The SeaDoc Society wants to give copies of their new children’s book to thousands of students who will experience Camp Orkila this summer. Thanks to the local GiveOrcas.org campaign, you can help make that happen.

The book, Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids, came out last month and is currently on the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association’s best seller list. With the book, SeaDoc hopes to inspire the next generation who will inherit the Salish Sea. Giving copies to students at Camp Orkila and tracking their learning experience will help better understand how it should be incorporated into classrooms. All donated books will be purchased locally through Darvill’s Bookstore.

“We are excited for the local opportunity to partner with Darvill’s and Camp Orkila to create Salish Sea heroes while ascertaining how our new book can make a difference in protecting this extraordinary place we live,” said Markus Naugle, Regional Director for SeaDoc Society. “We are truly grateful to the Orcas Island Community Foundation and the Orcas Island community for making this possible.”

Explore the Salish Sea was written by SeaDoc Society Science Director Joe Gaydos and Board Member Audrey Benedict, who previously co-wrote the bestseller, The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest. It is filled with spectacular photos by local photographers and features compelling stories about this unique inland sea. It also meets Washington State curriculum standards.

“Over the past two weeks, I’ve talked about the book with hundreds of students all over the region and the response has been the same – wonder for the hidden secrets the Salish Sea holds, excitement to explore it and a budding interest in helping us take care of it,” said Science Director Joe Gaydos. “I think the book is going to make a difference,” said Joe Gaydos.

The GiveOrcas campaign, which lasts until May 18, sets out to raise $15,000 toward books for the camp. You can support the SeaDoc Society’s campaign on GiveOrcas.org. The book is also available for direct purchase at Darvill’s Bookstore.