(Video Above: Belinda Ringpfiel shares about Ocean Camp with the Alabama NewsCenter)
The water surface was devoid of fins.
Tension built up as everyone looked around for dolphins at Bear Point Bay. Then someone from another boat down a bit farther came on the radio: “Two dolphins at 11 o’clock.”
Everyone tried to do the “11 o’clock” in their head as people turned in all different directions. That happens when you have 20 children with their parents along for a Dolphin Tails cruise sponsored by Ocean Camp – a marine and environmental education program.
Ocean Camp creator Belinda Ringpfeil is a certified marine educator and a public school teacher. She loves to promote the Gulf Coast by providing children and families with marine discoveries and hands-on activities. She aspires for children to inquire, research, problem-solve and think critically about what they are experiencing.
“I have a deep love for children and for education – that combination is why Ocean Camp was born,” Ringpfeil said. “I model many of my programs after the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a wonderful place that helped birth Ocean Camp after (my) attending many workshops there.”
Ringpfeil plans to add a shark camp to the repertoire next summer, and has the lofty goal of establishing a Marine Life Center on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
“Education changes lives: I have seen it happen, not just for knowledge, but to use that knowledge to ensure the next generations enjoy marine life like we do.”
She sees today’s children as leading the charge toward a protected environment.
“Our children are doing a better job than us. They listen attentively, they are clear on pollution, and the thought of harming marine animals is very upsetting to them,” Ringpfeil said. “They are also more aware and sensitive. We have to educate all ages. If adults don’t take conservation seriously, children will lose their inspiration.”
Ringpfeil believes her mission in life and for Ocean Camp go hand in hand: “To give priority to marine/environmental education in our coastal communities as an opportunity to build marine science career interests, respect for our natural world and increase attractions for our visitors.”
This year Ocean Camp was named the Best Environmental Education Community Project 2015, by the Environmental Education Association of Alabama.
These are some of the questions she asks children:
– What animal kingdoms live in the ocean?
– How do ocean scientists study marine life?
– What are nature’s gifts and how can we preserve them?
– How do ocean animals communicate?
– What’s the truth about dangerous ocean animals?
– What ocean animals have amazing life journeys?
What about that dolphin sighting? After everyone looked in all different directions trying to find the invisible “11 o’clock,” they spotted three dolphins playing in the water, and everyone gasped.
Mission accomplished, or maybe it is just beginning for Ringpfeil and her students.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Oceancamp.
Alabama Bright Lights captures the stories, through words, pictures and video, of some of our state’s brightest lights who are working to make Alabama an even better place to live, work and play. Award-winning photojournalist Karim Shamsi-Basha tells their inspiring stories.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.