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 Camp

Sea Squirts Camp
Age: 5 - 6
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Hours: 3 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 29*, July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $170 (4-day camp $145); Members: $150 (4-day camp $128)

What kind of house does a hermit crab live in? Is a dolphin a fish or a mammal? This camp brings children's literature to life as your child meets characters from favorite ocean books and learns about a variety of marine critters. Each day, a book will introduce a new theme for the day's activities. 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, 2009)

*Four-day camp June 29 (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 29*, July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
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 Protected Area, 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, 2009)

*Four-day camp June 29 (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: July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24
Price: $270; Members: $240

Set a course for adventure as you go back in time to the golden age of sail, to a world of wooden ships, buried treasure and yes... pirates! Learn what life was like at sea and experience the lost arts of the mariners. Each day is filled with activities that challenge young sailors including fun crafts, sail handling, story telling, treasure hunts, encountering historic characters from the past and going up the mast in a boatswain's chair. Young lads and lasses may even cross paths with other pirates during the week! Adventures are dockside aboard the tallship Pilgrim and in the Maritime Learning Center. Proof of age required the first day (must be age 6 by Sept.1, 2009)

Ocean Discovery Camp
Age: 7 - 9
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: June 29*, July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Price: $285 (4-day camp $230) Members: $255 (4-day camp $205)

Who are marine scientists and what do they do? How do you raise jellyfish and what food do they eat? Immerse yourself in the fun and fascinating work of a marine scientist. You will work in the Ocean Institute's aquatic laboratories creating and maintaining an aquarium. This program includes exploring the world of flatfish and sea stars, using a microscope to view plankton, dissecting squid, and using 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. Recommended for campers who have completed at least second grade.

*Four-day camp June 29 (closed on 4th of July); call for information

Tallship Adventure Camp
Age: 8 - 10
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24
Price: $285; Members: $255

This camp is for adventurous lads and lasses who would like to live like mariners in the days of yore. Learn traditional boating skills of the past! Weigh anchor, row, conduct longboat races, navigate, and explore historic San Juan Harbor (Dana Point). Practice the battle tactics of Lord Admiral Nelson and Sir Francis Drake and learn island survival skills used by marooned sailors. Half of each day will be spent in the harbor learning boatmanship. The other half will be spent ashore experiencing the fascinating history, lost arts and crafts, and skills of our seagoing forbearers. One day of your adventure will be at sea as you set sail aboard the tallship Spirit of Dana Point! At sea, you will work the helm, handle the sails, navigate using the ship's compass, and fire the cannon. No experience is necessary -- only a brave heart and a yearning for adventure!

Coastal Explorer Camp
Age: 10 - 12
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 10, 17, 24
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: 14 - 17
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hours: 7 hours/day for 5 consecutive days
Dates: August 3 - 7
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 Protected Area. Program highlights include a snorkeling field trip, 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 apply to intern in one of three fields: our animal husbandry program, crew aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, or with the Outdoor Education Department. 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.

Marine Science Careers & Internship Academy application (PDF--100KB)