular spring break camp would help the launch of a BZS online schools programme.
Jamie Bacon, the charity’s education officer, said: ““We are overwhelmed with the accolades we are receiving from parents of children who attended the camp.
“My team is now busy preparing to take this type of online learning to the next level.”
Staff at the support charity for the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo held a virtual meeting to come up with a camp to occupy children during the Covid-19 restrictions.
The “Bermuda in Springtime Camp” was hosted from March 31 through April 3 in a private Facebook group.
Families were treated to lectures, crafting exercises, backyard exploration ideas, and drawing videos by artist Barbara Freda.
Parents of campers aged 5 through 10 got their next day’s activities each evening.
It included learning about flowers with Dr Bacon and Alex Amat, and a chance for youngsters to share artwork online, including a puppet show about sea life with skills from educator Sarrah Hamza.
Campers got a virtual visit each day to the Aquarium to see staff caring for animals.
Activities included watching Choy Aming, senior aquarist, feeding sea turtles, and a guided walk through the Caribbean exhibit by Tricha Cross, head zookeeper.
Children were brought up close to lemurs and Galapagos tortoises with Ian Walker, the BAMZ principal curator.
One parent said the camp gave structure to their family’s day.
Another said she had been “sceptical about what?could be achieved?online for a camp, but the content was brilliant and the access to such a wide variety of researchers and experts was impressive and it was all so well organised”.
Parents were asked to keep visiting the BZS/BAMZ website, www.bamz.org, and social media for updates on when and how the BZS will deliver further e-learning to Bermuda students.