Five lucky students and their teachers from two public schools had the “experience of a lifetime” on Friday after carrying out a marine debris beach clean-up at Nonsuch Island.

After their clean-up efforts, the group, from the Berkeley Institute and Dellwood Middle School, were given a tour of the island and the colony of cahow birds that now thrive there.

The project was organised by the Endeavor charity and the BF&M No Limits sailing programme, which engages students on the autism spectrum in hands-on Steam activities and sailing as recreational therapy.

The charity partnered with JP Rouja of Nonsuch Expeditions, and Jeremy Madeiros, chief terrestrial officer for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, for the event, which was organised to celebrate Earth Day 2023 on Saturday.

Ashleigh Lowe, an autism spectrum disorder teacher at the Berkeley Institute, said: “The students were thrilled to participate in an excursion on Nonsuch Island. Upon arrival, their faces lit up when they saw the shipwreck with numerous fish swimming at the dock.

“Mr Madeiros is a passionate storyteller who brought the island’s history to life and highlighted the significance of the island’s ecosystem. The students were highly engaged throughout the walking tour.

“Watching the students connect lessons from Endeavour to the activities on Nonsuch Island was incredible. Students could make connections and apply their knowledge in this new environment.

“Additionally, students were captivated by their rare close encounter with a cahow chick. They learnt about how Mr Madeiros measures and takes care of their growth.”

Describing the island as “a living classroom”, Ms Lowe added: “It’s a tremendous opportunity for young people to learn about the importance of our ecosystem and how we need to take care of the environment to protect Bermuda’s local species.”

Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s executive director, said, “We are grateful to have formed a new partnership with JP Rouja and Nonsuch Expeditions along with Jeremy Medeiros and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“This memorable day enabled our BF&M No Limits sailors and their teachers to have a unique educational experience, while contributing to our efforts to build awareness for autism acceptance and the importance of taking care of our Island’s natural resources.”

To learn more about Endeavour’s experiential learning programmes, click here.