2007 Theme: “Natural History, Ecology and Conservation on Caribbean Islands”
Participants: Caribbean youth ages 12-18. Students must have a valid passport and visas if necessary.
Available to: up to 5 students and one chaperone from up to 7 islands, for a maximum of 42 participants.

PROGRAM DETAILS: Dates: Monday July 30 to Saturday August 4, 2007
Location: Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS), Lameshur Bay, St John, U. S. Virgin Islands

Deadline:  for program reservations: May 28, 2007.

Deadline:  for program payment: June 29, 2007.

Deadline:  for airfare reservations and payment: July 9, 2007.

Contacts: VIERS Administrator: Randy Brown, 410-647-2500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sponsors: American Airlines, CHA, CAST, and Clean Islands International.  National hotel associations serve as a liaison.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:  This intensive program will take place over a six day period, where students will learn about the natural history and ecology of selected Caribbean ecosystems (such as coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove wetlands, coastal scrub, dry forest and moist forest), conservation issues in the Caribbean, natural resource management strategies in the Caribbean, environmental issues and environmental careers.

PROGRAM:  The program will consist of field activities in the various ecosystems, classroom and lab demonstrations, classroom and lecture presentations and group discussions.  Each day lessons will be presented in the classroom, science lab and outdoors during walks, hikes, swims and snorkeling. Classroom and lab activities are generally offered during the hot part of the day or evenings.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCHANGE: Each group is invited to make a presentation about their history, environmental issues and concerns pertaining to their island/country.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE: Each group is invited to prepare a local dish or dessert to be presented to the entire group at a dinner.

CHAPERONES: Each group is expected to be escorted by an adult to assist with their travel.  The chaperone is expected to have an interest in the goals and objectives of the program.  Chaperones are expected to participate in the environmental education activities of the program including hiking and swimming/snorkeling, as well as assisting instructors with presentations and discussions.

INSTRUCTORS: VIERS staff, guest professional presenters and local experts have practical experience in conservation biology, marine biology, terrestrial tropical ecology, environmental policy, waste management and environmental education.

A few comments from past participants:
“Sometimes, we take things around us for granted, such as the corals, mangroves, and other nature, but learning about these and being in contact with them makes you understand and appreciate life and the environment better.” --Ifuela Esdaille, chaperone, St Kitts.
“The experience has motivated me to be a volunteer for environmental organizations back home.” --Eion Maison, chaperone, St Maarten.
“The program sparked a great interest in marine life” --Lena Manek, 15, St Martin.
“The experience has been one that I would always treasure and cherish . . . It is an interesting change from the ordinary and gives you a chance to acknowledge the natural resources, and see how important they are to conserve”--Chantel Pemberton, 14, St Kitts.
“An awesome experience!”—Trevor Orchard, 17, St Kitts

VIERS Rules & Regulations

The Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) is a facility of the University of the Virgin Islands and is located within the Virgin Islands National Park.  VIERS is operated by Clean Islands International, a non-profit environmental education organization.

1) USE LESS WATER: Conserve water - Turn off water when not needed while brushing teeth, showering, shaving, etc.  Limit showering to ONE three-minute shower per day (after you have been to the beach, you do not need a shower to go to breakfast or to the beach).  Resist the temptation to flush after urination.  At VIERS we have no supplemental rain-water source and therefore rely solely on rainwater.  Keep in mind that if we run out of water, the showers and toilets will not longer be operational.

2) USE LESS ELECTRICITY: Conserve electricity - Turn off fans and lights when not in the cabin.

3) No Paper in the TOILET!  Paper goes in the little trash bins next to the toilets. Do not flush toilet paper, sanitary napkins or tampons down the toilet!  VIERS has a fragile septic system and wastewater lines can become clogged easily.  If you notice that the toilet is clogged, please inform a VIERS staff member.

4) RECYCLE!!  Recycle containers for aluminum cans and plastic bottles are located in front of the dining hall.

5) Absolutely no smoking is allowed in the cabins or the camp!!  No exceptions. Smokers are restricted to the road or cistern area.

6) Drugs or abuse of alcohol will be not be tolerated on VIERS grounds.

7) Shoes (or sandals) and shirts are required at all times in camp.

8) No running in camp.           

9) No jumping on the beds. 

10) Electronic equipment, such as ipods, mp3 players, cd players are not allowed in outside areas.  These items can be used with headphones in your cabin only.  No devices with external speakers are allowed.

11) Irons or hair dryers are not allowed.

12) No posting anything on the cabin walls.

13) QUIET TIME:  Quiet time is from 10 pm to 7 am.  Please respect others.  No loud talking or ball playing during that time.  Lights out is usually 10 pm.

14) No fires! This includes any incense or candles in the cabins. Campfires are allowed only in the fire circle in the camp and only with approval from staff.

15) Do not harass or feed any wildlife.  This includes cats, donkeys, wild boar, crabs, mongoose, deer, fish, etc.

16) The canteen is open for drinks and snacks.  Payment is on the honor system. We ask that you place your money in the cup at the time of purchase - NO CREDIT, PLEASE.

17) No one is allowed in the workshop or laundry area.