Junior Ocean Explorers

 

Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program Logo

JUNIOR OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM

The Junior Ocean Explorers (JOE) Summer Program is a continuous, 2 week, hands-on marine science program for students in grades 3-6 interested in learning more about our environment. JOE prioritizes teaching youth the basics and fundamentals of swimming and snorkeling. Engaging youth at this age is pivotal to increasing their interest in and curiosity within the marine sciences. 

MEET OUR TEAM!

Contact us if you are interested in joining our Ocean Explorers Team!
JOE Team Member Howard Forbes Jr.
Howard Forbes Jr. (MSc.) (Program Director)
"I am one of the Red Cross certified lifeguards for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program as well as one of the contributors to the program's content design, funding, and logistics."
JOE Team Member Jarvon Stout
Jarvon Stout (Program Coordinator)  
"As one of the Red Cross certified lifeguards for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program, I aid in the program's content design and activity facilitation with a particular focus on marine animals."
JOE Team member Jendahye
Jendahye Antoine (MSc.) (Program Coordinator)
"Hey there! I am one of the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program content contributors, logistics leads, and activity facilitators."
JOE Team Member Amber Knight
Amber Knight (Water Safety Instructor)  
"As one of the Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program, my focus is on teaching swimming fundamentals, ensuring water safety, and activity facilitation."
JOE Team member Zoe
Zoe Banfield (Water Safety Instructor)
"Coach Zoe here! I am one of the Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructors for the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program; my focus is on teaching swimming fundamentals, ensuring water safety, and activity facilitation."
JOE Mentors
JOE Mentors
We recruit past program participants, high school, undergraduate, and graduate level students to assist with daily program activities. Mentors receive a monetary stipend for their time based on their current education level and funding availability.

 

 

JOE PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Scroll through the photos below to familiarize yourself with the program.
 
 
 
Eligibility Requirements 
  • Open to youth in grades 3-6 (ages 7-11) who were either born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and/or currently reside in the USVI.
  • Should have an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
  • Should have an interest in being in the outdoors (ocean, forests, nature, etc.).
  • Student MUST be able to attend the entire program (Spaces are limited each year, so please plan your vacations accordingly if you wish to apply).
Program Structure 
  • Program operates for 2 weeks and focuses on swimming and snorkeling fundamentals blended with a brief overview of select marine and environmental based topics such as marine invertebrates, coastal plants, and marine debris.  
  • Students meet daily at UVI's Marine Science Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Lunches and snacks will be provided. (Please be sure to indicate ALL known allergies of the applicant (if applicable) when applying.
  • Housing is not provided as this is NOT an overnight program.
Program Registration 
  • Registration for JOE opens each year on JANUARY 1 and closes firmly on APRIL 1.
  • Your application consists of two parts: the PARENT APPLICATION and the STUDENT APPLICATION. Both are required and should be received no later than APRIL 1.
  • Completed applications will be reviewed after APRIL 1; applicants will be notified of the selection process via E-mail.   
  • Selected applicants are required to pay a one-time program fee of $100 which covers all program-related costs such as student supplies, field trip expenses, and lunches.

 

JUNIOR OCEAN EXPLORERS REGISTRATION

Let's get you registered!

 

JOE students learning about coral
This portion of the JOE application process should be completed by the parent or legal guardian and provides our team with important information such as the applicant's t-shirt / shoe size, known allergies, and emergency contact information. Estimated time to complete ~ 5 minutes.
JOE student snorkeling
This last component of the JOE application should be completed by the applicant. It contains 2 short essay questions that will provide our team with a better understanding of an applicant's interest in the program and STEM. Estimated time to complete ~ 1 - 2 hours.
JOE student learning the fundamentals of swimming
If you are interested in being a mentor or swim instructor for JOE, complete this application to join our team. Previous mentors have included high school, undergraduate, and graduate level students. Mentors assist with day-to-day activities, provide guidance and support to student participants, and are paid for their support of JOE!
YOE promotional
Looking for more marine science-based summer programs? Check out our Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program which is open to students in grades 7-12. In YOE, students build upon their swimming and snorkeling fundamentals to become more adept in the water and can even earn their scuba diving certification within the 4 weeks. 

 

Contact Us!

Our team is happy to assist you.

Office Phone: (340) 693-1672
E-mail: St. Thomas (howard.forbes@uvi.edu)
Website: http://vimas.uvi.edu
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Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands

St. Thomas
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, USVI 00802