http://www.ocean-institute.org
Registration has opened for the Ocean Institute’s summer programs for children ages 5 and older. Programs have been designed to utilize the Institute’s various facilities such as the state-of-the-art Ocean Education Center, its research vessel Sea Explorer, its two tall ships, Pilgrim and Spirit of Dana Point and the nearby Dana Point Marine Life Refuge. Programs include:
Week-long, Half-day programs:
Sea Squirts Camp (ages 5-6) – Bring children’s literature to life in the Ecology Learning Center. Highlights include stories, poetry, crafts and encounters with a variety of sea life.
Week-long, Full-day programs:
Neptune’s Nautiloids Camp (6-7) – Similar to Sea Squirts, this camp uses children’s literature to teach students about the ocean world. Examine tiny sea creatures, observe animals in the aquariums, explore the Dana Point Marine Protected Area and take a cruise aboard the research vessel Sea Explorer.
Buccaneer Adventure Camp (7-8) – Step into the Golden Era of Sail, a world of wooden ships, buried treasure and pirates. Activities include fun crafts, sail handling, rowing, story telling, treasure hunts, encountering historic characters from the past and going up the mast in a boatswain’s chair.
Ocean Discovery Camp (8-9) – Spend a week immersed in the fun and fascinating world of eyes, vision, and the properties of light in the ocean. Learn about moon jellies, work with oceanographic research tools, enjoy a day at the beach and take a two-hour adventure cruise aboard the research vessel Sea Explorer.
Seafarer’s Odyssey Camp (9-10) – Set sail aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point, row traditional longboats, explore sea legends and lore, race miniature steamboats and investigate the harbor floor with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Coastal Explorer Camp (10-12) – Explore the science of the surf zone. Forecast weather and waves, investigate marine animals and their environment, cruise aboard the research vessel Sea Explorer and enjoy a kayak ride in Dana Point Harbor.
Marine Sciences Careers/Internship Academy (14-17) – Learn about the ocean and careers in marine science. Study intertidal ecology and animal husbandry, conduct shipboard research aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, build ROVs and much more! Successful graduates may qualify to become Ocean Institute interns.
Multi-Day Overnight Camp:
Island Bound Camp (11-13) – Voyage to Catalina Island aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. Day 1 is spent at the Institute learning navigation, watch-standing skills and the responsibilities of the crew. Days 2-4 are spent sailing, hiking, snorkeling and learning nautical skills in Catalina.
Parent-child Overnight Camps:
Stargazing and Sailing Family Overnight (age 8+) – Explore the night sy with JPL scientist Ron Buning and other local astronomers at the Lazy W Ranch campground, located in the Cleveland National Forest. Learn how sailors used stars to sail the seas, discover constellations using telescopes and play a campfire solar system game. In the morning, take a sail onboard the Institute’s tall ship Spirit of Dana Point.
Voyage to Avalon (8+) – Join the crew of the Spirit for a sunset dinner at sea during the overnight motor-transit to Catalina. In the morning, explore the charming town of Avalon and then sail the Spirit home; with the wind! Take part in traditions such as night-watch, story-telling, chantey singing and knot tying, as well as sailing.
Mysterious Lights (age 8+) – Learn about the fascinating world of bioluminescence in marine animals onboard the research vessel Sea Explorer.
Parent-child Single-Day Programs:
Catalina Snorkeling Cruise (age 9+) – Experience the waters off Catalina Island onboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Snorkeling, catch-and-release fishing, BBQ dinner.
Blue Whale Safari (age 8+) – Day-long search for the world’s largest animal.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise (age 5+) – Sunset cruise and fireworks onboard the R/V Sea Explorer. Celebrate our nation’s founding to the music of Jazz! FM 88.5 KSBR.
For dates, times, costs, registration and other information about Ocean Institute summer camps, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.
Artist by the Sea – Kids to Feature Artist Karen Talbot
The Ocean Institute is pleased to welcome Laguna Beach artist and educator Karen Talbot (visit www.karentalbotart.com) for its next Artist by the Sea Kids presentation on Saturday, June 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Due to her popularity, Karen is returning for her second presentation; her first visit was in 2009.
Other upcoming Artist by the Sea Dates include: Saturday, July 17, Barbara Hughston; Saturday, July 24, Derek Sabori; both are 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean, and they are in big trouble. Join Talbot to learn about coral reefs and create your own artistic interpretation of one during this hands-on art workshop.
With brush, pen or pencil in hand, you will dive into the colorful world of coral, tropical reef fishes and amazing invertebrates that make up the reef community. From clown fishes and their anemones to pistol shrimp and their symbiotic gobies, learn how interconnected and competitive the coral reef is as you discover how to create your own artistic masterpiece. Karen’s firsthand experience as a surfer, diver, marine aquarist, and artist will inspire your exploration of the tropical reefs, and your art will go on to inspire others to explore, appreciate and conserve our precious reefs. Children will work side-by-side with the artist to see firsthand how these animals’ amazing adaptations make them both fun to draw as well as to observe.
The cost is $16, or two children for $26 (parents must accompany children during the art session). Includes admission to the Institute for one adult and one child and all art materials.
The Artist by the Sea – Kids series is an outgrowth of the popular Artist by the Sea series that brings ocean-themed artists to the Institute to educate the public about the beauty of our oceans and encourage them to be good stewards of our ocean environment. To make a reservation for the workshop above, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274. Ocean Institute members receive a discount; visit the website or call for information about becoming a member.
