Ocean Explorers 2024 is o-fish-ally wrapped!

Thank you to all who participated in and supported our Ocean Explorers 2024 season! We had a blast with each and every one of our 126 explorers as they discovered the wonder and excitement of Monterey Bay and the importance of marine science research. We are sad to say goodbye to the summer season, but look forward to launching our 2025 programs! Future Ocean Explorers information will be shared in early 2025.

The information below is from our 2024 season and is an example of the programming we offer. Details and themes will be updated for the 2025 season. 

Fantastic Fish (ages 7-9)

Dive into the wonders of our local marine life with our Fantastic Fish program where we explore the incredible variety of fish that call Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean home. Venturing into fish habitats from the depths of our deep sea canyon to the shallow sandy shores, we’ll learn about fish shapes, behaviors, and more! Throughout the week, we combine our scientific and artistic skills to create crafts to share with family and friends. We end our week with a visit to Natural Bridges State Beach; the perfect place for sandy shore investigations, a beach clean-up, and plenty of fun and games.

Marine Science for Girls (ages 9-11)

An amazing camp designed to inspire girls with a deep love of ocean science. Girls go behind the scenes with Long Marine Lab’s expert marine mammal scientists and trainers. Learn from special seals, sea lions, and dolphins participating in conservation research. For an end of summer treat, we’ll be overnight camping Thursday into Friday. Our week wraps up with a fun kayak adventure in search of sea otters and more!

Please note: Participants supply their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Restroom facilities are available during the overnight.

Thank you to Rachel & David Kliger for sponsoring Marine Science for Girls

Masterful Marine Mammals (ages 9-11 and 12-14)

Discover how dolphins, seals, and sea lions cooperate in conservation research to help protect wild marine animals around the globe. Work alongside researchers and trainers to learn about Long Marine Lab’s extraordinary marine mammals. Gain first-hand experience in marine mammal care and training techniques and enjoy outings to coastal field sites. We top it off with an ocean adventure either kayaking (9-11 year olds) or whale watching (12-14 year olds).

Schedule

Fantastic Fish (ages 7-9)

Age Week Time
7-9 yrs 9 AM-3 PM

 

Marine Science for Girls (ages 9-11)

Age Week Time
9 AM-4 PM

 

Masterful Marine Mammals (ages 9-11)

Age Week Time
9-11 yrs 9 AM-4 PM

Masterful Marine Mammals (ages 12-14)

Age Week Time
12-14 yrs 9 AM-4 PM

 

Cost
  • Fantastic Fish: $500
  • Marine Science for Girls: $700
  • Masterful Marine Mammals: $700

Fees include all transportation and field excursion costs. Participants bring their own lunches and snacks.

The Seymour Center strives to provide equitable access to our programs. Need-based scholarships for Ocean Explorers are currently available thanks to generous donors to our scholarship fund. To be considered for scholarship funds, please submit an online. 2025 Online Application window will be announced in our Newsletter.

Scholarships

The Seymour Center strives to provide equitable access to our programs. Need-based scholarships for Ocean Explorers are currently available thanks to generous donors to our scholarship fund. To be considered for scholarship funds, please submit an online. 2025 Online Application window will be announced in our Newsletter.

How to Register

Ocean Explorers 2025 registration will be in Spring. Dates and details will be announced in our Newsletter. 

We utilize ActiveNetwork for our online registration. Some of you may be familiar with ActiveNetwork as many camp and recreational programs use it. If you are new to ActiveNetwork, you will create a profile for your family/Ocean Explorer participant as you register. No need for extra steps on your end!

Please be sure to have the following information available to register:

Participant information:
Name
Gender identity
Date of birth
Email address (of parent/guardian)
Address
T-shirt size

Parent/guardian information:
Name
Date of birth
Email address (yes, again)
Home phone number
Cell phone number
Address
Credit card information

If you have any questions, please contact us at discover@ucsc.edu

Special Precautions
The health and safety of our Ocean Explorers and staff are of the utmost importance. Our COVID safety precautions follow protocols and guidelines for youth day camps by the CDC, CDPH, and Santa Cruz County, along with additional UC Santa Cruz requirements. Safety measures may be adjusted at any time to meet changing conditions and health guidelines.

  • Vaccination is highly recommended for all Ocean Explorers participants.

Additional safety measures may be required or adjusted at any time to meet changing conditions and health guidelines.

Specific details and requirements will be provided in confirmation packets. For additional questions, please contact Youth Programs at discover@ucsc.edu

Cancellation Policy

If your child is registered and unable to participate in Ocean Explorers, Seymour Center Youth Programs staff must be notified in writing as soon as possible at discover@ucsc.edu.

If a replacement is found from our waitlist:

  • We can refund the total amount paid minus a cancellation fee of $70.

If a replacement is not found:

  • We are unable to refund any portion of the amount paid.
  • For a cancellation due to a medical issue with a physician’s letter, at our discretion, we may refund the amount paid minus a cancellation fee of $70.

It is our policy that no refunds will be granted in connection with late arrivals, early departures, camper dismissals due to misconduct or illness, or canceled activities due to weather or other unforeseen conditions. Registration is non-transferable.

Questions?

Contact Youth Programs at discover@ucsc.edu