Spirit of South Carolina sail was a blast!

We had our training class for February on Saturday, February 12th. This was a very special day not only because all the interns were together but we took a sail on the Spirit of South Carolina! It was a beautiful, sunny day and although the weather was chilly, the interns had a great time. For many of them, this was their first time on a ship. Besides the beautiful scenery of the Charleston Harbor, the interns took part in some fun and educational activities.

First, we learned about the different areas and sails of the ship. Then the interns actually helped to hoist the sails! Everyone got a little workout with that. Then did three activities on the ship - we did a plankton tow and got to see some of the cool, microscopic critters that live in the water; we learned about watersheds and the importance of salt marshes; and we learned about navigation and how to use a compass and navigate using landmarks and maps. I think everyone appreciated GPS after that!

And it seems like everyone enjoyed silent sailing, where we all had a quiet spot on the ship for 10 minutes to just relax and listen to the sounds of nature for a little while.

So it was a great day! Good weather and good company! Thanks to the crew of the Spirit of South Carolina for such a wonderful experience!

Next up: training classes in March - we're going canoeing!

-Kathy

2011 Training classes have started!

So the 2011 High School Intern Program training classes have started! I am so excited to work with another great group of kids! This year's applications gave us some more great students and 20 of them will be going through training classes January through April. Among our 20 students, there are 8 different high schools represented.

Congrats to our newest class of interns -
Maisa Amireh - Hanahan HS
Samia Anderson - Garrett Academy
Nichole Balmonte - Berkeley HS
Shantell Brown - Garrett Academy
Kieontay Desaussure - Garrett Academy
Erin Eckley - Garrett Academy
Helena Fulmore - Academic Magnet
Darius Gibson - Cross HS
Kahdijah Hamilton - Garrett Academy
Jessica Kent - Garrett Academy
Quinandria Lee - Garrett Academy
Jessica Litchfield - Timberland HS
Keomba McNeely - Goose Creek HS
Jarvia Meggett - Garrett Academy
Rebecca Mohn - Summerville HS
Nijeeah Richardson - Academic Magnet
Mirna Serrano - Hanahan HS
Jamaesha Washington - Garrett Academy
Lynette White - Hanahan HS
Barbara Woo - Academic Magnet

The interns are divided into two groups - Group A and Group B - for their training classes. Group A met at the Aquarium on Jan 22 and Group B met at the Aquarium on Jan 29. The kids had a great time to getting to know one another, learning about the Aquarium and meeting some of our animals friends.

Next up: training class on Feb 12th where we will be going for a sail on the Spirit of South Carolina in the Charleston Harbor. Can't wait!

-Kathy