The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS) Youth Ocean Summit summer Ocean Science/Ocean Swimming (OS/OS) and Ocean Star programs came to an end the past Friday, July 31 at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center.

The three-week OS/OS program had some 30 high schools students learning about marine science, as well as learning how to swim and receiving instructions in water safety. The Ocean Star program that was comprised of 5th to 8th grade elementary students had them learning about the ocean environment and what they can do to help take care of it. They also learned how to swim and incorporated in those lessons were lessons on water safety. On Friday during the finale, some of the OS/OS students made presentations sharing what they had learned during the program.

“It was a great turnout. The kids learned a lot during the programs. We tried to put into their minds the importance and value of our environment, not just the water, but the land as well. Hopefully when they meet their endeavors academically, they will keep that in mind,” said NMSAS Educational Assistant, Charles Miller. He thanked all of the sponsors, parents and especially the kids who were part of the NMSAS Youth Ocean Summit summer programs.