Mia
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
I started volunteering at MDC in the summer 2021 and was a lead counselor summer 2024. This has brought so much joy into my life. I have been able to impact campers by teaching them about wildlife, both in and near the ocean. I want each camper to have a hands on feet wet experience, having fun but safe time.
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
I was about 3 years old and it was a time going out on the boat with my family and my dog. I just remember it being so thrilling to be on the water. We launched the boat out of the boat then headed to a sandbar. On the way, the wind was blowing my hair all over the place while salt water is splashing around. Getting to the sandbar, made me feel so alive. I got to swim, play in the sand, fish, and explore. This is my first memory of falling in love with the water.
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
The Indian River Lagoon is a fascinating and incredibly important ecosystem, and there are some reasons I am drawn to it, whether it’s for teaching or conservation. The Lagoon also faces significant environmental challenges, such as pollution and habitat loss, which makes it a critical area for conservation. Therefore working in and teaching about the Lagoon offers a chance to raise awareness and inspire future generations to protect this vital resource. The hands-on, immersive nature of learning is very impactful and helps foster a deep connection to the Indian River Lagoon.
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Probably a mix of fruit or sea salt and vinegar chips.
Makenna
My name is Makenna and and I have grown up around the Indian River Lagoon system my whole life! I love all things crafty, hiking, kayaking, and spending time connecting with nature. I was an MDC camper as a kid, then volunteer counselor, and cannot wait to embark on this adventure this summer! I am a recent high school graduate and will attend UCF in the fall.
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
I decided to apply to be a camp counselor this summer as I have grown up at MDC and have gained so much fulfillment in my life working with others to educate and preserve the IRL system!
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
It would have to be floating down the river in a life jacket in the lagoon! I had to be no older than three and enjoyed it so much my dad learned to tie my life jacket to the anchored boat with a rope so I could float about.
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
I believe in order to save and protect something you need to first understand it and care about it. I hope to instill a passion and love for the outdoors and the IRL system to kids and others around me so we can all work together to protect this beautiful ecosystem we call home!
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Definitely an apple!
Zoe
My name is Zoe Stuckwisch and I am so excited to be a camp counselor this summer! I have been an aquarist intern at MDC for the last year and a half and so glad to be able to contribute to summer camp. I am originally from southern Indiana but just recently graduated from Stetson University this May with a BS in aquatic and Marine Biology and will be going to grad school at Nova Southeastern Oceanographic Institute this fall to pursue a masters in marine science.
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
I am passionate about nature and the outdoors. I love the opportunity to inspire curiosity that I’ve always had myself. As a lead instructor, I’m excited to take on a role where I can mentor others, share my knowledge, and facilitate hands-on learning experiences that leave a lasting impact on both the students and myself.
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
When I was a child, visiting a new Smyrna beach with my family. I remember loving the water and never wanting to leave after vacation. I was fascinated by the sea creatures I saw and the happiness it brought me. That early experience sparked a deep love for water and its ecosystems, which has stayed with me throughout my life.
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
The Indian River Lagoon is such a unique and diverse ecosystem, and what draws me most to it is the chance to work in an area that’s rich in biodiversity. The Lagoon is a vital habitat for countless species, from manatees to birds, and it plays a key role in the local environment. Teaching about the Lagoon allows me to share its beauty and complexity with others, helping to foster a sense of environmental responsibility.
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Goldfish and watermelon!
Claire
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
My education led me to be a special education teacher and administrator for over 35 years and always loved to bring science to my students. I worked at several summer camps over the years and loved every minute of it. This past fall I joined the education team as a specialist so got my feet wet in the camp experience. Looking forward to meeting all the campers this summer!
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
I was born in England and spent a lot of my childhood at the beach each summer exploring tide pools and rocky coastlines. Moving to America when I was 12, I was landlocked and not around the water much. My focus at that point was mountains, streams and lakes.
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
After moving to Florida 11 years ago from Pennsylvania I fell in love with all the flora and fauna that Florida is so abundant in. I have taken 5 master naturalist classes and some online marine biology courses and trainings. Talking to people about the amazing ecosystem here in our lagoon and leading boat and kayak tours as a naturalist is my dream job at the Marine Discovery Center.
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Goldfish!
Patty
From the mountains of Kentucky, where I was born and raised, to the coral reefs off the Florida Keys, where I met my husband . . . from bluegrass to blue water the environment is a love of mine. I have taught for 30 + years, and my love and passion for teaching comes from my love of students. Marine Discovery Center has provided an avenue to continue to allow this passion to endure and multiply, while sharing the wonderful attributes of the Indian River Lagoon.
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
The opportunity to be a summer instructor is a wish come true for me! Seeing children of all ages embrace learning with excitement and curiosity is the reason I have wanted to be a summer instructor. Getting hands on- feet wet, what better way to learn!
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
One of my earliest memories of being near the water is from my childhood, when we would visit Jenny Wiley State Park in Kentucky. My cousins and I always took out the paddleboats as a yearly tradition. Then, seeing the Florida Keys for the first time so impressed this fresh water native.
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
Sharing all the wonderful experiences existing in the Indian River Lagoon, from the water inhabitants to the plant life living along the shore, speaks to the diversity needed to preserve our world. This is my motivation for teaching about the lagoon!
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
An ice-cold bottle of water and a bag of gummi bears!
Michaela
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
I am currently an Education Specialist here at MDC and am coming up on one year! I can’t wait to spend another summer getting hands on and feet wet here at MDC.
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
As a kid, my family would always vacation to North Carolina to see family and we often made a beach stop before heading back home to Ohio. I remember walking along shores of oyster shell and will never forget riding in a family friend’s boat and seeing dolphins in the wild!
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
I grew up in Ohio, but made my way down here following college and have fallen in love with Florida’s expansive biodiversity and variety of landscapes. The story of the IRL, its incredible beauty and abundance, and the struggles it has faced due to human impact, has inspired me to share with others the wonder of the estuary and empower them to make the changes they can to restore this seascape to healthy & flourishing.
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Goldfish crackers.
Kaitlin
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
I wanted to be a summer camp counselor because I love exploring the water and teaching students how they can responsibly do that themselves!
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
Visiting lake Tahoe with my family and asking the park ranger what she was doing to the water, turns out she was doing some sort of water quality testing which we talk about frequently at MDC!
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
The Indian River Lagoon is such a magical place we are so lucky to live in and explore, I love working on it and teaching about it because of all the biodiversity within it.
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Ms. Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Salt and Vinegar chips.
Carley
As education coordinator at MDC, I have the delight of leading a phenomenal group of educators and campers in the pursuit of adventure!
Why did you apply to be a lead summer instructor?
Summer camp has a special place in my heart – it was the first great adventure I embarked on when I first started at MDC and it left me forever changed. Experiencing the lagoon through the eyes of our campers and getting to know their creative, excited minds pushes me to continue the fight in protecting Wild Florida.
What is your first memory of being near water or shoreline?
Wandering around the shores of Lake Pontchartrain right next to my home in Louisiana. My dad and I would go feed the ducks at the boat launch and hang out on a bench. It was calming and simple and easy and this is the feeling I still get every time I am near water.
What draws you to working in and teaching about the Indian River Lagoon?
I am drawn to and deeply connected to the work we do at MDC because it is my firm belief that education empowers, liberates, and unites us. By educating people, especially students, about the Indian River Lagoon and providing them with hands on experiences, we are not only protecting the IRL but we are protecting ourselves and our future. I feel such joy when I get to share this beautiful place with people and its a privilege to do this every day.
What is your favorite snack to bring on the boat?
Absolutely anything I can get my hands on. Lasagna, pineapple, fig bars; you name it, I bring it on the boat. Exploration makes me hungry!