Sunday, July 31, 2005

YMCA Camp


When we first arrived to Sedge Island, Jacky brought over a terrapin attempting to nest in her garden. This was a unique experience and it was great that everyone helped measure and record the terrapin's data. You were all very attentive and enthusiastic and had great questions.

We went on a small kayak trip through the mosquito ditches at high tide and every one maneuvered all the twists and turns very well. We covered so many aspects of marsh ecology including: plants, animals, food webs and zonation. The group was great at making observations while on the marsh as well as back at the Sedge House while we were netting crabs and aquatic organisms. We identified many crabs including spider, green and blue crabs. The blue crabs later became tasty additions to our lunch.

Every night we sat down as a group and wrote in our Sedge Island Journals, and shared our thoughts of the day with each other. We also compiled a species list of birds, plants and aquatic organisms. We went clamming, crabbing and seining, talked about eelgrass and oysters and paddled all the way to the beach across from Barnegat lighthouse. I know the fishing was a hit, especially since we had 2 campers catch bluefish!

Counselors Megan and Melissa: you were wonderful leaders and with your scientific backgrounds added so much more to the experience. Good luck this year with teaching and don't forget to pass on your knowledge of Sedge Island.

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