Snorkeling at Cane Bay

After a beautiful drive along the North Shore of St Croix we played on the beach & snorkeled. We were able to see the coral restoration projects that we learned about in the morning

Boys & Girls Club

When I arrived at Boy's and Girl's Club, I felt amazed and a little nervous at the same time. The introduction was both entertaining and heart-warming. They prayed for us and blessed us so that we would have the best time of our life there. After the introduction, the next activity was what they referred to as their "Power Hour." I walked in the room where I was with 3rd graders as they completed their homework with such tenacity and enthusiasm. Mr. Harvich was then fired as one little girl established the fact that I was an amazing helper with homework and explanations of any questions they had. Following homework, I walked outside to the basketball courts. Basketball is my favorite sport! My friends and I began playing and after about 10 minutes, the boys from the club noticed my skills and gave me the opportunity to play with older kids. It was a great experience because it made me better in a way. As I continued a wise man told me "to finish the basketball with the backboard," considering this I started making more and more baskets. I loved the boys and girls club because they made me feel at home and I had a lot of fun!
-PJ Roach

Hike and Snorkle at Isaac's Bay

Today we went to the eastern part of St. Croix. The mountain where we were was the most eastern point in the United States. This part of the island was more rocky and dry because of the wind patterns at St. Croix. We hiked for about ten to fifteen minutes through barren trails and tall weeds. During the whole hike there was always a beautiful view of Jack's and Isaac's bay. We split up into two groups, one snorkeled while the other walked along the beach. Then the groups switched and the snorkelers walked while the walkers snorkeled. The day was great and everyone enjoyed the morning.

Written by Clay Willis

Plant ecology and bioluminescence

A bush doctor, named Veronica Gordon, came to Discovery Grove and talked about the plant life growing around Discovery Grove. She told us about the uses of each plant, such as medicines, teas, and foods. For instance, the Kongo root was used to clear sinuses, the sweet pea tree was used for foods, and the Bayrumb tree was used for herbal teas. As she told us about each plant, tree, or bush she described how to identify each plant, whether by crumpling the leaves,its shape, or where it grew. While she was leading the tour she picked several varieties of plant leaves or roots. After the tour she boiled all of the leaves and roots together to make a bush tea. Most of the adults liked it.
After dinner, around seven o'clock, we all went to Salt River Bay and ate s'mores and went on a night kayaking trip to see the bioluminescence. The night kayaking trip was awesome. We kayaked to a small restricted part of the bay, known as the BioBay, to see the bioluminescence. Ty showed us that when you put your hand deep in the water your entire arm glowed. We also talked about why the organisms glow. The four main reasons are for protection, mating,attracting prey, and to see. Ty also showed us the glowing jelly fish which was really cool. Some of the students decided to jump in. Whenever they kicked their feet or moved their arms glowed. All in all, it was a really cool experience.
Written by Hannah Exum

Boys and girls club

My experience at the boys and girls club was wonderful! It has been the highlight of my trip because I didn't realize how much those kids would have an effect on me. I hung out with lots of the little children. We helped them with their homework and played lots of games. We made paper airplanes and played volleyball and basketball. There was this one girl named Chantè and she was so amazing. She was five years old and very smart for her age. She sang me her school song and taught me a new dance. We did piggy back rides and she did my hair. Chantè said she wanted to be a fashion designer when she grows up. Lots of little girls said they liked my hair and my eyes were golden. When I was leaving the boys and girls club, Chantè told me she had never seen so many white people in one room before and it made me think how much the kids appreciated our time with them.

The Boys and Girls Club

On Monday, the opportunity to make connections and the experience of helping others was offered to the CHC students. As always, the students willingly jumped in. Helping with homework, playing color & shape Bingo, reading , basketball, & volleyball were just a few of the exciting activities included in the afternoon. Afterwards, the comments that our students shared were heart-warming. "I never knew how much I liked working with little kids." " It felt good to help others."
"I thought we were affecting them, but as I looked around and saw all of my friends connecting with the kids, they were affecting us."

DIVE TRIP

What a GREAT dive experience. The dive instructors were first class. They did a great job instructing the students and leading them on a fantastic underwater adventure that I am sure they will talk about for years to come.
Here are a few pictures of the students returning to port.

Rock wall

We had a great day, despite the higher temperature, climbing the rock wall at the Boy Scout camp on the island. We geared up, learned the safety rules & terminology, then climbed the wall. Everybody experienced the role of being an important part of the team and the positive encouragement was plentiful.