Seaside Sleuths (ages 7-9)
Join us for an adventurous week of field trips, hands-on activities, crafts, and fun as we explore amazing life between the tides. Go tidepooling to learn how incredible creatures like crabs, sea stars, and sea anemones are adapted to life in the sea. Explore local sandy beaches to find clues about mysterious animals from the depths, and dig for sand crabs along the shore at Natural Bridges State Beach. At Elkhorn Slough, search for animals that make the mud their home, collect plankton, and observe microscopic creatures with a microscope! Back at the lab, investigate your favorite tidepool animals, and work alongside our Aquarium Curator to learn how we take care of our incredible friends from the sea.
Scientific Safari (ages 9-11)
Experience how marine biologists investigate life in the sea and how research is contributing to the conservation of the world’s ocean! Design, build, and fly remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) as we find out how technology can help scientists study life in the deep sea. Explore local tidepools to discover incredible invertebrates and fishes that live along our shores. Go for a hike at Año Nuevo State Park to view amazing elephant seals and sea lions in the wild. We will visit Moss Landing Marine Labs, where we will work alongside marine mammal trainers and researchers to learn how they are helping to protect seals and sea lions. All participants will set out on the Monterey Bay by kayak to experience a fantastic day on the water.
Marine Science for Girls (ages 9-11)
Explorers spend an exciting week at the lab and in the field. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how scientists and trainers do research with Long Marine Lab’s marine mammals. Girls spend two days working with seals, sea lions, and otters alongside the lab’s experts. Later in the week, we travel south to experience the beautiful Big Sur coast, after a morning of hiking and exploration at Point Lobos State Reserve. Thursday afternoon, we’ll arrive in Big Sur where we’ll hike through the redwoods and swim in the river before settling down for a great night of storytelling, star gazing, and camping at Riverside Campground. Finally, wrap up a great week of fun with a kayak adventure on the Monterey Bay. Please note: Participants need to supply their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Restroom facilities, including showers, are available at Riverside Campground.
Masterful Marine Mammals (ages 9-11 and 12-14)
Discover how marine mammals are adapted for life in the ocean and how research at Long Marine Lab contributes to the conservation of seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Explorers will gain first-hand experience in marine mammal training and animal care techniques. Work with researchers and trainers to learn about Long Marine Lab’s amazing marine mammals. Participants will set out on the Monterey Bay by kayak to observe behaviors of marine mammals and other kelp forest critters.
Fees include all transportation and field excursion costs. Children bring their own lunches and snacks.
