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IMPACT REPORT

Collie James MESSAGE Chairman’s

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We also hope you will join Ocean Institute for our biggest event of the year, our 40th Annual Maritime Festival on September 13-15, which is just on the horizon! Be sure to mark your calendars to attend this spectacular event and be a part of our celebration of Dana Point Harbor's maritime history and culture!

In line with our mission to inspire all generations through education, exploration, and engagement with the ocean, we are dedicated to serving our community with excellence. To continue providing impactful experiences, we need your support. Please use this impact report as a guide and a reminder of the good work of Ocean Institute and its commitment to marine education and its efforts to spark curiosity and foster a love of lifelong learning. Together, let's make this summer unforgettable and continue to nurture a passion for the ocean in our community!

MISSION

“USING THE OCEAN AS OUR CLASSROOM, WE INSPIRE CHILDREN TO LEARN.”

Summer Camp CALENDAR Our summer

June 17 - August 16

Monday - Friday (Weekly Camps)

9:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesdays: 9:30am -10:30am

Thursdays: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Our week-long camps promise an immersive journey into the wonders of marine science and maritime history! Whether sailing on a historic tall ship or exploring tide pools in a marine protected area, our camps encourage life-long learning for your camper! Ocean Institute’s summer camps are designed for 5 to 17-year-olds and run Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Camp sessions are available from June 17 – August 16. Each day brings new and exciting activities, from whale watching to sailing on a historic tall ship, and exploring our shark touch tank. Campers not only enjoy thrilling adventures, but also gain valuable insights into the fascinating world of the ocean. Register your camper for an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, learning, and lasting friendships.

Tiny tots: Ocean explorers 40th annual maritime Festival & Pirate & mermaid Ball Sharks after dark

Tuesdays and Thursdays

June 11 - August 29

5:30pm - 8:30pm

Take a deep dive and explore our local sharks and their surrounding environments at Sharks After Dark! Discover the ocean’s underwater world with our fun, interactive spaces and activities that indulge curiosity.

Use a blacklight to discover more about bio-fluorescence and our animals. Get your hands wet in our tide pool touch tank. Explore and learn about local species of sharks at our Horn Shark exhibit. Identify shark jaws by different characteristics and teeth. Learn about the internal and external anatomy of sharks. Create your own glow-in-the-dark craft. Discover Life in the Abyss with our collection of Abyssal Animals, and use the depth scale to see where they live. For those who just want to sit back and relax, we will have fun and educational shark movies playing all evening long!

Calling all Ocean Explorers! Join us for this “Mommy & Me” style program dedicated to exploring your world through song, movement, and your senses. Enjoy new activities each session and expand into a new animal every month! (Formerly known as Junior Naturalists.)

*Please note that a parent/guardian must participate and attend with their child. This is a “Mommy & Me” style class.

Friday, September 13 - Sunday, September 15

Ocean Institute is proud to present its 40th Annual Maritime Festival, a celebration of maritime heritage and adventure This year's festival will feature an array of activities, including tall ship tours, historical reenactments, and interactive pirate battles Visitors can also enjoy educational programs, live music, and a bustling artisan market Highlighting the event is the Pirate and Mermaid Ball, an enchanting evening of costumes, dancing, and themed entertainment Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite pirate or mermaid and immerse themselves in the whimsical atmosphere Join us for a weekend of nautical fun and festivities at Ocean Institute!

WITH EXCELLENCE partnering

You can donate to Mares Foundation by visiting: www.maresfoundation.com/donate, Venmo @MaresFoundation, or find them on PayPal

Scan here to watch the award ceremony.

The Mares Foundation educates our youth in Latin America by cultivating a culture that promotes a clean and safe ocean. We educate kids grades K-12 in understanding pollution, biodegradation, and the seven principles of Ocean Literacy set by the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA)

Every year, we acknowledge 10-12 people, organizations, or businesses that contribute their time and effort to the Mares Foundation’s mission in an extraordinary way. Amanda has trained more than a dozen marine biology students and Mares Foundation volunteers visiting from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California while they completed their Ocean Literacy Education training in the U S This is something we offer to our volunteers as a part of their journey to becoming leaders at Museo Katsuo in Baja California. We ask these participants after their time in the U.S., which individual made the largest impact on their visit at Ocean Institute, and Amanda was consistently praised

Many of the students we brought to Ocean Institute at the start (over five years ago) were originally fulfilling school service hours, but it has quickly become a privilege among the students at Autonomous University of Baja California, and they jump at the opportunity to apply for a spot on the next trip! Thanks to this collaboration, we have volunteers who remain with the Mares Foundation post-graduation because of the impact and tools they have access to by being a volunteer. Ocean Institute is a perfect mix of a museum, aquarium, and a marine research institution, which teaches ocean conservation to kids through hands-on activities. This call to action makes a genuine difference in the next generation's actions and mentality surrounding our environment. The educators have a unique way of engaging with the kids that has been implemented by the Mares Foundation’s top volunteers, proudly stretching across 16 Latin American countries

Amanda Mertens

GOOD PEOPLE Good Work with

Robyne’s Nest supports at-risk and homeless students referred by the Huntington Beach and Newport Mesa school districts’ administration and staff. Our students range in age from 12-24 because the journey to self-sufficiency does not end at age 18 or with high school graduation. We take a proactive approach to instill personal responsibility and empower these teens to become self-sufficient, complete high school, and progress on their paths to becoming contributing members of the community

Ocean Institute supports Robyne's Nest students with both fun and educational experiences. Our students have enjoyed trips out to sea and camps, offering them exposure to marine life and care as well as opening the door to career opportunities. Just recently, Ocean Institute provided Whale Watching tickets to donors helping in our Help Them Home Fundraiser, providing support to our student programs: Housing, Basic Needs, Mental Health and Wellness, and Life Skills

Brystin Davy Assistant Executive Director

Robyne’s Nest

SNAP! Oh

Ocean Institute Launches Sahm Naturalist Academy Program (SNAP)

SNAP aims to cultivate a deeper conn between students and the natural world. Th various scientific explorations, such as samples and making observations, students hands-on experience that not only enhances understanding of our ecosystems, but also instills a sense of stewardship for the environment.

During this SNAP program, students will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities, including a native plant garden exploration, birding a tide pool hike fishing and whale watchin geology hike, Point.

"We are immensely grateful to the Sahm Family Foundation for their longstanding support and dedication to our mission. Their generosity enables us to provide transformative experiences for countless young minds, allowing them to explore and appreciate the wonders of the ocean. The Sahm Family Foundation’s commitment to fostering environmental stewardship is truly inspiring, and we are honored to continue this journey together."

-Dr. Wendy Leavell President/CEO Ocean Institute

& WARM HEARTS WARM WEATHER

Ocean Institute receives messages of gratitude from students, teachers, parents and guests.

“The hands-on experiences on the marine mammal cruise and the tide pool hike transfer directly into my classroom work and left the students with experiences that they will be talking about for the rest of the year and beyond.” - Ms. Farin

“My toddler and I had the best time at Tiny Tots! Ocean Institute’s staff was amazing, and they had fun and engaging activities for us to enjoy together!” - Meghan

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit Ocean Institute. The students absolutely loved stepping aboard a historical tall ship! I have one student who said she had never seen the ocean before, so it was extra special for us.”- Ms.Woods

“They loved all of the things that they got to do and experience, and they learned so much. Thank you for planning a safe and engaging camp, where students can explore marine life themes, water activities, science activities, art, friendship, competition, and fun. I am so appreciative to you and your kind and dedicated staff.”

- Summer Camper Parent

“Your program is awesome. Thank you for giving our children this once in a lifetime experience!” - Mr. Tolber

“Ocean Institute’s educational programs empower young minds to explore the ocean, nurturing dreams of a sustainable future. We wholeheartedly support its mission.”

- Community Partner, RIFFE International

How you can support

OCEAN INSTITUTE

Become a volunteer!

Becoming a volunteer at Ocean Institute offers a unique chance to directly contribute to marine education and conservation, fostering a deeper connection to the ocean and its wonders, while making a positive impact on the environment. It also provides an opportunity to be part of a passionate community of individuals dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty and importance of our oceans.

Joining us at Ocean Institute for our events promises exciting experiences that will deepen your appreciation for marine life and the coastal environment. From captivating lectures to interactive workshops, our events offer opportunities to connect with experts, learn about ocean science, and enjoy unforgettable moments by the sea.

Treat yourself to a membership!

With exclusive access to captivating marine exhibits, educational programs, and exciting events, you will embark on a journey of discovery while supporting marine education and conservation. Join our vibrant community of ocean enthusiasts and experience the beauty and mystery of the ocean like never before. And enjoy special member perks throughout the year!

Become a sponsor, partner, or donor!

Make a lasting impact on marine education and conservation by becoming a valued sponsor or donor of Ocean Institute. Your support empowers us to inspire future generations and protect our precious coastal environment. Join us in fostering a deeper connection to the ocean and its wonders, while leaving a meaningful legacy of stewardship.

Spread the word!

Waves of Gratitude

FOR OUR 2024 DONORS

January

Marilyn Barrett, Paul Naude, The Crean Foundation, Victor Heilweil, Steelcase Foundation, The Robert Riley Charitable Gift Foundation, KPMG Gives c/o Bergen County’s United Way, Accenture LLP, Toni & Gary Nelson, Chris Leavell, Mark Bailey

February

Give Lively Foundation Inc., Bright Funds, The Kling Family Foundation, Robert E. Harris Insurance Agency Inc., The David and Evelyn Hou Charitable Fund, Kelly Steward, First American Trust FSB, Mike Killebrew, Crevier Family Fund of the Orange County Community Foundation, Nadine Allen, Tim Swenson, Accenture LLP, Boeing, Andrew Fiala

March

Michael Vollmer, Constance K. Wigod, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear LLP, Jeannine Smith, Stephen Carter, KPMG Gives c/o Bergen County’s United Way, Jennifer Johns, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, Sylvia Hepler, Ulmont Smith, Shigeru Yoji, Riley Russell, Chris Leavell, Lynda Julie Zadra-Symes, The Kroger Co., Jetski2Catalina, Tacori, Nolet Spirits USA, Dr. Ari Friedlaender, Dr. Christopher G. Lowe, Surf City Still Works, The Academy of Magical Arts Inc., Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa, Brian Skelton, Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Oriana Poindexter, The Teahouse on Los Rios, Clickstart Dog Training Academy, Outerknown

April

Andrew Fiala, Waterlust LLC, KPMG Gives c/o Bergen County’s United Way, The Daniel C. Haight & Mari Ann Meek Haight Living Trust, Marilyn Schroeder Charitable Fund, The Nicholas Endowment, Accenture LLP, Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc., Oceanside Yacht Club Youth Foundation, RIFFE International Inc., Micah You, Robert Poteete

May June

Joan Steward, Sarah Lindenfelser, Jackson Goffman, National Charity League, Dragos Stefan, Tina, Leonardo and Ken Lin, Irwin and Karen Danto, RIFFE International, William Conroy, Charlie Steinmetz, Stacy Schlinger

Jordan Carroll, Diane Dale, Brad Rambo, Jake Schwaner, Charles Danto, The Richard Myers Trust, Dana Wharf Sportfishing, The Stephen Harold Schimmel Foundation, Nadine Allen, Rainbow Sandals Foundation

Leave a legacy

JOIN OUR SEA OF STARS

The SEA OF STARS is a prominent public area where individual donors are recognized with a custom STAR for a $10,000 contribution per year for five years. Sea of Stars donors who have an interest in extending the impact of their gift beyond five years can designate their gift to Ocean Institute’s permanent endowment to fund education programs and tuition assistance for underserved children for generations to come.

email: kdavidson@oceaninstitute.org for more information.