By Scott D. Jones
It’s grow to be an annual custom. Each Summer time, my son Stephen and I get away for every week to discover, have enjoyable, and get within the water! This 12 months’s occasion didn’t disappoint both of us.
It began in 2023 once we skilled the enjoyable and pleasure of Bonaire. Stephen tried scuba for the primary time and cherished it. Final 12 months, we had been invited to Anthony’s Key Resort in Roatan. As a part of their Dolphin Youngsters Camp, Stephen realized to work with dolphins and as soon as once more dove within the island’s shallow waters.
This 12 months, we determined to remain home and headed to the Florida Keys to take part within the TIDES Scuba and Science Camp introduced by Ocean First-Key Largo. What a fantastic alternative for Stephen to expertise the aquatic world in probably the most well-liked and historic places within the nation. The camp was held together with the historic Marine Lab Environmental Schooling Middle.
Whereas not but a licensed diver, Stephen has beforehand participated in PADI Bubblemaker and Uncover Scuba Diving packages, so he’s no stranger to scuba tools and respiratory underwater. Through the TIDES camp, Stephen was lucky to work straight with Sage Dalton, Ocean First’s Director of Operations. Sage launched Stephen to the Lagoon that homes the well-known Jules Undersea Lodge.
The primary day, Stephen began with an prolonged snorkel the place he monitored and noticed the opposite camp contributors as they did their first dive of the week. He informed me how enjoyable it was to observe their bubbles and see the curious fish swimming round them. Because the week went on, Stephen was in a position to take part in a lot of science packages and shows performed by the Marine Lab employees and instructors from the Ocean First Institute.
Whereas he didn’t be part of the opposite campers on their day by day boat dives, Stephen did have the chance to work together with them throughout a number of the different camp actions together with art work, video games and the nightly campfires. Throughout a type of night classes, whereas roasting marshmallows, Stephen obtained his camp identify, “Fireball” from camp director Joel Van Egbert.
Sage took Stephen on a number of dives within the lagoon through the week. Stephen’s eyes received very massive when Sage informed him in regards to the Habitat in the course of the lagoon. It rapidly turned his aim to dive down 25 ft and discover the underwater “resort” that has housed many well-known company together with celebrities, rock stars and even astronauts. After some observe, Sage and Stephen had been in a position to enter the habitat and spend a couple of minutes wanting round.
Later within the week, Stephen was requested if he needed to take part in a particular “mission”. He rapidly agreed and joined two different divers to ship meals and provides to company staying underwater in a single day within the habitat. He was in a position to speak with the company and was even awarded a particular “mission pin” for his efforts.
Stephen and the opposite campers had been in a position to take pleasure in and afternoon on the Historical past of Diving Museum throughout an unique non-public tour by Director Lisa Mongelia. It was enjoyable watching him try a number of the reveals and shows. The entire campers participated as they realized about some essential diving milestones and historical past.
The final night time of camp was very particular as Stephen and the opposite campers loved a night picnic on prime of the brand new housing bungalows which have been put in close to the Ocean First facility. These eight spectacular constructions supply “on-the-water” lodging. Stephen loved the view and stated he would take pleasure in probably returning subsequent 12 months.
These weeks are essential for Stephen and I to construct lasting recollections. Scuba diving offers a novel bonding alternative and I’m wanting ahead to the place our travels would possibly take us subsequent 12 months.
