The staff keeps technology to a minimum. No phones, no screens. Students use compasses, observe wildlife up close, and talk with each other at meals. The simplicity is intentional— a way to help them slow down and pay attention to the world around them.
The land itself is unusually diverse. Maritime forest transitions to saltmarsh. Ponds sit behind dunes. Estuaries support unique species making homes in brackish water. Tyler emphasizes the ecological value:“ We’ re on a residential island, but we see bobcats, migratory birds, bats, reptiles, alligators, frogs— a huge range of species. Kids can see forest animals and ocean animals all in one place.”
Because the camp sits along the Atlantic Flyway, the protected acreage plays an important role in regional conservation. Education and stewardship go hand in hand— the camp removes invasive species like Chinese tallow, plants native species, and partners with local conservation groups to improve habitat health.“ If we’ re not practicing what we teach, students won’ t believe us,” Tyler says.
66 • CONSERVANCY OF THE SEA ISLANDS