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| Smith College Summer
Program facilitators
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Friends from Smith College in
Northampton, Massachusetts have returned to "La Isla Bonita." For those who do
not remember, Cathy Parsons and Kate Buckman, interns in marine education at
Smith College, conducted a series of summer classes for children of the island
last year. This year they return with extra back-up personnel to conduct classes
in journal writing, and participate in educational activities, field trips,
crafts and games. Their efforts will help students better understand: the
importance of the coral reef and mangroves; the interaction of plants, animals
and people; animal adaptation; and scientific procedures. Joining Cathy and Kate
are Mattie Byrd McHold, Alexandra Chitty and Kim Cheney, also interns in marine
education from Smith College. Funding for this program is made
possible through the Henry David Thoreau Grant from Northeast Educational
Services in Sommerville, Massachusetts. Since their
arrival to San Pedro, this five-member team has visited Lydia's Institute of
Fine Education and San Pedro Roman Catholic School conducting half hour to
forty-five minute presentations on what the students can expect from the summer
program which will commence on July 2nd. The program is available to children
ages seven to twelve years old and will last for two weeks. The Smith College
team emphasized the program will be full of entertaining and educational
activities revolving around the ocean, reef and the creatures that live there.
Classes will be held from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will
take place at the San Pedro Town Hall. Many prizes will also be available to the
participants, through poster competitions as well as a Hol Chan logo
competition. Parents are encouraged to send their children to be part of this
fun and educational program. Parents wishing to enroll their children need to
obtain a form from the Hol Chan office. Children without a signed consent from
their parent/guardian will not be accepted. Anyone wishing further information
may contact the Hol Chan Marine Reserve office at telephone number
026-2247. Aside from the children's summer program, the
Smith College team will hold a teacher's workshop and will work closely with the
Hol Chan personnel. The group, whose main interest is marine education, told the
San Pedro Sun that because of its success,
funding has already been set aside for next year's program. Through the E. J.
Murphy Fund, the Smith College team managed to purchase a number of books to use
during the summer program and these will remain on island at the San Pedro
library at the end of their stay. On behalf of the
community's children, the San Pedro Sun extends
a warm welcome and many thanks to these kind and giving students.
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