Supported by a generous grant from The Children’s Trust and Dade Community Foundation, the YMCA of Greater Miami and Virginia Key Beach Park Trust will jointly host an environmental field study Junior Marine Biology Camp this summer at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
The program, which targets inner city youths in Miami-Dade County who might otherwise never be exposed to the theoretical/practical applications of ecological topics through first-hand experimentation, hopes to instill minority students with an increased appreciation for the natural sciences as well as the need for greater diversity of researchers within the field.
The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust currently seeks to recruit at least 15 participants out of the approximately 100 limited spaces allocated for students between the ages of 10-15 who are welcome to apply for a place in the distinguished YMCA Junior Marine Biology Camp.
The summer program, which runs from June 9th through August 8th, will be offered at no cost to eligible students and include free transportation from four designated pickup locations.
Besides swimming, snorkeling and kayaking, campers will be encouraged to explore the complex ecosystems of Virginia Key, engage in field work, planting flora species native to the island, participate in research projects, laboratory experiments, wildlife observations and guided nature walks, plus take part in a stimulating lecture series by some of the area’s foremost scientists, educators and government officials in the field of marine biology and ecology.
As Historic Virginia Key Beach Park grows into a significant environmental/educational center with a rich, natural setting for conducting a wide range of ecological studies, the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust looks forward to forging strong relationships within the scientific community that will provide the summer camp with the most qualified undergraduate and professional mentors to motivate these deserving students to excel.
For more information about enrollment in the YMCA Jr. Marine Biology Camp or to volunteer as a natural science mentor, please contact Marcia M. Anderson, Museum Educational Director at manderson@miamigov.com or 305-960-4614.
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Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, once called ‘Bears Cut’, was frequented in the early 1900’s by Black settlers arriving on the island by ferry from a dock at the end of Fifth Street, in downtown Miami. Established on August 1, 1945 as ‘The Colored Beach’ this site immediately became a spot for social gatherings sacred to Black residents who made weekly trips to enjoy amenities such as the carousel, the dancing pavilion or the mini-train that would run through the enormous park. During this era, there was a lack of beach facilities for Blacks and this 1000-acre barrier island characterized by a unique and fragile natural environment, served as the recreational location for those who wanted to bask in the splendor of the sun and ocean. Former City of Miami Commissioner, M. Athalie Range was instrumental, together with the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, in adding this remarkable landmark to the National Register of Historic Places in June 2002.
Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. 33149 Phone: 305.960.4612
www.virginiakeybeachpark.net
