Another Young Biologist (YB) course has come and gone, and we have now seen over 100 new YBs complete the course with us this year. Our most recent YB course, sponsored very generously by De Beers Marine, took place from 6 to 12 October 2014. And instead of writing a long blog and telling you what happened, here are some pictures to give you an idea:

The wannabes, as they were called the whole week, start arriving on the first day. Eager, but nervous

The day started off with some ice-breaker exercises, as nobody knew each other

The large majority of the course is spent in our Upper Discovery Centre, learning about the various animals and plants that the YBs will encounter while volunteering

But a lot of the learning also takes place all around the Aquarium, such as at the Ocean Basket Kelp Forest Exhibit …

… at the touch pool, where Bianca Engel talks about how to interact with visitors

Michelle Kirshenbaum, one of our Aquarists, shows the wannabes how our life-support system works

At the microscope, the new wannabes were required to do an oral assessment in order to be ready for volunteering on the floor

The camp, however, is always a highlight, with activities ranging from ...

... the beach ...

... to night-time rocky shore exploring ...

... to cleaning up Kleinmond. Twenty-one bags of rubbish were collected in one hour, with cigarette butts winning the tally of most found

In short, the YB course is awesome! The wannabes learn a lot in a short period of time, but also make new friends and gain skills that are much needed to be a Two Oceans Aquarium volunteer.

Pop by during the December holidays and say hi to these young Marine Ambassadors!

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