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“Me... showing off in the deep, blue sea!” “Discovering - and protecting - marine life.” Set Sail Discover Our Program SEE PAGE 9

er Our · ISLAND JOST VAN DYKE PETER ISLAND SALT ISLAND COOPER ISLAND GINGER ISLAND SCRUB ISLAND VIRGIN GORDA GREAT CAMANOE GREAT THATCH NORMAN ISLAND LITTLE THATCH TORTOLA the British

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Page 1: er Our · ISLAND JOST VAN DYKE PETER ISLAND SALT ISLAND COOPER ISLAND GINGER ISLAND SCRUB ISLAND VIRGIN GORDA GREAT CAMANOE GREAT THATCH NORMAN ISLAND LITTLE THATCH TORTOLA the British

ANEGADA

NECKERISLAND

JOST VAN DYKE

PETER ISLAND

SALT ISLAND

COOPER ISLAND

GINGER ISLAND

SCRUB ISLAND VIRGIN GORDA

GREATCAMANOE

GREAT THATCH

NORMAN ISLAND

LITTLE THATCH

TORTOLA

the British VirginIslands

Contact us for more information:

1-877-GOSAILING (467-2454)[email protected]

SeaTrek BVI Ltd.7092 River Rd. Flushing, MI 48433 USA

“Me... showing of

f in the deep

, blue sea!”

“Discovering - and protecting - marine life.”

Set Sail™Discover Our

Program

SEE PAGE 9

Page 2: er Our · ISLAND JOST VAN DYKE PETER ISLAND SALT ISLAND COOPER ISLAND GINGER ISLAND SCRUB ISLAND VIRGIN GORDA GREAT CAMANOE GREAT THATCH NORMAN ISLAND LITTLE THATCH TORTOLA the British

MONK DANIEL AND KAT DANIEL M. EdCamp Directors

Monk and Kat love the water… and with over 30 years of diving and live-aboard experience between them – you’d be hard pressed to find any other couple in the industry with more real-life know-how. Both hold a 100-ton Master License from the US Coast Guard, both are National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) Course Directors (the highest level achievable in the business). Also, they both have live-aboard experience throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, and Australia. Off-season, they make port in Flushing, Michigan.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to SeaTrek… an adventure that will last a lifetime.

Real Adventure – the kind you can’t find on TV or on the internet begins with the excitement of discovery. Discover yourself as a person and discover the world around you when you sail with SeaTrek.

This has always been the governing philosophy of SeaTrek… to create programs that excite, challenge and educate the students who visit us every summer.

Excite – by bringing young people face to face with a world they may have never seen before, both above and below the surface of the ocean.

Challenge – by giving students the tools they need to strive beyond the average expectations – and experience the extraordinary.

Educate – through personal experience by giving youngsters the chance to see, hear, and feel the wonders of a world hidden to most people – below the surface of the ocean.

The Journey is the DestinationEach of our 3-week voyages provides students with more educational opportunities than most will ever experience in a lifetime.

• Sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel in a 43-foot or 46-foot catamaran• Dive on a 400-foot long shipwreck• Hike through a mountainous, tropical rainforest• Study marine biology – up close and in person• Try wake-boarding or sea kayaking • Or fall asleep in a hammock – as dozens of shooting stars race over your head

So, forget about what you think you know – and dream of all there is to discover. The only limit is your imagination.

Let SeaTrek take you there!

Captain Monk Daniel

Meet Your Dynamic Crew

I can’t believe how awesome these boats are.

The Moorings catamaran I’ll be sailing on, (the 4300) is one of five Moorings

cats in the SeaTrek fleet. The cabins are roomy, and really comfortable – and there’s a complete kitchen (called a “galley” on board) and private bathrooms (called “heads” – HA!) These catamarans are what they call ‘multi-hull’ sailing vessels – and unlike the traditional single-hull vessels, these cats are faster, smoother and much safer… they’re totally unsinkable!

July-boarding these incredible yachts

TARA CHAILLELogistical Program Co-ordinatorBorn and raised a Hoosier, Tara graduated from Indiana University and is finding

her niche in the world of alternative and special education. An accomplished competitive water skier Tara enjoys being on the water as much as possible, rock climbing, spelunking and cooking.

“Hi Mom! That’s me...out

on the ocea

n!”

“what a beautiful sun

set...what a beautiful boat!”

KRIS KORDYZONProgram DirectorKris is SeaTrek’s most seasoned staff member. Kris is passionate about the great outdoors and anything to do with water but especially about passing on his love of nature through educating students about life above and below the surface. Kris is a key member of the SeaTrek Crew year round, including marketing and program preparation for the upcoming summer. Kris holds a 100-ton Master license with a Sailing endorsement from the US Coast Guard. He is a NAUI Instructor Trainer and an ASA Sailing Instructor with scuba and boating experience from the Great Lakes to the British Virgin Islands – and most places in between. During the off-season Kris and his family live in Flint, Michigan.

ANGIE COWAN M. EdDirector of Marine ScienceAngie’s been leading SeaTrek’s marine science

program since 2007. She’s worked for the Pacific Whale Foundation (Maui) and the Ocean Institute (Southern California) as an instructor and curriculum developer. Angie also works with National Geographic Education as a curriculum designer, developing marine biology courses for high school students.

CHANCE “SLACKER” RUDERInstructor/Marine Biologist/Senior StaffChance “Slacker” Ruder, a veteran of SeaTrek’s

programs, has worked with such wildlife luiminaries as Jack Hanna, Julie Scardena, Jane Goodall, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Philippe Cousteau. Chance is an ASA certified keelboat sailor and a NAUI SCUBA Instructor and is working on earning his U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license.

LIZ MCNALLYIntern Co-ordinator/ Senior StaffLiz McNally has been with SeaTrek since the age of thirteen and is now a NAUI

Dive Master and SeaTrek’s Intern Coordinator. She is very passionate about traveling and volunteering. She currently volunteers at the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center.

COLIN “FARVA” JONES Lead Instructor/Equipment ManagerColin – aka “Farva Hawk”

– is a NAUI Instructor and EMT from sunny California. In the off-season he works and plays in the South Pacific islands. Quick with a joke and a smile, Colin takes care of the little bumps and bruises that happen along the voyage.

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SeaTrek is more than a mere summer camp at sea.Revel in three exhilarating weeks of sailing amongst some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet… palm-lined tropical islands, serene inlets and bays, untouched atolls… and seas so blue you can hardly tell where the sky ends and the water begins.

During your three-week stay with us, you’ll get to learn firsthand the beauty and wonder of life on the ocean. You’ll be living and playing the entire three weeks on board one of our sailing catamarans, run by a professional captain and crew.

Our formula for success: A student-to staff-ratio of only three-to-one. This means that every SeaTrek student can receive personalized attention and individualized instruction – meaning more fun for everyone!

No experience necessaryEvery SeaTrek program is designed to give each student the skills they need to enjoy and learn from their voyage with us.

Each three-week complete program includes: • Scuba Diving – with up to six certifications and three dives per day• Sailing Training – including hands-on navigation and piloting• Marine Sciences – with specialized activities and explorations with a real marine biologist• Island Excursions – including opportunities to explore island ports through hiking, shopping, island music and dancing• Watersports – with wakeboarding, tubing and kayaking

“Our Multi-hull cats...

sleek, comfortab

le...

and

fast!”

“The SeaTrek fast boats”

Whether you want to learn kneeboarding, wakeboarding, tubing, windsurfing, or kayaking—this is the place to learn! We have a well-trained and patient staff that will find time during the day to work one-on-one with YOU!

Most water sports activities happen in the late afternoon and early evening. All SeaTrek boats anchor together in a secluded cove and we roll out the water toys. We have staff members from each vessel on the deck keeping watch over swimmers, staff on kayaks, staff in fast boats, and staff members on the beach to help supervise from shore. Safety is always our number one priority and we’ve found that keeping staff active with students during water sports times if the best way to balance fun and safety.

Three years ago we began Sunrise Water Sports as an option for any students who wanted the smoothest waters in the BVIs. Pre-dawn is the best time to hit the water anywhere in the world because the wind is still and the waters are glassy. We do

individual wake-ups for a few students each morning so they can take advantage of these perfect waters and, as an added bonus see some of the most

pristine sunrises... from a kneeboard!! After sunrise water sports students return to their respective boats for a hot breakfast and the official start of their day.

This past summer we piloted a kayak trek from Prickly Pear Island, through the Mosquito Cut and down to Savannah Bay. We travel as a pack of six to seven students accompanied by a staff member in a chase boat. During the paddle, students have an opportunity to get up close and personal with tight water ways and towering rock formations along the coast of Virgin Gorda.

Exciting Water Sports Action

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I had looked up the British Virgin

Islands online before I left home -

but wow – this place is so much more

beautiful in person! I c

an’t get over the

color of the water here…

there’s always a

cool breeze blowing in, and the averag

e

temperature is only 80° (though it

seemed a lot warmer today!) I can

honestly say – I have never seen any

place like this before i

n my life. I love

it here!

July - The British Virgin

IslandsI have to admit, I was a little nervous – this was my first time scuba diving (did you know that SCUBA actually stands for “Self Contained Underwater

Breathing Apparatus”? Well, it does), Farva (my instructor) was very patient and showed

me everything I needed to know. He showed me the right way to breathe underwater, and how the regulators allow for even, natural breathing. After learning about the equipment we took our first dive. It was AWESOME! Tomorrow, I’ll get

certified in open water diving – and by the end of

these three weeks, I should get as many as 25 dives. I can’t wait... it’s so cool.

August - My First Dive!

As you’ve discovered earlier, every one of SeaTrek’s adventure treks includes sailing, scuba diving, and marine biology. Plus island hopping and special events – like exploring the island nightlife and daylight terrain hikes.

Tuition for your 3-week Trek will cover:

• 3 meals a day – plus healthy snacks• Sleeping quarters aboard your yacht• All equipment use

The tuition does not, however, cover airfare – and we recommend purchasing trip insurance, to help protect your investment in the event of cancellation. Now, get ready to explore all that SeaTrek has to offer –

The SeaTrek adventure treks

TREK 1 Introduction to sailing, diving and marine sciencesMinimum age: 12; no experience necessary. This special program has been created especially for the new student, unfamiliar with diving and life underwater. You’ll build your knowledge and confidence as you study and earn certifications in Open Water, Advanced, and Specialty Diving… at the end of three weeks, you will have taken as many as 25 dives. Week One – you’ll start your program learning the art and science of diving in confined water, building the basic skills you’ll need to become certified as an open water diver... becoming more familiar and confident with every dive.

Week Two – You’ll discover the thrill of deep, wreck and night diving – as well basic sailing and seamanship skills, and an introduction to marine biology.Week Three – brings the adventure full circle, as you hone your skills and increase your confidence by working as teams to accomplish specific tasks at sea – with longer sails, and more independent dives.

TREK 2 Open Water Diving AdventuresMinimum age: 12; must be open water certified or a referral. This trek gives students who are already scuba-certified a chance to experience a more intensive diving experience. You’ll start by honing your skills in our Advanced Open Water diving – and progress through several specialty

certifications including Rescue Diver. If you want, you can take your Open Water class at home, or finish up your referral when you get here.

TREK 3Master Every Facet of Scuba DivingMinimum age: 15; Must be open water certified, or a referral. If you’re a seasoned diver – or a returning student looking for an exciting new challenge – then this is the Trek for you. You’ll be given the chance to earn your NAUI Master Diver certification, while you learn all about the physics of diving… lifesaving… dive planning… and specialty dives. And as a returning student, you’ll be able to take the helm and discover within yourself a greater appreciation for sailing, and the underwater world.

“Look how strong I am!”

“That’s me... and

my friend Tyler...

getting used to

life underwater.”

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It feels wonderful to be back with

SeaTrek again... and back in the

water! I’m

beginning my second year here,

and I’m

determined to become a better scuba diver this

summer. Last summer, I got a strong education

in the ways of the water, and diving.... how

to

breathe, how to move, how to rise bac

k to the

surface safely... and this summer I’m going to

build on that knowledge and master my scuba

diving. It’s going to be

great!”

“My SeaTrek Family.”

July-

TREK 4DiveMaster – the first step toward professional divingMinimum age: 18; Must be rescue diver certified or equivalent. DiveMaster is a rigorous introduction into the world of the professional diver. To achieve this certification, you’ll have to go through multiple academic modules and skills-development circuits – all coming together as you apprentice to one of our pro divers, and learn to assist our instructors in an actual teaching environment. Once you meet all the required certifications, you’ll end your SeaTrek adventure as a real, recognized diving professional.

TREK 5Instructor Training CourseMinimum age: 18; Must be rescue diver certified or equivalent. The most intensive of the SeaTrek programs, this Trek is designed to transform you into a certified diving instructor – through the NAUI Instructor Training Course. You’ll be placed with one of our NAUI Course Directors, who will take you under their wing and guide you through presentations, in-water instruction, and direct student supervision. If you rise to the challenge: you’ll become part of the exclusive family of NAUI Instructors, with the skills and abilities to take on and teach students of your own.

Come aboard and join SeaTrek’s newest action-packed voyage – SET SAIL™ A 10-day itinerary, SeaTrek’s Set Sail voyage offers its participants a sail-

ing-focused at-sea adventure throughout the waters and cays of the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands (BVI).

As a sailing capital of the world, the steady tradewinds of the BVI create conditions ideal for

novice and expert sailors alike.

With 2-4 hours of sailing and seamanship training each day, Set Sail™ students learn the ins and outs

of boat life, including cooking, cleaning, provisioningand maintenance. Set Sail™ students must work together

to crew the vessel, which requires the development of teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

In addition to sailing, Set Sail™ provides its students with endless opportunities to experience the tropical

playground that surrounds them. In the course of a day, Set Sail™ participants can explore coral reefs on an

introduction to scuba dive and then learn about the ecology of a tropical forest while hiking the highest peak in the BVIs.

Every afternoon Set Sail™ students will get to choose from a variety of recreational activities, including watersports, beach

games, snorkeling, community service projects, or just relaxing. And if socializing with other teens at a tropical beach party is a top priority, no worries—we’ve got you covered!

So what are you waiting for? JOIN US for SeaTrek’s Set Sail™ program

Unlike other programs that charge an additional fee of $350 or more, SeaTrek supplies all books and training materials for your program.

SET SAIL™ Are You Ready to Set Sail?

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Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity full of discoveries few can imagine; Dive new sites and explore a new world hidden beneath the ocean waves; A world teeming with creatures exotic, beautiful and thrilling. These are the voyages of SeaTrek’s explorer trips!

“We caught our own lunch!.”

Explore Belize, BVI or the Islands of the Bahamas

Explorer TripsIntroducing SeaTrek’s

Belize ExplorerWelcome aboard the Legacy; A sleek, fast, 65-foot, custom-built catamaran specifically designed for long-range, exploratory voyages around Belize’s atolls and cays..

Your 22 day voyage aboard the Legacy will open your eyes to the wonders of the ocean in new and exciting ways. You’ll experience the joy of blue water sailing, personal encounters with playful dolphins. and because there are few pleasures more satisfying than enjoying a meal you’ve caught yourself, we’ll be doing lots of fishing – for fresh

Tuna, Wahoo, Snappers, Groupers, Hogfish and Triggerfish.

We’ll go in search of different, exciting, and unusual dive sites. You’ll be exploring outlying islands, the wonders of deep Blue Hole Diving, the tranquility of discovering virgin diving sites and the thrill of dive site explorations. These trips are unique, and truly off the beaten path. There will be days that you will not see another living soul other than your ship mates.

BVI ExplorerExperienced SeaTrekers realize that every island in theBVI is unique, dripping with its own charm, beautyand lore. If you have always wanted to explore islands beyond the ones typically visited by our main program, then this is the voyage for you! Designed to progress at a different and more flexible pacethan our Main Program, this trip is a little more laid back. We don’t offer new certifications or any specialties for this voyage. Why? Because this trip is all about sailing, diving, hanging out with new friends and spending a little more time than usual exploring new dive sites.

You’ll spend a few days surveying the crystal blue waters around the island of Anegada, named by the Spanish and meaning “Drowned Land”. This unique island is the only coral island in the BVI volcanic chain. Rare rock iguanas, exotic birds and incredible na-ture trails will captivate our SeaTrek explorers above the water, while the underwater magic of reef mazes, tunnels and drops which are brimming in needle fish, mojarra, stingrays, parrot fish and other marine life will enchant and captivate your inner diver!

Love to dive wrecks? The BVI is fraught with wreckages of numerous Spanishgalleons, American privateers and British warships. Plan to dive the infamous Chikuzen wreck- one of the absolute BEST dives in the BVI due to its remote location. This 246 ft sunken vessel is surroundedby miles of sand and is a fantastic place to observe marinecreatures that love to chill there. Feast your eyes on schooling barracuda, horse-eye jacks and snapper; Be captivated by graceful stingrays and eagle rays; Expect to encounter Atlantic spadefish, nurse sharks and reef sharks and make sure you have your camera handy when you catch more than just a glimpse of the resident 600lb Goliath Grouper!

Weather permitting, we’ll even travel way out to the northernmost island of the Lesser Antilles known as Sombrero Island where a historic lighthouse marks the Anegada Passage (the legendary route ships take from Europe straight into the beautiful Caribbean.) If you have an appetite for more BVI, more underwater time, more diversity of marine life and a more remote experience with SeaTrek, then join us for the BVI Explorer Trip. The registration books for this voyage are officially open but this Explorer trip will fill quickly so please don’t be left out- use the button on the right to claim your berth and get your name on the manifest! This is going to be a summer you’ll never forget.

Bahamas ExplorerWelcome aboard the Avalon; A sleek, fast, 65-foot, custom-built sloop specifically designed for long-range, exploratory voyages in the shallow waters of the Bahamas.Your voyage

aboard the Avalon will open your eyes to the wonders of the ocean in new and exciting ways. You’ll experience the joy ofblue water sailing, personal encounters with playful dolphins and the excitement of swimming with ravenous sharks (don’t worry, you’ll be completely protected in our specially designed shark cage). And because there are few pleasures more satisfying than enjoying a meal you’ve caught yourself, we’ll be doing lots of fishing – for fresh Tuna, Wahoo, Snappers, Groupers, Hogfish and Triggerfish. Plus you’ll have the opportunity to explore the deep and play an exciting game of Geo-caching, a new, exciting version of a classic treasure hunt that tests your navigation skills in a hunt for GPS-enabled devices hidden about the ocean.

We’ll go in search of different, exciting, and unusual dive sites. You’ll be exploring outlying islands, the wonders of deep Blue Hole Diving, the tranquility of discovering virgin diving sites and the thrill of dive site explorations. These trips are unique, and truly off the beaten path. There will be days that you will not see another living soul other than your ship mates.

On our Explorer Trip, we

have no itinerary and there

is no schedule – we just

get up with the sun, check the

weather, check our charts, an

d decide

where we want to go that day – and t

hen

we’re off with the with the wind in our

sails - to discover our destiny!

“Today we watched dolphins chase our boat!.”

“We got so many d

ives in on

the Explore

r Trip.”

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“Anyone at SeaTrek, regardless of prev

ious sailing

experience, can easily

learn the ancient prac

tice

of sailing. I came to SeaTrek with absolute

ly no

experience or passion

for sailing but left 3 w

eeks

later with both. The staff were both pa

tient and

humorous in their teaching

approach. The

BVI environment is a gre

at classroom to

learn in with constant beautiful

weather.

I absolutely love sailing

now,

thanks SeaTrek!”

SeaTreker Rob Louthe sum

s it up:

“Raising the main sail... takes a lot of work!”

“...with the wind in o

ur sails...”

Marine Science ProjectsThe adventure begins! Whether SeaTrek students have a burning desire to be a marine biologist or just want to know the names of the fish and corals they see while scuba diving, our staff of marine biologists and certified naturalists will assist them in learning everything they ever wanted to know about the marine environment of the Caribbean.

Having fun and learning about the marine environment are what SeaTrek is all about. The opportunities for exploring diverse underwater landscapes and observing fascinating creatures are limitless. Whether participating in a deep or night dive or just taking a leisurely snorkel, our students are sure to encounter organisms and behaviors that will astonish and provide countless stories to take back home.

Our professional marine biologists and naturalists use their vast and diverse experiences to help participants learn about and appreciate the underwater world that surrounds them. Along with the expertise of the SeaTrek staff, students learn from local marine scientists and conservation specialists.

A range of scientific equipment is also available to assist students in carrying out research and conservation projects. In addition, students can choose to earn academic and/or community service credit for their work. This type of hands-on, service-based learning affords students invaluable experience in the fields of marine ecology, conservation, and natural resource management.

SeaTrek participants are exposed to a wide range of marine science topics and hands-on field experiences. Along with the standard science classes and lab exercises, many students select a focus research project to earn additional community service and/or academic credits related to one of the following topics: Coral Ecology, Fish Identification, Turtle Tagging & Monitoring, Environmental Conservation and Water Quality & Plankton Analysis.

Accept the invitation to join SeaTrek and begin an exciting chance-of-a-life time journey into the wondrous marine environment of the British Virgin Islands!

Learning to sail at SeaTrekencompasses more than just learning a bunch of new vocabulary and figuring out how to get the wind to push the boat where you want it to go.

You learn a new way of life - how to live on a boat. Your home at SeaTrek is a floating city with everything you need to survive for weeks at a time: water, food, electricity, fuel for cooking (and for motoring when there is no wind), clothing, books, etc. You learn how to use the tools (and spare parts needed) to keep your home afloat and running efficiently. You learn to put things back where they belong. You learn to appreciate the wind and the ocean.

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Choose How You Want to Explore the Sea

Marine Ecology – study the delicate ecosystems that abound under water, and how these worlds within worlds are being threatened everyday… and what you can do to help protect and preserve the balance.

Sea-creature Behavior – the many creatures that make the reefs their home have fascinating behaviors and strange and wonderful rituals that helps keep them healthy and happy in their environment… discover how each unique species interacts within their own ‘communities’, and with other species through precise observations.

Reef Systems – more biologically-diverse than even a rainforest, coral reefs are home to a fascinating system of diverse organisms, all living and interacting together in these one-of-a-kind environments. You get the chance to explore and learn all about these vibrant but fragile systems – by focusing on specific life forms of the reefs, or take the big-picture approach and study the overview of the coral reef’s life cycles.

SEA TURTLE TAGGING & MONITORING Prior to the voyage, students will research the common sea turtle species of the Caribbean—mainly Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback—and the natural and human-related threats to their survival.

During the voyage, they will participate in the sea turtle ecology and identification presentation, students will have the opportunity to:

• Work with the staff biologists• Train in turtle tagging and monitoring• Assist in all aspects of the turtle tagging and monitoring project being conducted by the BVI’s Conservation and Fisheries Department.

Students will be taught how to catch, tag and examine turtles to make important measurements and observations that will be used in the CFD’s long-term turtle monitoring and conservation programs, along with training in identification and data entry.

The CFD project is interested in determining the size and health of various turtle species, as well as turtle population dynamics, nesting locations, migration patterns, and natural and human-related events that threaten their survival.

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SeaTrek BVI is proud to present Focused Adventure Through Hands On Marine Science (FATHOMS).

FATHOMS is our new program that combines marine science, community service and cultural studies in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands. During the 22-day voyage, students live aboard a 43-foot catamaran that serves as their mobile research station, affording them countless opportunities to study and experience the ecology and dynamics of the living marine laboratory that surrounds them.

COURSE CURRICULUM

The FATHOMS program weaves together marine science, community service and cultural interactions centered on lectures, labs, and field studies. SeaTrek marine scientists and guest lecturers will present content focusing on their areas of expertise. Through these lectures, hands-on explorations and service work, students become equipped with the tools necessary to investigate and impact the world around them.

Development of the FATHOMS curriculum is an ongoing, collaborative effort led by Angela Cowan, SeaTrek’s Director of Marine Science. The SeaTrek science staff consults with a number of marine scientists and master educators to continually review course content and execution.

LECTURESLecture style is kept interactive and student-driven. FATHOMS uses videos, animations and other media tools to help students visualize and comprehend difficult concepts. Each lecture is aligned to a worksheet or note-taker in the science workbook so that students have access to the information at any time. The labs and field studies will help students apply and integrate the content covered in each lecture.

FIELD STUDIES Field studies occur in terrestrial and aquatic habitats throughout the islands and teach students how to apply the scientific method to the real world. Field studies may include profiling beaches to examine erosional forces and sediment composition; using GPS to map organism distributions; collecting water samples for chemical and biological analysis; collecting physical water column data to graph temperature and light profiles; and photographing and cataloging specimens.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS SeaTrek students collaborate on projects with a variety of organizations throughout the BVI, including the Conservation and Fisheries Department, and National Parks Trust. Students work to collect and report data to help educate BVI residents and tourists about the marine environment. Examples of community service projects include Sea Turtle Tagging & Monitoring; REEF Fish Identification; Lionfish Marking & Capture; Seagrass Monitoring and Mangrove Planting; CoralWatch; and Beach Cleanups.

LABS Each lab is designed as an extension of a specific lecture and allows students to observe and apply the concepts discussed. Labs also help students prepare to use that information during a field study. Examples of labs include dissections, mapping, monitoring sites, collecting and graphing water quality data, collecting plankton and sediment for identification and sorting, and observing and classifying fish and invertebrate species.

RESEARCH PROJECTS Developed in collaboration with the Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society, the FATHOMS curriculum involves two key research projects. Project #1: create a program to monitor coral coverage and disease. Project #2: develop a coastal trail guide to teach residents and tourists about the history and ecology of the island’s East End. SeaTrek staff and affiliated marine scientists work with students to provide resources and feedback throughout the entire process.

CULTURAL STUDIES MODULES By talking to and working alongside BVI residents, students begin to explore outreach and management strategies for protecting the region’s valuable marine resources. Cultural studies activities include field trips to historical sites and natural areas of Jost Van Dyke and St. John; presentations by BVI fishermen and divers, park rangers, and scientists; interviews with residents and tourists; and community service projects.

DAILY SCHEDULE

MORNING:

• Breakfast; Daily goals

• Content lecture

• Lab and/or field study

• Science workbook an

d reflection

AFTERNOON:

• Lunch; Q&A on the morning’s

activities

• Community service activ

ity/

cultural studies act

ivity

• Group work for rese

arch

projects

• Scuba diving/recreat

ion

EVENING:

• Dinner

• Content lecture, lab

, or

cultural studies excur

sion

• Science workbook/

independent project

• Group work for research

projects

• Review activity/discussion

• Video

RECREATION:

• SCUBA diving and snorkeli

ng

• Beach Games

• Hiking/Kayaking/Sailing

Who would have

thought tha

t learning

science and

doing rese

arch could

be so fun!?

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Student TestimonialsYou must look to those who have experienced our program first hand to know if it is right for you. Each sucessive summer, SeaTrek brings back more students than the year before. Nothing is more exciting than seeing many of the same faces grow and mature each year. Come and be a part of the legacy of SeaTrek. See what others have to say about it first...

“I hadn’t realized what I’d missed all of my life until I stood at the bow and felt the rise and fall of a boat beneath my feet. In sailing, I found my bearings.”

Chance RuderSan Antonio, Texas

“I definitely had as much fun this year as I did last year. The diving was truly awesome. The people I met made the trip unique and hilariously fun.”

Mary TrainPennsylvania

“I think this voyage was great and I learned a lot. The staff did a fantastic job making the voyage what it was, the experience of a lifetime!”

Christian BiorckSweden

“SeaTrek has opened my eyes to a whole new world and is the best thing I have done for myself so far!”

Tracy BeerlyPennsylvania

“The camp was outstanding. It was so much fun that I really want to come back next year. We all ended up like a family at the end, which I see as a sign of a great camp.”

Emily Carr San Jose, California

“I really enjoyed my trip and feel like I learned so much about the ocean. All the staff are great. They really worked hard to make sure we had a great time.”

Steve TigheTampa, Florida

“Captain Monk”

“WOO-HOO!!! Me on the swing line...making a splash in the Caribbean!”

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ANEGADA

NECKERISLAND

JOST VAN DYKE

PETER ISLAND

SALT ISLAND

COOPER ISLAND

GINGER ISLAND

SCRUB ISLAND VIRGIN GORDA

GREATCAMANOE

GREAT THATCH

NORMAN ISLAND

LITTLE THATCH

TORTOLA

the British VirginIslands

Contact us for more information:

1-877-GOSAILING (467-2454)[email protected]

SeaTrek BVI Ltd.7092 River Rd. Flushing, MI 48433 USA

“Me... showing of

f in the deep

, blue sea!”

“Discovering - and protecting - marine life.”

Set Sail™Discover Our

Program

SEE PAGE 9