Last updated on January 23rd, 2019 at 08:22 pm
In the sleepy capital of Grand Bahama, West End comes alive with the exciting activities offered by West End Eco Fishing Camp Association (WEEFCA). This summer WEEFCA is at it again offering a unique environmental and learning experience for young persons. I had the opportunity to interview Linda Cooper, Co-founder of the WEEFCA program. She was happy to share with you the details of this exciting, almost summer long, experience. To find out more, continue reading below.
S. Shed – How long has WEEFCA been in existence?
Linda – WEEFCA has been in existence since 2009 and registered, Certificate No. 37006 as of the 17th day of March 2010.
S. Shed – What made you start this program?
Linda – We began the program realizing that there were no community initiatives, parks and recreation that offered Summer Camps which focused primarily on marine, plants, and bird life species and their habitat as well as focus on concerns in the immediate environment (pollution, & waste/refuge) We also felt it a necessity to liaise with the GB Sailing Club to offer disadvantaged children the opportunity to gain sponsorship, complete primary level sailing instruction over the summer, and to be certified for future Junior Sailing Regattas to be held in the Capital of Grand Bahama.
S. Shed – Who else is involved?
Linda – Presently we are partners with Save the Bays, our Sponsors, a few important Community-minded professionals, and the GB Sailing Club help us to fulfill our vision.
S. Shed – What do you hope to achieve from the program?
Linda – We sincerely hope to achieve future generation caretakers & Eco-stewards of the earth and seas as well as establish a good basic foundation for students entering the marine biology and environmental sciences career tracks.
S.Shed – What can young people expect when they sign up?
Linda – Young people can expect a challenging learning environment. They can expect close encounters with stingrays, birds, dolphins, marine turtles, up to 25 species of fish, and visit several ecosystems and marine and bird nesting areas. Young people can expect to go swimming, experience hand line fishing, and hopefully catch fish to take home. They can expect a brief introduction/tour on hydroponics and a compost demonstration. Field trips are included in the camp and the cost of the camp is FREE. Lunch is also FREE unless we go to a fast-food restaurant.
S.Shed – What ages do you cater to?
Linda – Ages 8-16
S.Shed -What type of person would enjoy this program?
Linda – A person that enjoys marine animals, birds, and plants would really benefit from this type of program.
S.Shed – What are your program times and dates?
Linda – We meet at the Parish Hall in West End Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm when school lets out for the summer, we begin the 1st Saturday and end in the middle of August, which is usually 9 weeks of Camp.
S.Shed – What can the community do to support?
Linda – Anyone can donate water, also we would like parent chaperones to help supervise when we are out on field trips if they wish to assist.
Great job WEEFCA!
If you would like more information about the West End Eco Fishing Camp, you can visit their website at www.weefca.com
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