Junior Ocean Explorers

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!

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."

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."

Jendahye Antoine (MSc.) (Program Coordinator)

"Hey there! I am one of the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program content contributors, logistics leads, and activity facilitators."

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."

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

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.

Students learning the fundamentals of swimming

Students are assisted by program staff to learn the fundamentals of swimming which starts with activities such as 1) Combined leg and arm motions, 2) Floating, and 3) Submerging their heads underwater.

Students practice their snorkeling skills in a safe environment which enables them to feel more comfortable exploring our oceans. All snorkeling gear is provided for students to use during the program.

Students learn how to identify common marine invertebrates such as this friendly cushion sea star. Knowing what animals live in our waters as well as those that could pose harm are important Water safety skills covered during the Junior Ocean Explorers Program.

Students enrolled in the Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program to learn the basics of painting and can build upon their artistic foundation to better understand marine life in our oceans.

Students in JOE assist UVI researchers with important research efforts to better protect and understand our natural resources. Here, students are collecting health data on mangrove seedlings that will be used for restoring our coastlines.

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!

Click here to complete the PARENT APPLICATION.

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.

Click here to complete the STUDENT APPLICATION.

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

Click here to complete the MENTOR APPLICATION.

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!

Click here to learn more about the YOUTH OCEAN EXPLORERS SUMMER PROGRAM.

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