What does it mean to be a Guardian of Lake Ontario?

That was the question at the center of a new weeklong summer camp hosted by the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation (CiTi) BOCES in partnership with the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.

The Guardians of the Lake Ontario Sanctuary Camp, held August 10–14 for incoming fourth- and fifth-grade students, gave campers the opportunity to explore Lake Ontario through hands-on science, environmental investigation, creative expression and project-based learning.

The camp is part of Sanctuary Scholars: Education & Exploration on Lake Ontario, a $100,000 initiative funded through the Sanctuary Community Fund, a program of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The initiative was created to connect students and educators with Lake Ontario’s ecosystem, maritime history and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Students began the week by exploring a variety of project opportunities before selecting the topics that interested them most. Throughout the week, they investigated issues including microplastics, shoreline erosion, pollution, wildlife habitats, Lake Trout conservation, human impacts on the lake and Lake Ontario’s maritime history.

A key component of the week was a field experience at Mexico Point State Park, where students worked with park officials and their teachers to connect their projects to the shoreline and local history. Students explored the park, conducted project-related activities and considered how the lake’s natural and cultural resources are connected to their own community.

“Some of the students at the camp had never been to Lake Ontario,” said CiTi Staff Development Specialist Chrissy Scales. “Being able to provide students with an opportunity to investigate the lake, learn about its history, ecology, and cultural uses allowed them to think deeply about what it means to be a Guardian of the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. The opportunity to showcase what was most meaningful to them at our family picnic will be an experience that they will remember and share with others.”

Projects gave students the opportunity to take on roles ranging from junior fisheries biologists and ecosystem investigators to environmental advocates, artists, historians and public relations professionals.

The week culminated in a student showcase where campers presented their projects and shared what they learned with their peers, families and community members.

“This program gives students the opportunity to see Lake Ontario in a completely different way,” said Brian Heffron, Administrator of Workforce Development & Community Relations at CiTi BOCES. “They’re not just learning about the lake—they’re investigating real issues, developing solutions and thinking about their role in protecting an incredible resource right here in our community.”

The camp was designed to grow regional awareness and stewardship while helping students understand their shared responsibility to protect the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.

Support for the program was provided in part by a contract from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation under Federal Award NA24NOSX429C0001.