Micronesia Challenge Summer Camp

In June 2007, I co-directed an environmental camp with Angelo Vilagomez of Beautify CNMI and MINA. We had 12 students between 7th and 9th grade. Most of them were club members of S.A.V.E (Student Action for a Viable Environment) which is a club I started at Hopwood last summer. We spent the week learning about different environmental careers and environmental issues affecting the CNMI. The students learned a bit about plant cells and plant propogation in preparation for planting 6 Flame Trees at American Memorial Park. They also participated in a Traditional Fishing Workshop, sponsored by Fish and Wildlife and The Children of Our Homeland Center at Joeten Kiyu Library. We had guest speakers who shared about the threat of the Brown Tree Snake, the Micronesia Challenge, turtle protection and the formation of Beautify CNMI. We went on field trips to the CUC lab and one of the waste water treatment plants. A few of us got interviewed on Harry Blalock's morning radio show, and the students wrote Public Service Announcements and got them broadcast on 2 different radio stations on Saipan. We did experiments dealing with waste water treatment and used science skills and problem solving methods to solve several mysteries involving water borne illnesses. The students also researched different reef formations (barrier, fringe, patch and atolls) and made models using clay, beans and pasta. These are now on display at the Legislative Building in Rep. Cinta Kaipat's office and will eventually be on display at the American Memorial Park. The students got to experience a wonderful cultural exchange when Shanai, from Australia, joined us for the last 3 days of camp. She and her dad are cruising on a boat from Japan to Australia. On Friday afternoon we went to Managaha Island and camped out for the night. We played mostly, but the students also learned about plankton. Angelo has posted pictures and daily accounts on http://www.beautifycnmi.com/ and http://www.greencnmi.blogspot.com/A couple of the students, Mylene and Hope, also posted about their experience on their own blogs. Harry even wrote about us on his blog. Check it out!Click on Each Day for pictures and highlightsDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4 and 5