Last week, staff from Audubon Louisiana and Restore or Retreat visited the Zion Traveler’s Cooperative Center (ZTCC) and the Plaquemines Parish East Bank Summer Camp at Phoenix High School in Phoenix, LA, for a day of coastal and environmental education and fun.

More than 70 kids and adults gathered in a large classroom at Phoenix High School, where the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street Water/Ways exhibition is currently housed, to hear about the importance of water and coastal wetlands from Audubon staff and share their own thoughts about what water and the environment mean to them.

The campers then made the rounds in the room, stopping at tables that provided different environmental education experiences. While the younger campers made Wilson’s Plover chicks out of cotton balls or guessed what coastal critter was in a box by touching it, the older campers had the opportunity to experience Coast 360: A Virtual Day in the Delta. They were noticeably wowed by the immersive video that takes viewers on a tour of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands and underscores the importance of acting with urgency to protect and restore as much of our coast as possible.

After a few hours of fun and learning, the campers ended the experience with snowballs – a perfect treat on an incredibly hot July day in Louisiana! 

Zion Traveler’s Cooperative Center Executive Director Darilyn Turner summed up the day as: “beyond outstanding,” stating: “We were thrilled, excited and thankful that our kids got to experience the educational tools and interactive learning.”

Check out photos from the day!

Audubon Louisiana and Restore or Retreat staff visited the Zion Traveler’s Cooperative Center and the Plaquemines Parish East Bank Summer Camp in Phoenix, LA, for a day of coastal and environmental education and fun.

Young campers learning about beach-nesting birds and creating Wilson’s Plover chicks out of cotton balls.

Campers guessing what coastal critter was in each box.

Experiencing the Coast 360 video.

Campers getting ready for the activities.

Experiencing the Coast 360 video through VR headsets.

Perfect treat for a hot, summer day!

Creating Wilson's Plovers.

Creating Wilson's Plovers.

Finished Wilson's Plovers made out of cotton balls.

More 360 video!

Everyone wanted a turn...

Coast 360 video was definitely a hit.

Cooling off with snowballs.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street Water/Ways exhibition.

Best way to end the day!

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To learn more about ZTCC and hear the campers discuss their favorite snowball flavors, listen to this episode of Delta Dispatches with Darilyn Turner.

You can also always take a virtual tour of the delta from your phone, computer or virtual reality headset by visiting: http://mississippiriverdelta.org/360.