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The Port of Port Arthur’s youth outreach program, Camp SeaPort, recently held its annual event. With the mission of providing local youth with opportunities to explore maritime careers, campers spent a week learning about careers, educational opportunities, and hands-on experiences in the area.

Monday began with a tour of the Port of Port Arthur, learning about international trade, job opportunities, and the various commodities the port handles.

“We learned that the port handles many products that ultimately wind up in our homes, like paper towels and the materials used to build our homes. We also learned that the port handles military cargo, helping to keep our nation safe” said Camp SeaPort graduate Dylan Ngyuen.

Texas General Land Office and Texas AgriLife also made presentations on resource management.

Tuesday, dodging a few raindrops, students toured the Lamar State College Orange vessel simulator and Lamar State College Port Arthur, Commercial Driver simulator, learning about many careers in the transportation industry. “We are passionate about our community and this camp. Over the course of the past 16 years, hundreds of youth from various areas have participated in the program. We try to stay in touch. Many have gone on to pursue successful careers and good citizens in our community,” Board President John Comeaux said.

Wednesday, the youth had a day-long experience with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Sabine Pilots, learning about a day in the life of these maritime professionals.

Thursday, the students went shipboard at the Maritime Administration’s reserve Fleet. Camp SeaPort attendee Alissa Anderson said, “I never knew how important the maritime industry is to our area. There are so many jobs and careers in Coast Guard.” Campers finished learning about robotics at Motiva on Thursday.

Friday’s wrap-up and graduation was attended by family, Port of Port Arthur Commissioners, Staff and industry partners.

This year’s camp attendees were Alissa Anderson, Tiara Byrd, Pilar Bustamante Ayala, Kyiya Charles, Janiya Chevalier, Roderick Coleman, Ashanti Edwards, Jarah Garza, Keinnon Green, Madison Grice, Clayton Harrison, Quan Hopkins, Jonathan Jacobs Jr., Jo’Nyri Lindley, Dylan Nguyen, Kereona Washington, Alex Simpson, and Londyn White. Director Eric Charon and assistant Esther Charon lead camp SeaPort with the support of Nikki Fitzgerald of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.