Week 3 – Sea World Celebration, June 28
Sarah Blackett, Peer
Campers showed up early for their last day of camp to snack on doughnuts and catch the bus to Sea World. We arrived at the park just as it was opening, and the campers spent their morning going on roller coasters, watching the sea life displayed in tanks in line for their rides. Many of the girls went to go watch the orca show, getting soaked while watching one of the ocean’s most grand species splash around in front of them. The girls explored other exhibits such as a coral nursery, a dolphin nursery, a manatee older than most of the staff, a place for sea lions and seals, a ray touch tank, a penguin exhibit, and so much more. On the bus ride back to camp, the girls exchanged their handmade yearbooks, collecting signatures from each other and the staff. Once we got back to USF, there were several long, tearful goodbyes, but they were softened by promises to see each other again soon at the OCG reunions!
Eli Gilchrist, Peer
Going to sea world is an incredible way to end camp in my opinion. When we went, I got to spend the day around other science mentors and counselors, which made it fun and educational at the same time. I learned facts and knowledge about every single part and exhibit in the park. I also found that while the day was filled with fun activities, it also continued to teach me new things about marine life. I had close up interactions as well, such as touching sting rays and walking through a shark tunnel. I can only imagine that for the campers it was very much the same. It was a wonderful day to get to run around and have a final party with all your new close friends, while still learning about the ocean. Many campers on the walk back to the bus talked about all the cool animals they got to see and the things they’d read. I also know a highlight of the day for myself and other campers was getting to see the orca show, an opportunity to see beautiful, majestic, creatures that most would not otherwise be able to view. It was all around an incredible last day of camp.
