We have just concluded our second annual Turtle Camp: a week-long adventure camp, fully funded and organized by the Turtle Conservancy in collaboration with The Thacher School. Our campers, a group of enthusiastic 7th and 8th graders from schools across Los Angeles and Ventura County, embarked on a transformative journey filled with invaluable lessons, profound conservation efforts, lasting friendships, and, of course, unforgettable turtle encounters. Thanks to the generous support of anonymous donors, we provided twenty-five young minds with the opportunity to embrace their roles as budding conservationists. This generous grant has ignited a new generation of wildlife advocates, instilling a sense of purpose and dedication in each participant.
The Turtle Camp participants came from diverse backgrounds; most of them were unfamiliar with one another prior to the camp, and for many, it was their first extended time away from home. During the long drive from Los Angeles to Ojai, the campers were initially silent, feeling apprehensive about the upcoming week. However, by the third day, laughter, smiles, and inside jokes had blossomed among them. It was a joy to witness the transformation, not only in each individual camper but in the group as a whole.
“The reason why I wanted to go to Turtle Camp is because I’m so fascinated by nature and biology, and awesome species, especially turtles, because they’re so fascinating and I would love to learn more about them. I’ve learned so much [already] about invasive species and what’s native to California, and the different parts of a turtle.” ”
Turtle Camp Highlights
Exploring Turtle Species: Throughout the week, campers had the exclusive opportunity to visit our conservation center, where they observed firsthand the resources turtles need to thrive on a daily basis. This experience provided them with an understanding of the delicate balance required for the survival of these creatures. Teams embarked on daily missions to learn about various species, hatchlings, and habitats around the TC. They spent time with our Radiated tortoises, creating anatomical drawings and learning how to differentiate between male and female tortoises. And, of course, they took the time to give our ambassador Radiated tortoises some shell scratches as the curious tortoises weaved through the campers' legs. From turtle eggs and tiny hatchlings to our giant Galapagos tortoises, the students gained hands-on experience with turtles of all species, sizes, and life stages.
Conservation Methods: Campers learned about the challenges faced by turtles, the importance of protecting their habitats, and the role that each of us plays in safeguarding them from extinction.
Stream Research: Under the guidance of our instructors and counselors, campers assisted in collecting data on the health of our local streams. Each team had the opportunity to search for macroinvertebrates such as Mayflies, stoneflies, and water pennies. This allowed them to learn how insects contribute to ecosystems and provide a valuable food resource for Southwestern Pond Turtles. The teams then developed research questions about the ecosystem they were curious about and returned to the streams to conduct further investigation. For example, one team studied the water flow of the creeks. After gathering data, they created presentations that they shared with the other campers and instructors; a great opportunity to practice public speaking.
Nature Hikes and Activities: Mornings were filled with hikes around the Sespe wilderness, where campers learned to identify native and invasive plants. Evenings were full of fun activities such as pool time, bounce houses, and a trip to the beach, where campers gleefully ran through the cold water. The schedule was packed, but never dull.
Art and Creativity: The campers unleashed their creativity through various art projects. Each group was assigned a turtle species they had encountered firsthand at the Turtle Conservancy. Equipped with a variety of craft supplies, they created three-dimensional dioramas depicting the ideal habitat of their assigned turtle species. Throughout the camp, campers also participated in several drawing activities, honing their skills by sketching from observation. Even those who initially claimed they couldn't draw well eventually produced detailed sketches illustrating different sections of a turtle's shell or the intricate patterns adorning them.
Acknowledgments anD Gratitude
We would like to give a special shout-out to our camp director, Heather Grant, as well as instructors Zoe Clute and Manci Rasmussen. Our camp counselors, Katie Vyhnal, Kai Bekins, Lily King, Jae Bailon, Talia Rangel, and Marty Valdez, worked tirelessly to create a safe, educational, and memorable environment for our young naturalists. Your passion for conservation and commitment to nurturing the next generation are truly commendable.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our anonymous donors, without whom this incredible experience would not have been possible. Your support for turtle conservation is truly invaluable.
Lastly, we express our utmost appreciation to the campers themselves. Your eagerness to learn and dedication to turtle conservation have filled our hearts with immense pride. You are an integral part of our mission to protect these remarkable creatures.