Welcome to Camp WET 2013

We enjoyed the Atlantic Ocean . . . 

 We found some really cool things, like this sea hare! More information about them by clicking here.

 Bits of sand dollars were quite popular today. These are actually the skeleton of an invertebrate. You can learn about these interesting creatures by clicking here.

 These gumbo limbo trees have naturally peeling bark that reminds us of sunburnt tourists, so they're also known as the tourist tree. These trees are an important part of Florida's natural environment. Learn more about them by clicking here.

 In the afternoon, we seined a few of the grassflats of the Indian River Lagoon.

 See this juvenile Florida spiny lobster? The Indian River Lagoon is an important nursery for many species of ocean dwelling fish and invertebrates.

Camp WET explored the Bathtub Reef and Beach today.

Session Two created four fantastic sand sculptures today!

Sarah's Team created Shelly the seahorse.

 Sandy the sea turtle was created by Delaney's Team with help from counselor Alex.

Dustin himself was his team's mermaid, Neptune!

Reid's Team sculpted a sea dragon.

If you ask a Camp WET kid what our south Florida beach sand is made of, they'll tell you SHELL HASH!

Shell hash is made of bits and bits of broken shell.

What a great day!

Camp WET Session One is in full swing!

We've been getting WET everyday while we explore Martin County's shores.

We have been seining in the Indian River Lagoon and filled our class tank with species to observe. We investigated the near-shore reef known as Bathtub Reef and found a variety of juvenile fish that call it home. We've checked out a variety of brown, green and red algae as well as learned the names of several snails while we find their shells along the shore.

Camp WET has learned that Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common sea turtle to come and nest on Martin County beaches and why it's important to protect our Atlantic beaches and keep them clean.

Our Camp WET workbook reinforces all of what we experience outside and reminds us of all the knowledge we've gained!

Families & parents - ask your camper about the pictures above and have them tell you about something that they learned at Camp WET!

Camp W.E.T. in action . . .

Camp W.E.T. is in the news again! Thanks to the Stuart News for covering a special adventure to the reef just off Hutchinson Island... known as the Bathtub Reef. We've learned how fragile this habitat is and how it protects juvenile species of many ocean fish. The Indian River Lagoon also provides a seagrass habitat for many of the same species, and we explored, compared and contrasted both habitats.
Click here for the photo gallery. 

Bathtub Reef Adventures

Before Camp WET headed to the Bathtub Reef, we discovered the ways to earn BONUS BUCK$ for your team!

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

 Camp WET enjoyed studying the view from the top of Hobe Mountain. Looking east, the bottom of the photo shows mainland Florida, then the Indian River Lagoon, Jupiter Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

We noticed the change in the Loxahatchee River plant growth from mangroves to cypress trees as the water changed from brackish to fresh.