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ocean institute programs

Summer Programs

Looking forward to those lazy days of summer? We have an entire ocean full of adventure that will fill warm days (and even some cool nights)!

Week Long Day | Multi-Day Overnight | Parent/Child Overnight | Single Day Parent/Child

Week Long Day Camps

Sea Squirts Camp
Age: 5 - 6
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Hours: 3 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 23, June 30*, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Price: $170 (4-day camp $145) Members: $150 (4-day camp $128)

This camp brings children's literature to life as your child meets the characters in books about the ocean. Each day a book will introduce a new theme for the day's activities. I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry will introduce the theme of big and little as your child observes the 17-foot tentacle of a giant squid or looks at plankton under a microscope. The program includes fun crafts and encounters with a variety of wonderful sea life. Proof of age required the first day (must be age 5 by Sept.1, 2008.
*Four-day camp June 30 (closed on 4th of July); call for information

Neptune's Nautiloids Camp
Age: 6 - 7
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 23, June 30*, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Price: $270 (4-day camp $220) Members: $240 (4-day camp $195)

In this camp, children's fiction and science books will be used to discover that fact is often more interesting than fiction. Your child will observe the animals in our aquariums and examine tiny sea creatures with our microscopes to learn about the oceans. Each day will include story time, science activities, onsite outdoor explorations, and crafts. Highlights include exploring the Dana Point Marine Life Refuge, a tour of a tall ship, and a cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer.Proof of age required the first day (must be age 6 by Sept.1, 2008)
*Four-day camp June 30 (closed on 4th of July); call for information

Lil' Buccaneer Camp
Age: 6 - 7
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 30*, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4
Price: $270 (4-day camp $220) Members: $240 (4-day camp $190)

Dare to sail the seven seas? Set a course for adventure? Go back in time to thegolden age of sail, to a world ofwooden ships, buried treasure and yes... pirates! Learn what life was like at sea,experience lost arts of the mariners, andhear stories and songsof sailing lore. Each day is filled with activities that challenge young sailors, crafts that hearken back toa simpler time, sea chanteys, jigs, and much more. Young lads and lasses may evencross paths withother piratesduring the week! Adventures are dockside aboard the Pilgrim or Spirit of Dana Point and in the Maritime Learning Center.

Proof of age required the first day (must be age 6 by Sept.1, 2008)
*Four-day camp June 30 (closed on 4th of July); call for information

Ocean Discovery Camp
Age: 8 - 9
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 23, June 30*, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25
Price: $285 (4-day camp $230) Members: $255 (4-day camp $205)

Do sea stars see? How is light different in water? This camp will take a look at eyes, vision, and the properties of light in the ocean. This program includes explorations into the world of animals such as moon jellies, octopus, and flatfish with eyes on only one side of their heads! Campers will use microscopes to view plankton, dissect squid, and use oceanographic research tools. Other camp highlights include a variety of challenges with underwater robots, a day at the beach, a field trip to Newport's Back Bay, and a two-hour adventure cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer.
*Four-day camp June 30 (closed on 4th of July); call for information

Windjammer Adventure Camp
Age: 8 - 10
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 30*, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4, 11
Price: $285 (4-day camp $230) Members: $255 (4-day camp $205)

Learn traditional boating skills of the past! Weigh anchor, row, navigate, and sail historic San Juan Harbor (Dana Point), with a crew of fellow sailors. Practice the battle tactics of Lord Admiral Nelson and Sir Francis Drake and learn island survival skills used by marooned sailors. This camp is for adventurous lads and lasses who would like to live like mariners in the days of yore. Half of each day will be spent in the harbor learning boatmanship. The other half will be spent ashore experiencing the history, arts, and skills of our seagoing forebearers. No experience is necessary -- only a brave heart and a yearning for adventure!
*Four-day camp June 30 (closed on 4th of July); call for information

Coastal Explorer Camp
Age: 10 - 12
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: July 7, 14, 21, August 4, 11, 18
Price: $285 (Members: $255)

Explore the beautiful, unique coastline of Dana Point in this activity-packed camp. Throughout the week, you will study the science of the surf zone in our laboratory and onboard the R/V Sea Explorer. You'll also have a chance to participate in fun activities focusing on marine animals and their environment. This camp includes a day of fishing along the coastline with a chance to look for blue whales, kayaking in Dana Point Harbor, tidepool exploration, and a day at the beach!

Marine Science Careers/Internship Academy
Age: 13 - 17
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: July 28 - August 1
Price: $305 (Members: $275)

Are you interested in learning about the ocean and careers in marine science? This week-long program introduces you to intertidal ecology, animal husbandry, laboratory investigations, and shipboard research in preparation for a marine science internship or career. You will learn about boat safety, current oceanographic research, tools of an aquarist, and methods for studying plants and animals in our Marine Life Refuge. Program highlights include a snorkeling field trip to study coastal processes and kelp-forest ecology along with a visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, an ROV workshop, kayaking, a 4-hour research cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, and various leadership/team-building activities. Participants complete a small group project and presentation. Successful program graduates may qualify to intern in one of three fields: our animal husbandry program, crew aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, or in the Dana Point Marine Life Refuge research projects. Interns will work on a project during the year after the camp and present their findings at a symposium hosted at the Ocean Institute. Interested students must apply for admission to this program and provide two letters of recommendation.
Click here for the Marine Science Careers/Internship Academy application. (PDF - 36KB)


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