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Aboutthe SahmNaturalist AcademyProgram
Ocean Institute's Sahm Naturalist Academy Program (SNAP), in partnership with the Sahm Family Foundation, offers a deep dive into environmental stewardship This 3-day immersive camp is designed to foster meaningful connections to the natural world around us. Students will be fully immersed in nature, engaging with educational stations steeped in scientific methodology and explorative learning.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore diverse habitats and conduct field research under the guidance of our expert educators. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of local ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation practices. Each day of the camp will feature a range of topics, including marine biology, native plants, and sustainable practices, providing students with practical skills and knowledge in environmental stewardship.
SNAP aims to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and advocates by offering a transformative experience that promotes a deep appreciation of the environment. With the support of the Sahm Family Foundation, we are dedicated to educating our students about the importance of nurturing a lifelong commitment to conservation and sustainability. Join us for this enriching experience and become part of a community that values and protects our natural world.
Program Schedule
Day 1
Students arrive at 6pm to Ocean Institute
Gear will be stowed in sleeping quarters
Program introduction and dinner
Team building activity and journaling
Ocean Institute tour and touch tanks
Day 2
Breakfast
Native Plant Garden exploration and bird survey
Sail on Spirit of Dana Point
Lunch
Beach survey
Rowing and climbing the yard
Dinner, journaling, and fireside reflection time
Day 3
Breakfast
Marine Mammal Cruise on the R/V Sea Explorer
Geology hike
Closing reflections and post program survey
Good-bye at 12pm
Whatto Bring
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Pajamas
Change of clothes (for two days)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, etc )
Towel
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen
Layers Jacket Beanie Hat Gloves
“In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught - Baba Dioum
Sleeping Arrangements Meals
All meals will be served outside at our fire pit, weather permitting.
ed with the program. bination of catered options the students themselves will n Institute of any and all y restrictions before your may accommodate them. ted to bring additional ll not be access to a fridge cessary.
For our overnight programs, students and adults sleep in a private section of our facility called the Surf Deck.
All students and adults sleep in this room. Students sleep on the ground with sleeping bags or blankets (we do not provide) on surfboard-shaped padded mats Adults sleep on the lifted platform beds (total of six, any additional will sleep on floor) that also have a padded mat. Ocean Institute instructor(s) sleep in the adjoining room. The curtain in the middle gets lowered to divide girls and boys on separate sides of the room.
Ocean Institute surveyed students before and after the SNAP program to gauge their attitudes and knowledge about science and nature. Initially, responses varied from indifference to recognizing nature's importance.
After experiencing the program, students exhibited a noticeable shift in perspective, expressing a greater appreciation of science and a deeper understanding of nature's significance. One student reflected, "I didn't realize how many animals are dependent on us not ruining their habitats."
Overall, the SNAP program successfully fostered a greater appreciation of the ocean and the natural world among the students. P r o g r a m I m p a c t s
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