by
Jorge Mahauad
| Nov 09, 2018
St. Petersburg, FL
This Thursday and Friday, 5 youth from AMIkids Orlando participated of a two-day marine education program executed from the AMIkids Boatyard located in St. Petersburg, FL. The experience included an Introduction to SCUBA diving and a modified small boat version of the AMIkids signature floating classroom.
While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world and a major opportunity to achieve something most participants usually considered unheard of.
The Floating classroom is executed in partnership with educators from Mote Marine Laboratory. The Biologists teach a marine biology lesson, integrating the core subjects of math and science. Youth then have the opportunity to learn hands-on about the ecosystem by wading in the water, collecting samples, and inspecting creatures under on-board microscopes.
Founded in 1991, AMIkids Orlando is a private non-profit, staff-secure day treatment facility in Apopka, Florida. The program operates during regular school hours, serving both boys and girls who have committed a variety of non-violent offenses and are involved with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
AMIkids helps at risk-youth and juvenile offenders through a multitude avenues. With 44 programs in 9 states, 136,000 youth and nearly 50 years in operation the organization provides programming in multiple models including marine education, alternative schools, family centered therapy, residential facilities, vocational training and job placements.