Student Overnight Maritime Experience

Last week our Robyne’s Nest students had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on, 2-day/2-night naturalist program at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. Students participated in many ocean outdoor activities including a boat ride to view sea life and try their hand at fishing…though they did not catch anything, they thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Students explored tide pools, observed the aftermath of a recent landslide, learned about the different plant and bird life that lives in Dana Point's geographical landscape, and they got to try their hand at sailing in the infamous Spirit of Dana Point. We are truly grateful to the Ocean Institute for this incredible, hands-on scientific learning experience provided to our students.

Ocean Institute Press Release:

Ocean Institute Launches Sahm Naturalist Academy Program (SNAP) in Collaboration with Robyne's Nest 

Dana Point, CA| July 3, 2024 — Ocean Institute is thrilled to announce the Sahm Naturalist Academy Program (SNAP), which took place from June 30 to July 2, 2024. This year's program is in partnership with Robyne's Nest, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk and homeless high school students. 

"We are so excited to continue working with Robyne's Nest as it allows us to provide equal access to educational experiences to students that may not have had the opportunity to otherwise," said Dr. Wendy Leavell, President and CEO of Ocean Institute. "We hope to not only further their connections to nature, but also close the 'Nature Gap', broaden their horizons, and expose them to potential career paths in STEM fields." 

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

During this rendition of SNAP, students had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities, including a Native Plant Garden Exploration, Birding, a Tide Pool Hike, Fishing and Whale Watching on board our Research Vessel, Sea Explorer, a Geology Hike, and sailing on the Spirit of Dana Point. 

"We are so privileged to have the students from Robyne's Nest join us at Ocean Institute for our Sahm Naturalist Academy Program," added Robyn Takeshita, School Programs Manager at Ocean Institute. "This multi-day, overnight experience allowed us to offer their students the opportunity to explore and connect with nature through hands-on scientific explorations, hopefully inspiring a deeper care for the environment." 

About Ocean Institute: 

The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth marine science and maritime history programs. 

The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a historic tall ship, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning. 

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