Key West Reef Exploration

Objective: To build an awareness in members to the overall impact of humanity on the balance of earth's diverse ecosystems through the observation and study of the coral reefs.

Eligibility Requirements:  Must have completed ALL Outdoorsmen Club required work activities for three (3) consecutive years. (This includes passing their tropical fish identification test for three years.)

The Trip: We fly out on a Monday and by Tuesday morning, we are snorkeling on the reef examining the wildlife found and the effects tides, pollution, salinity ratios, and human interaction positively and/or negatively affect the reef's growth and/or destruction. We take additional trips to the reef along with a day trip to the Dry Tortugas Island to explore its reefs along with Fort Jefferson.

Besides spending time in the water on the reef, students tour Truman's Little White House, Earnest Hemmingway's House, and Mel Fischer's Museum. (Getting in a little literature and American history) And, we eat well. we try to let the kids enjoy some dining experiences that they might not get anywhere else.

Photo Safari:  Each student brings an underwater camera for their first day's dive and take pictures of a variety of species of wildlife. The films are then developed and pictures given back to the students. Each student will spend time identifying the wildlife in their pictures.  Proper identification is awarded points with the winner receiving a monetary prize.

Other Activities:  Most days, the kids have the opportunity to do some of the other things the island is famous for, such as parasailing, dolphin watching, beach combing ... and the ever popular Deep Sea Fishing...

In 2009, we arrived very late (midnight) and had to talk a nice moonlit walk along the sea wall to our hotel.

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