Dea Parent/Guardian:
Welcome to the OCean Institute's ~Overnight Eco-Expedition~ in the Ocean Education Center. During this two-day overnight camp, your child will explore how organisms adapt to their habitats and how humans impact local ecosystems. Campers will explore our harbor ecosystem, discover how organisms survive in extreme environemnts, and modify and drive a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Highlights include exploring the harbor by kayak and a two hour marine mammal cruise onboard the R/V Sea Explorer.
Each participant shyould war comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the day's weather. Closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes are required at all times while at the Ocean Institute. All students should bring a bottle of water, a jacket, a hat, and sunscreen in a backpack or bag every day. Make sure the student's name is on everything including the water bottle. Please provide your child with food for all day. This includes a lunch and two snacks. Due to food allergies, make sure your child knows he/she should not share food with other campers.
Similar to the policy followed by schools, the Ocean Institute prohibits campers from bringing any of the following to camp: electronic devices such as iPods or electronic games; sports equipment, including skateboards, boogie boards and surfboards; knives or any other weapons; alchol; non-prescription drugs, and illegal drugs or substances. Cell phone use is prohibited during camp hours. Please be aware that dogs and other pets are not allowed on campus. We highly discourage parents from sending any valuable personal belongings with their childl. The Ocean Institute is not responsible for the loss or damage of any item.
The Ocean Institute camps are an educational and fun experience for your child. Our child management policy is in place to ensure your child and others have a positive camp experience. We expect our campers to behave in an appropriate and safe manner that would be acceptable in school. You may be contacted if your child is not meeting our behavioral expectation. We have a zero tolerance policy for bullying and physical violence. Violation of safety rules is unacceptable and will be dealt with in accordance with our child management policy. Every effort will be made to work with you and your child to meet these expectations.
Overnight Eco-Expedition takes place at the Ocean Institute, located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point, CA. When dropping off or picking up your child, you may park in the Ocean Institute's main parking lot or in one of the satellite lots and escort your child to the check-in location. Please obey all speed limits and traffic signs while parking and be careful of pedestrians.
Check-in is between 8:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and will be located in front of the main building. Pick-up from the cam is from 12:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. on day 2. If you need to pick up your camper early, please make arrangements with camp staff in advance. No early pick-ups will be allowed from 9:45 - 11:45 am. Please note there will be no adult supervision before 8:45 a.m. on day 1 or after 12:30 p.m. on day 2. For the safety of your child, anyone picking up, including parents or guardians, must be listed on the Telease of Camper form (enclosed) and have his/her picture identification to show to staff each day.
We have included the following forms in this packet:
- Acknowledgement of Risk
- Student Medical Form
- Administration of Medication
- Release of Camper
- Camp Schedule
- Activity Information Acknoweldgement
There must be a completed Medical Form, Acknowledgement of Risk, Activity Information Acknowledgement and Release of Camper form for each child attending this program. If your child requires any prescription or over-the-counter medication during the day, you must have the Administration of Medication form(s) completed by your doctor. The medication must be in the original container with clear instructions on both schedule and dosage. Please call if you have any questions. These forms can be turned in at the Ocean Institute front desk until the Friday before your camp week, or brought in during the check-in process on the first day camp.
During registration on the first day of camp we will ask you to identify your primary phone number so that we can quickly reach you in the event of an emergency. Ocean Institute instructors are all certified in CPR and first aid. Our staff will treat accidents or illness that require firest aid. In the event of a major accident, we will dial 911. This includes, but is not limited to, any accident where your child experiences a loss of consciousness, has major bleeding, or has possible broken bones. Depending on the nature of the incident, we may apprise you via phone or in person during check-out. If it appears that your child has an illness or injury that is not an emergency but possibly should be seen by a doctor, we will contact you immediately.
Your child must be at least ten years old by September 1, 2017. If your child does not meet this age requirement, you must cancel your reservation as soon as possible. Refunds will only be given if cancellation meets our refund policy.
Our instructional staff looks forward to sharing an exceptional educational experience with your child. If you have any questions regarding any aspects of this program, please feel free to contact me at Ocean Institute at (949) 496-2274, ext. 221.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Latona
Director of Public Programs
alatona@oceaninstitute.org