CARIBBEAN MARINE ECOLOGY CAMP

IMAGINE... the crystal clear Caribbean Sea... unsurpassed water visibility... waking up with the turquoise Caribbean Sea at your doorstep... diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, watching sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and the myriad of the coral reef life of the Cayman Islands...

Join us at the Little Cayman Research Center to learn tropical marine ecology and conservation at one of the world's most gorgeous coral reefs. This will be a summer to remember, forever...

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CCMI has operated the Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp, a tropical marine ecology and conservation program, in the Cayman Islands since 2000. Divers and non-divers are accepted into the program. Students learn marine ecology and conservation directly from scientists and graduate students. The program is intended for students who have an interest and some experience in marine science.

ELIGIBILITY
Students (14-18 years old) must be entering or in high school and must be in good academic standing at their school. We only admit students who are interested in marine ecology and conservation. Qualified students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited and we encourage you to register early. A maximum of 18 students will be admitted.

WHAT IS THE TROPICAL MARINE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION PROGRAM?
The program is CCMI's pre-college study abroad program and is held on the remote island of Little Cayman. The program is both academic and fun. We have operated this program in the Cayman Islands since 2000. The program's mission is to improve our youth's appreciation and understanding of the human connection to the marine environment. Through investigating endangered species such as sea turtles, coral reef communities, and fish populations, students grow to better understand major conservation issues facing the Earth today.

WHAT WILL STUDENTS BE DOING?
Students will discover the wonders of coral reefs first-hand from experts working to conserve the diversity of life inhabiting the ocean's largest living creature. Students will have fun every day exploring the marine environment and also the island's other tropical habitats. Little Cayman is home to the largest breeding population of Red Footed Boobies, an endemic iguana that grows to over 3 feet long, and one of the last spawning aggregations of the Nassau grouper. Each day has a full schedule with three great meals, field trips to the reef, discussions with scientists, and fun activities to increase a student's knowledge of the fish, coral, and other life that inhabits a coral reef. By working side-by-side with scientists and marine educators, students take part in ongoing research projects.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

• SCUBA dive and snorkel with scientists and experienced instructors
• Compete in our CCMI Reef Relay - a mini triathlon - with teams of three that swim, bike and kayak to the finish line.
• Discover why our Marine Park is called Bloody Bay and what Christopher Columbus discovered in 1503.
• Our scientists teach you about marine conservation and why coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea.
• Learn what it is like to be a marine scientist working to understand how this fragile environment works and how you can save coral reefs from extinction.

ACCOMODATIONS
The Little Cayman Research Center has bunk dorm rooms with separate facilities for males and females, laboratories, classroom, library, dining area, boats, and more (see About LCRC for details)...

COST
$2300 (US) - For International Participants *
Includes room, 3 meals a day, pick up and return to Little Cayman airport, all field trips and diving.

* Please note Cayman Island residents are eligible for scholarships based on funding availability. Please email us for more details before you register for the Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp below.

REGISTRATION
Qualified students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited so you are encouraged to complete the registration and payment process early. Registration takes just a few steps:

1) FILL OUT REGISTRATION FORM Please fill out the "Marine Ecology Camp Registration Form (PDF)". You may print and mail it to us or email it to us according to the instructions in the form. Please also send us a deposit with your mailed application or pay online using PayPal (see below).

2) ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION We will notify you via email of your acceptance into the program.

3) FILL OUT OTHER REQUIRED FORMS & WAIVERS Please fill out any required forms and waivers and mail them to us: At this time, please also send in the outstanding balance with your mailed documents or pay online using PayPal (see below).

4) ACQUIRE INSURANCE & MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Acquire insurance and make your travel arrangments to Little Cayman:

PAYMENT
You may pay in part or in full at any time. There is no transaction fee if you pay by check. However PayPal charges a 4% transaction fee, which will be added to the course fee if you select this payment method. To pay...

Either... MAIL IN YOUR PAYMENT Pay by check: $500 (Deposit) $1800 (Outstanding) $2300 (Full) Please make check payable to "Central Caribbean Marine Institute" and mail it to: CCMI Registrar

Or... PAY ONLINE You may also pay online using PayPal. Select an amount and click "PayPal Payments":   $500 (Deposit) + $20 Fee $1800 (Outstanding) + $72 Fee $2300 (Full) + $92 Fee Thank you for your payment!

"Conservation is so important to maintaining a healthy natural world. Education is the first step in understanding ocean ecology and how to preserve and protect our environment in general. The Camp provides a learning opportunity to enrich and strengthen students' knowledge of the importance of a vibrant ocean."     Frank E. Ball, Chairman, Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation