CHILDREN aged five to eleven have been given a three-month opportunity to learn about marine life, historic shipwrecks and the Caymanian heritage as part of the Sir Turtle's Sea School.

The school will afford the students hands-on activities in arts and crafts projects, treasure hunts and interactive storytelling during their summer holidays at the Boatswain's Beach in Grand Cayman. 

Organisers of the programme have promised the youngsters and their accompanying parents "the perfect balance of learning and entertainment" from 1 June to 4 September 2006.

While at the summer school, the children will be greeted by Cayman's mascot, Sir Turtle, and his swashbuckling friends at one of the Cayman Islands' newest and most exciting attractions.

They will learn about the fascinating legends and facts surrounding the shipwrecks of the Islands in the free programme put on by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Aside from learning about Caymanian culture and folklore, participants in Sir Turtle's Sea School will learn about marine ecology and sea life and how to preserve this precious resource.

An entertaining and learning environment will capture children's minds and equip them with the knowledge, which will begin to shape their values and way of life for the future, the DOT said.

It is the third such summer programme for kids organized by the DOT, which is the government agency responsible for the advancement of the Island's tourism. 

The programme directors are also hoping that the children will 'teach' their parents to have a new appreciation for their natural environment as well.

Sir Turtle's Sea School takes place every Friday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 in West Bay.

Parents can sign up their children by calling Patrice Donalds at the Department of Tourism on 949-0623 or emailing ciseaschool@caymanislands.ky.