A note:There are currently no paid staff with Team ECCO.  In 2009, the Ed-venture Center logged more than 50 volunteers who clocked in just under 600 hours, excluding the director's time.              

    Team ECCO welcomes our 9th year of providing unique, interactive educational experiences.  The classroom at the new Ed-venture Center has affored us the opportunity to develop several new classes and programs.

 Our curriculum has been upgraded and divided into 3 sections:  SEA BASE, SEA LINKS, and SEA VENTURES.  We also have established the AQUA GUIDES, a new volunteer training program.    In 2010, we will open SEA WEB, and the LIVE TURTLE CAM! When not in programs,  we are open to the public.  Visitors may view our aquariums, complete a small craft, meet our turtles, and ask a question. A donation of  $1.00 per person ages 5 - 65 years helps us feed and filter our 10 aquariums. The Team ECCO Ed-venture Center is a place for families to spend time together.

   SEA BASE is all about marine studies that happen at the Ed-venture Center including private programs, after school and week end camp, and summer day camps.  Programs center around marine life and incorporate art, drama, and lots of interaction!  We also offer free CREATURE FEATURES one Saturday most every month.  

   SEA LINKS brings the animals and programs of the Ed-venture Center to you. In our effort to enrich science programs, we bring live specimens and interesting information to enhance marine understanding.   SEA LINK programs are designed to be interactive and rewarding, and are ideal for all ages and groups.

   SEA VENTURES are programs that take you traveling for marine and maritime encounters.   These ed-ventures use habitats and facilities in NC, SC, TN, GA, and FL.  SEA VENTURES provide opportunities for kayak, scuba, snorkel, and field exploration for children in grades 3 - 12 and adults.

   SEA WEB will allow us to offer our SEA BASE classes via internet connection to anyone, anywhere!  SEA WEB will be done in real time, so viewers can ask questions and make use of personal interaction.

     AQUA GUIDEs are a group of specially trained student volunteers who work with our tanks and animals.   They  greet visitors, answer questions, do tank up-keep, and assist with programs.   These guides worked together to design the TURTLE ANGEL program, make field guide cards and information posters, and create activities you can do while at the  Ed-venture Center.   The AQUA GUIDE program is sponsored by Economy Drugs, Southern Alarm & Security, &          Dr. John Strickland, DDS.

   Team ECCO has also works with local youth to set up volunteer opportunites for teens needing community service hours.

    We welcome 2010 as the Team ECCO Year of the Turtle.  Partnered with WTZQ radio 1600am, our Ed-venture Center will focus on turtle encounters and information and serve as the base for our Turtle Ed-bassadors.  Our 6 turtles will gladly come to your school or group to promote these quiet animals that share our habitat.   

    If we want the next generation to be responsible for the world they are to inherit, then we have to show them what that world is all about. If they do not understand it,  they will not respect or care about it.

     The philosophy behind TEAM ECCO is: experience is the best teacher, and a positive learning experience can change a life.   This cornerstone guides us to lead by example, face fears, leave comfort zones, and do it all with a group of kids following faithfully.  All of us wearing smiles.

   The mission of Team ECCO is: to teach marine and maritime awareness focused on stewardship for water environments.        

This mission is designed to foster stewardship, develop leadership, and build friendship - all life skills critical to team work.

  Learning is about the whole child.   Each ed-venture takes the main theme of science, and then blends in math, history, sociology, language, and visual and/or dramatic art.   Learning is a byproduct of our unique teaching - the kids have no idea until they put it into play at another situation in their life. Generalization of a concept.  Perfect.

    I am proud of our quality programs and exceptional learning opportunites.  This is a team where everyone explores, learns, and succeeds. Life is learned through exposure and exploration.

     Donations made to our organization go directly into programs, materials, and scholarship funds.  We do not carry the expense of paid staff.   We believe that money raised is best used through serving the children and adults we reach.

    If it has to do with water, it has to do with TEAM ECCO.  Check out our gallery of photos and know those pictures could be of you.  View our CALENDAR and get involved.  Give us a call or drop us an email.  Your best adventure is just a click away!

Yours for the Kids,

 Brenda J.  "BJ"   Ramer

Founder & Director    TEAM ECCO, Inc. 

 "making education an adventure"                     

Donations may be made payable to Team ECCO at:

      Team ECCO     318 N Main Street,   Suite 2,     Hendersonville, NC      28792

                  Tax donation letter and number sent upon receipt of your gift. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

 Note:  All program and educational materials used are property of TEAM ECCO, Inc. and may not be used or reproduced without express written permission from TEAM ECCO, Inc.