Posted by admin | 07.08.2013 | Sea Turtle Camp News
Sea Turtle Camp – Leatherbacks June 23rd 2013
“Sea Turtle Camp was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Being obsessed with sea turtles my entire life; this was the perfect camp for me. We got to do lots of different activities, such as my favorite; working with the turtles in the sea turtle hospital. We had the amazing opportunity to look at these beautiful sea creatures up close, feed them, wash them and help clean their tanks. I really hope in my future I can work with these astonishing animals. The feeling knowing you are helping a species going into extinction is the best feeling in the world.
Not just what we did, but the people we were with were fantastic. I had three outstanding counselors and wouldn’t ask for anyone else to watch over us. Our counselors were all so entertaining, fun, memorable, knowledgeable, but yet serious at the same time. I know I will never forget any of the close friends I met at camp. Being with my other campers 24/7 has created such a strong bond between us. I will miss my counselors and fellow campers very much, but will remember this camp my whole life.” Monica Bandy – 17, Virginia
“Being a first time camper I had lots of fun. The counselors and campers were very friendly. Seeing the turtles and bathing them was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Paddle-boarding and swimming was a blast.” Sarah Alford – 16, Louisiana
“My Sea Turtle Camp experience definitely exceeded my expectations. Not only did I get the once in a lifetime opportunity to work one-on-one with sea turtles, but I learned so much about marine life and taking care of the ocean. This camp has shaped my perspective of ocean life and showed me sea turtles in another light. Also on top of all the unique events I partook in, was experiences with great people and counselors that I look up to and admire their love and ambition for marine biology.” Alena Purpero – 18, Wisconsin
“Experiencing something like Sea Turtle Camp is honestly life changing. Overtime I realized the lucky situation I was allowed with taking care of turtles. Many people in their lifetime will never be able to touch, wash, or even see a sea turtle. Over all my best memories were realizing all of the things I could do for the ocean, to hopefully save marine life. Making friends, going surfing, and many more things also made my experience amazing. I realized that I have a choice to make a change and to accept the reality that humans are destroying the ocean. I can never forget this entire experience.” Maddie Smith – 15, Indiana
“The best part of Sea Turtle Camp was the sea turtle hospital. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Feeding and washing endangered animals was amazing. Also learning to surf was really fun. I learned a lot about different species of both vertebrates and invertebrates. I learned a lot from the awesome counselors.” James H – 14, New York
“My favorite part of camp is the amazing bond that I built with the other campers and the counselors. The hands on experiences I got with the turtles make me realize that there is nothing in the world that I’d rather do with my life than help turtles and all other marine animals. I learned so much and I can’t wait to work more with turtles in the future. I love Sea turtle Camp!” Erin D – 17, Ohio
“My favorite camp memory was without a doubt volunteering at the sea turtle hospital. Whether it was cleaning the tanks, feeding the turtles, or bathing them, it was amazing to be so close to them. Also, Jen, Becky, and Nate were the most awesome counselors! They were super easy to talk to and helped make camp experince more enjoyable.” Maddie G – 15 Delaware
“The most special part of Sea Turtle Camp is working with the turtles. I find it very sad that they’ve been around for so long, and now there are so few. They don’t deserve to be wiped out and they need the beach more than humans do.” Chase L – 14, Virginia
“It’s hard to pick one aspect of camp that was memorable, but getting to experience a live, wild sea turtle up close that is off limits to the public was memorable. It was a complete once in a lifetime experience to bathe and touch a sea turtle, and animals that has been around since the dinosaurs, and it was such a privilege. I was very inspired by Jean and her commitment to the turtles, and I am honored to be a part of her army.” Lucia M – 16, Maryland
“I really enjoyed the sea turtle hospital and helping injured sea turtles. I loved the connection that grew between us. When I looked into their soul I realized how human influences will kill off these majestic creatures if left to continue on this road. Steps have to be taken to clean the ocean.” Aiden C -14, Massachusetts
“I didn’t know how fast my life could change (for the better) in such a short amount of time, until I went to sea turtle camp. I learned and experienced numerous things at camp that some people won’t even learn and experience in a lifetime, which makes me the luckiest and most grateful person to have had this opportunity of a lifetime. I loved making connections with people who had the same passion as I did for marine biology and turtles. It’s safe to say that I’ll never forget the memories that were made here.” Isabel L – 15, North Carolina
“Being a returning camper just proves that I have loved this camp so much. This year was even better than the year before. Not only have we done super fun activities we have learned so much in the past 11 days!. I learned new things, I have made new friends; not only with the other campers but the counselors as well. Jen, Becky, and Nate have been awesome teachers and I wish I had more time to learn from them. And I can’t forget about Jean! She only talked for a few minutes yet she made me sure I wanted to be a marine biologist. Jean definitely needs this new hospital to make her dream a reality and she has worked countless hours to get it. Hopefully I can come back again next year, because every time I make any contact with the turtles; the bond between them and I becomes stronger. And now I can’t give up on them because I’m the new generation. They are counting on me to save their kind. And I will until there is no need to any longer.” Corley DeTuro – 13, New Jersey