The Coral Triangle Center (CTC) recently hosted the sixth session of the Ocean Keepers Club (OKC), marking the halfway point in their year-long journey. This session, themed “Journey of the Sea Turtle,” was designed to immerse children in the captivating life of sea turtles and highlight the importance of marine conservation.

The session began with a storytelling activity led by the beloved puppets Mindy and Max. The puppeteers, through engaging videos and a lively presentation, narrated the incredible journey of sea turtles. This storytelling session not only educated the children about the life cycle and challenges faced by sea turtles but also inspired a sense of wonder and responsibility towards marine life. Following the puppet-led story, the children had the opportunity to read a book about sea turtles, further deepening their understanding and connection to these majestic creatures.

After the storytelling, the children participated in various hands-on activities related to sea turtles. They learned about the different species of sea turtles, their habitats, and the threats they face, such as plastic pollution and habitat destruction. Through these activities, the children gained a comprehensive understanding of the critical role sea turtles play in marine ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.

On June 16th, CTC, in collaboration with Bali Street Mums, organized a special session of the Ocean Keepers Club. This heartwarming initiative was generously sponsored to include 22 orphaned children aged 6 to 13 years old. The session aimed to educate and inspire these young hearts with a deep connection to our oceans.

Similar to a previous OKC session, this special session focused on “Underwater City & Sustainable Fishing.” The children participated in engaging activities designed to teach them about sustainable fishing practices and the diversity of marine life.

The session began with a tour of the Center for Marine Conservation (CMC), where the children explored the Coral City exhibit and learned about the incredible biodiversity of marine life. Through videos and hands-on activities, they discovered the rich diversity of marine species and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems.

One of the highlights was the Sustainable Fishing Game. Acting as fishermen, the children had five minutes to “catch” as many fish as possible. They then gathered to count and score their catches, which included sharks, red snapper, snapper, sardines, and mackerel. The scoring system emphasized sustainable practices: sharks resulted in point deductions due to their ecological importance while overfishing red snapper also led to penalties. This game highlighted the impact of overfishing and taught students the value of responsible fishing to protect marine ecosystems.

By the end of the day, the children had gained a deeper understanding of the underwater world’s incredible diversity and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems. The session was organized by CMC’s passionate team, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all participants.

These sessions continue to foster a new generation of ocean stewards, empowering them to appreciate and protect our precious marine environments. The Ocean Keepers Club is dedicated to inspiring future generations to cherish and safeguard the natural beauty of our oceans. The blend of storytelling, interactive games, and hands-on learning experiences ensures that the children not only learn about marine conservation but also develop a personal connection to the ocean.

We look forward to more exciting sessions in the coming months as the Ocean Keepers Club continues its journey of fun and engaging marine exploration. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from our upcoming sessions.

Writer: Emma DeBenedictis
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Emma DeBenedictis