Flint RiverQuarium’s Biological Bonanza Camp

ALBANY, Ga. – Flint RiverQuarium’s Biological Bonanza Camp intricately explores the living world, providing children with an opportunity to uncover the similarities and differences among creatures, ranging from the tiniest ant to the largest gator.

“So, this is our Biological Bonanza Camp this week. It is a three day camp here at the Flint RiverQuarium. It is running Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. This week we are focusing on everything “biology.” We are covering different biology between humans, fish, animals, plants. Yesterday, we talked a little bit about chromosomes and genetics, and how we’re built the way that we are. Today we’re learning all about classification. So, domain and kingdom. And, how are we related to the fish? How are the fish related to each other? It’s a really great experience that we have our beautiful Flint RiverQuarium here, because not only do they get to learn about it in more of a classroom setting, but they then get to put visual aspects to it, tactile aspects to it, and really get to learn in every way,” said Madeline Pond, Artesian Alliance, educator.

“They do fun stuff with is, they do crafts. I like doing the arts, and crafts, and learning about different stuff. The alligators and alligator snapping turtle. It uses its tongue to look like a worm then fish swim in their mouths and then he eats them,” said Calvin McGuire, Biological Bonanza, camp participant.

Madeline Pond, Artesian Alliance educator, discusses the two recently introduced exhibits at the Thronateeska Discovery Center.

“New exhibits are actually over at the Thronateeska Discovery Center. So, it’s about a five minute walk from here. And, so, because we are part of the artesian alliance, which covers Flint Riverquarium, Chehaw Park and Zoo, as well as the Thronateeska Heritage Center. We do a lot of collaboration between the three locations. So, our two new exhibits over at Thronateeska are the Mystery of the Mayan Medallion, which covers a lot of Mayan history. As well as Magnificent Me, which is our new biology exhibit. And, so, that’s what we’re going to be taking our kiddos over tomorrow,” said Pond.

Madeline Pond highlights the most rewarding aspect of her role – establishing a connection with children and witnessing their growth.

“It is the most fulfilling thing. It’s the favorite part of my job, easily by far. I love getting to build a relationship with these kids and impart what I know on to them and learn from them as well. It’s wonderful when I get to see these kids week after week and they come up with new things for me to learn and new questions and watching them put together the little pieces and watch them make the little connections. For a lot of them, they’re finding different interests, whether that be with biology, whether that be with science, education, anything like that. Our camps like this really give them an opportunity to expand, not only a traditional education way, but also with their peers learning new social cues, learning how to interact with people, and how to interact with adults. It’s so satisfying to watch them grow,” said Pond.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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