The inaugural Splash into Science trip to the Florida Keys and Everglades was deemed an overwhelming success by Boothbay Region Elementary School computer tech instructor Judy Dorr. Her comments came during a presentation to the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD School Committee meeting on June 8. The trip involved 12 members of the eighth grade class for an experiential education program facilitated by World Strides, a nationally accredited educational organization. The students, along with Dorr, fourth grade teacher Kathy Hartley, Amy Blake Goodwin, and Jeannie Godfrey, left on May 10 and stayed for a total of four days. Along with escaping the still chilly Maine spring, the group visited a turtle sanctuary, swam with dolphins, and snorkeled in the Florida Keys.

“Needless to say no one had trouble sleeping,” said Dorr. “By the time we got home at night everyone was exhausted.”

The trip was designed to bring marine science to life and also served as a hands-on history lesson for both the students and Dorr.

“The history of the area was fascinating,” she said. 

Despite a few unexpected brushes with native insects — the state of Florida must feed their bugs, said Dorr — the trip accomplished all of its goals. Dorr was especially proud of her students’ behavior.

“For many this was their first time being away from home,” she said. “They were amazing and very respectful.”

After the trip, the students prepared a video of their experiences which they showed to the school board. The 15-minute film showed a variety of marine life present in southern Florida with the students literally taking a hands-on approach to learning. Of special note were the dolphins and how approachable they can be; the students were swimming beside them like extras in the movie “Free Willy.” In addition, the group was able to witness how injured turtles are rehabilitated, and snorkeled on a coral reef five miles into the ocean off the Florida Keys. Twice during the trip, the students Skyped back to Boothbay Harbor to share their discoveries and experiences with their fellow eighth graders.

The program can be pricey, costing close to $27,000 total or roughly $2,200 a student, said Dorr. The participants rely on family donations in the form of monthly payments and whatever monies can be raised through fundraising.

CSD Superintendent Eileen King suggested the group use the athletic field concession stand during Windjammer Days. Other fundraising efforts have included an auction, wood raffles, a pancake breakfast during autumn’s Harbor Fest and a carnival. A few enterprising students have created crowd funding websites through Go Fund Me with great results, said Dorr.

“My only regret is that everyone in the eighth grade class can't be there,” she said. “It's such a wonderful experience with great team-building activities. It's something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

After a brief discussion praising the trip, the school board voted unanimously to allow the program to continue.

To make a donation, send checks made out to BRES (in the memo, list Splash into Science) and mail to 238 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.