ThINC Learning Badges
Learning at ThINC happens in many ways - through hands-on experiences, community science, volunteering, and caring for the land and waters that surround us. Our learning badges recognize these meaningful experiences and the skills people build along the way.
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Each badge celebrates participation, curiosity, and commitment, whether it’s interpreting marine life at the Seaquarium, helping monitor local species, or supporting restoration work. Badges offer a simple way to acknowledge learning that doesn’t always come with a certificate, while helping people track their involvement and share what they’ve learned with others.
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ThINC learning badges are open to community members of all ages. They reflect the values at the heart of our work - connection to place, shared learning, and caring for our island together.
Seaquarium Interpreter I
The Seaquarium Interpreter I badge recognizes individuals who have demonstrated introductory skills in marine animal care and species knowledge. Badge earners show responsibility in feeding and monitoring Seaquarium organisms and curiosity about the marine life found in local waters. Badge Earning Criteria This badge is awarded to individuals who: 1. Attend a Seaquarium training session led by an expert; 2. Successfully answer follow-up questions from a ThINC mentor about Seaquarium creatures and basic maintenance; and 3. Share at least three (3) interesting facts about a marine species with peers. Skills & Competencies - Basic marine animal care and monitoring - Species identification and natural history knowledge - Listening, learning, and knowledge sharing - Responsibility and teamwork in a learning environment
Seaquarium Interpreter II
The Seaquarium Interpreter II badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate growing expertise in marine animal care, species knowledge, and public interpretation. Badge earners help others understand and respect local marine life while promoting responsible behaviour at tide pools and coastal environments. Badge Earning Criteria This badge is awarded to individuals who: 1. Attend a Seaquarium training session led by an expert; 2. Shadow a Seaquarium trainer at least two (2) times; 3. Review all relevant Seaquarium training materials; 4. Share a project about a marine species or group of marine life with peers, presented as one of the following: - A written piece (approximately one page), - A verbal presentation (approximately five minutes), or - A creative project (e.g., art piece, infographic); and 5. Volunteer one (1) hour or more at a marine education event. Skills & Competencies - Intermediate marine animal care and observation - Species identification and ecological understanding - Public speaking and interpretive communication - Environmental respect and responsible coastal behaviour - Teamwork and mentorship-in-training
Seaquarium Interpreter III
The Seaquarium Interpreter III badge recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in marine education and act as ambassadors for ocean stewardship. Badge earners mentor others, create meaningful learning experiences for public audiences, and contribute thoughtfully to marine and coastal conservation efforts. Badge Earning Criteria This badge is awarded to individuals who: 1. Lead or co-lead a Seaquarium training session for new interpreters; 2. Create and present an educational program, tour, or interactive activity for a public audience; 3. Conduct a short research project (written, recorded, or oral) on a local marine or coastal issue and propose at least one solution or action; 4. Log at least three (3) hours of additional volunteer time with a local environmental or marine organization; and 5. Reflect on personal growth as a Seaquarium Interpreter through a journal entry, presentation, or conversation with a mentor. Skills & Competencies - Leadership and mentorship - Advanced marine and ecological literacy - Program design and public interpretation - Research, critical thinking, and problem-solving - Environmental advocacy and community engagement
European Green Crab
Monitoring Steward
The European Green Crab Monitoring Steward badge recognizes volunteers who actively contribute to invasive species monitoring. Badge earners demonstrate field skills, accurate data collection, and a commitment to protecting native coastal ecosystems. Badge Earning Criteria This badge is awarded to individuals who: 1. Participate in at least five European Green Crab monitoring sessions during a single monitoring season, contributing to consistent site coverage and data reliability; and 2. Assist with European Green Crab monitoring activities, which may include: - Setting, checking, and retrieving crab traps, - Identifying European Green Crab and distinguishing them from native species, - Measuring, recording, and reporting catch data, and/or - Following DFO-approved biosecurity, safety, and humane handling protocols. Skills & Competencies 1. Invasive species identification and monitoring 2. Marine and intertidal fieldwork techniques 3. Data collection and reporting for government partners 4. Biosecurity and species containment practices 5. Environmental stewardship and teamwork
Purple Martin Steward
The Purple Martin Steward badge recognizes volunteers who actively contribute to the monitoring and recovery of Purple Martins on Thetis Island. Badge earners demonstrate commitment to species conservation through hands-on fieldwork, seasonal stewardship, and careful observation of nesting activity. Badge Earning Criteria This badge is awarded to individuals who: 1. Participate in at least five Purple Martin monitoring sessions during a single breeding season, 2. Contribute to consistent data collection and site stewardship, and 3. Complete seasonal nest box stewardship activities, such as: - Assisting with installation or removal of nest boxes, - Conducting seasonal cleaning and maintenance, and/or - Recording observations of nesting activity, occupancy, and fledging success. Skills & Competencies - Wildlife monitoring and observation - Species-at-risk conservation support - Nest box installation and maintenance - Data collection and field protocols - Environmental stewardship and teamwork
Junior Biologist
The Junior Biologist badge recognizes youth who demonstrate curiosity, commitment, and emerging scientific skills. Badge earners show their ability to observe nature closely, ask meaningful scientific questions, collect and record data, and share their discoveries through creative field guides and community science participation. Badge Earning Criteria This badge is awarded to individuals who: 1. Attend at least five (5) of the eight (8) Junior Biologist sessions during the summer program; 2. Create a personal field guide based on their observations, which includes: - The name(s) of their subject(s) (plant, animal, or other natural element), - A photo or drawing, - Key features or identifying characteristics, - Where and how the subject was found, and - Additional observations, questions, or interesting facts; and 3. Participate in at least one community science activity, such as: - European Green Crab Monitoring, - Purple Martin Monitoring, - Bat Count, - Sea Star Count, or - Another approved community science or monitoring event. Skills & Competencies - Observation and curiosity-driven learning - Scientific questioning and hypothesis formation - Data recording and documentation - Species identification and field journaling - Community science participation and teamwork