The camp gives students hands-on experiences alongside professional scientists, observing turtles laying, scientific data collection and recording techniques.

This rewarding and unforgettable experience embeds interest in scientific research, conservation land management and marine ecology in students’ lives.

Both girls were lucky enough to observe two flat back turtle nests come to life whilst working alongside leading marine scientist, Dr Nancy Fitzsimmon from Griffith University.

Students assisted with counting, measuring and data recording on the hatchlings as they emerged and scurried toward the sea.

They also learnt about conservation biology and assisted with the removal of rubbish and invasive Mossman River grass.

“The only way you can get to the island is by charter plane (it is a 30 minute flight from Mackay) there is nothing on the island except for one house and two cars”, explained Miss Swaffield.

On this trip we have achieved a better understanding of the amazing work that the researchers, volunteers and conservationists do and how important their jobs are.

“We are more conscious about how the rubbish we create can impact turtles and the rest of the environment in a negative way,” said Miss Dyer

Both students met many new people that they were able to share this experience with and agreed they made some amazing memories.

“We wouldn’t have been able to go if it wasn’t for Miss Buchanan who told us about this cool opportunity and our parents who funded the trip”.

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