Beach & Barrier Island Itinerary
Beach & Barrier Island Camp is a two-day program for 4th - 12th grade students. However, it is also available to other organized groups, such as scout troops, community colleges, environmental clubs, youth organizations, and adult organizations. The content is tailored to the specific audience.
- Group size: 15 to 75
- Fee: $100/person for the two-day camp, not including Room and Board.
- Room and Board are available at GCRL for an additional $40/person/day.
- Group deposit of $200 required.
Day 1 - Onshore at GCRL and East Beach
- Saltmarsh Interpretation & Sampling on East Beach in Ocean Springs
- Dip net sampling along marsh edge
- Seine sampling the water column
- Sieve sampling the benthic sediments using yabbi pumps
- Marine Organism Identification & Classification
- Utilize a dichotomous key
- View organism details with microscopes
- Explore reference materials for organism facts
- Present findings to group
- Beach & Barrier Island Discussion & Activity
- Use Google Earth for orientation to the area
- Discuss recent impacts (oil spill & Hurricane Katrina)
- Study barrier island dynamics
- “Beach n a Box” activity
- MEC Teaching Aquarium
- Explore the touch tanks
- Learn about native inhabitants
- Highlight research activities at GCRL
Day 2 – Ship Island
- Travel to Ship Island onboard a vessel from Ship Island Excursions.
- Beachcomb the north and south shores of the island.
- Tour historic Fort Massachusetts.
- Hunt for fossilized shark teeth.
- Use seines to sample the water column.
- Use sieves to sample the benthic (bottom) sediments.
Weather Postponements: Outdoor programs are dependent on weather and will be postponed if conditions are excessively uncomfortable or dangerous.