What a start to our adventure! The Marine Biology Trip is in full swing. Here is what we have been up to from Day 1 to Day 3…

In this Update:

Day 1: Close Encounters of the Marine Kind

Strong winds on the gulf and Atlantic meant we had to stick to safer areas for the day. The two excursion spots were a rocky coast habitat at low tide and a mangrove habitat hidden in an old quarry. The mangrove habitat can feel like an alien world. So much life is sustained by the roots and branches of the mangroves that jet out into the water. As a first time snorkeling experience, it can feel a little strange. Not all students like to brave this area for very long… But the rocky coast felt a lot more friendly. Life can be found under very rock. Creeping, crawling, and sometimes squishy, and hiding in every nook and cranny. One student who had picked up a specimen exclaimed “I can feel it moving! It’s alive! Aaaah!”

Thank you to our Gold & Silver Sponsors who made this trip possible!
Marv & Joie Suson | Bojar Family | Michael & Denise Lane | Jonah & Naomi VanPietersom | Stitch It! Custom Embroidery & Sew Much More| Corienne ‘Coco’ Walek Real Estate | AriZona Tea

>>> Sponsor our next trip! <<<

Day 2: I spy in the grass flats…

As wind started to die down, all groups decided to investigate the grass flats habitat closest to the hotel. The current did make the waters a bit murky and difficult to search from 5 feet above. Those who could dive were able to find and identify the creatures nestled at the bottom.

With many creatures collected and observed, it came time to classify and fill out those workbooks! The learning curve is high but so are spirits. I believe a new record was set in classifying a particular specimen by our first ever adult class.

Day 3: Calm waters at last!

Happy Easter from the shore! Calm waters allowed for a better excursion at a different grass flat habitat. Unfortunately, this photographer got a teeny bit of heat stroke and had to be sequestered to her room… (Thank you Michaela and Denise for capturing some memories!). From the direct report of students “It was so much better than yesterday!”. Many specimens were caught. Many smiles and laughs were shared. A Marine Easter bunny (a hare) also made it to the research tank! After more classifying and studying, the night ended with some frybread and volleyball.

Thank you to our Gold & Silver Sponsors who made this trip possible!
Marv & Joie Suson | Bojar Family | Michael & Denise Lane | Jonah & Naomi VanPietersom | Stitch It! Custom Embroidery & Sew Much More| Corienne ‘Coco’ Walek Real Estate | AriZona Tea

>>> Sponsor our next trip! <<<

Keep Us in Your Prayers

Please keep praying for the following while we are on our trip:

• For God to move in the hearts of our students as they learn about Him through His Creation.
• For our teachers, staff, and students to get good rest and make the most out of every day.
• Good weather and safety on land and water.
• Good relationships to develop between students, staff, and the places we visit.
• Good health as fatigue starts to set in.

See you again soon!