FESTIVAL DEL MAR RETURNS TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER
Annual Event Aims to Engage Local Latin Americans Through Lively Lessons in Ocean Conservation
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, in partnership with the Caritas Smile Charity, is inviting locals to splash into sea science during the third annual “Festival del Mar” on Saturday, June 17th. The event is aimed at engaging the local Latin American community and promoting ocean conservation and education worldwide. The day will be packed with cultural performances, arts and crafts, family Zumba, bilingual planetarium shows, story time and much more.
Festival del Mar is also aimed at encouraging Latin Americans to pursue a career in a science field. “Statistics show Latinos are significantly less likely to earn a degree in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields, compared to their Caucasian peers,” said Lew Crampton, President and CEO. “This shows the need for opportunities that create a lasting impact and open every mind to science, so we’re thrilled to partner with Caritas Smile to make this happen for the community.”
This year, Caritas Smile is the charity partner for Festival del Mar. The organization surprises children in need with gifts at hospitals, schools and orphanages as well as offering service mission trips to Dominican Republic and Nicaragua for university students and volunteers called Take a Trip Change a Life. Travelers also learn Spanish and tour areas off the beaten path in the host country. The charity empowers, educates and provides programming to communities around the globe. Corporate Social Responsibly (CSR) programs are also offered to companies looking to engage employees with community projects.
Festival del Mar starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. at the South Florida Science Center, located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. Admission is $15.00 for non-member adults and free for children under 12 and Science Center members. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Admission includes access to the latest traveling exhibit, Amazing Butterflies. Embark on a challenging journey teeming with friends and foes revealing the unusual relationship between caterpillars, butterflies and their natural surroundings. Adventure through the leaves, learn how to move like a caterpillar, discover an ant that reaps the reward of an unusual friendship, then transform into a butterfly and take flight!
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. For more information on these new offerings or SFSCA general information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
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